It was a bumpy road for EIU, but the Panthers did show signs of promise down the stretch.

Yet, after being picked eighth in the league's preseason poll, a 6-14 league finish and a second-to-last place finish in the league rated as a disappointment for a team that featured a decent amount of talent and experience coming in.

Some factors were beyond control. Leading scorer Romain Martin was hobbled midway through the season with a foot injury, before eventually being lost for the season. Starting point guard Mike Robinson was dismissed in December.

EKU expects improvement in 2008-09 despite some key losses. While the Panthers lose guards Bobby Catchings, Julio Anthony and Jon'Tee Wilhite, Martin returns for his junior year and Tyler Laser and Matt Dorlack are back after promising freshmen seasons. Plus leading rebounder center Ousmane Cisse returns.

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