THE GOOD NEWS
Coach Gregg Marshall's track record as a coach and recruiter should keep fans patient. Two players who return for sure next season -- junior F Ramon Clemente and freshman F Aaron Ellis -- showed enough that they can be considered part of the solution. Freshman F J.T. Durley can be also, if he picks up his defense. Junior-college G Clevin Hannah should give WSU a ball-handler and scorer who can help in the backcourt. C Garrett Stutz, a freshman-to-be, is a skilled center who should help. G David Kyle and G Toure Murry, also freshmen-to-be, are scorers. The ride will be bumpy at times, but Marshall believes his talent is on the rise.

THE BAD NEWS
WSU loses four seniors and experience will be thin again next season. G Wendell Preadom is the only junior on the roster who has spent his whole career at WSU. No player who made significant contributions to the 2006 MVC champions remains.

KEY RETURNEES
Clemente scored 10 or more points in his final five games and recorded double-doubles in three of them. Forward A.J. Hawkins, a transfer who redshirted, will step in immediately at small forward. He is strong and athletic and can score.

ROSTER REPORT

--Sophomore G Gal Mekel's playing time dropped late in the season and his return is a question. Mekel is from Israel and may decide to play in Europe. He wants to play point guard, yet does not seem to fit the American collegiate style of basketball at that position.

--Senior F P.J. Couisnard was named to the MVC's All-Defensive team for the third straight season. He ranks in WSU's top 10 for steals and blocks for his career.

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