And just like that, the Marist basketball team was blown to pieces.

Enter Chuck Martin, the talented former Memphis assistant who will be doing the rebuilding; armed with a reported six-year contract and all kinds of endorsements.

"(Athletic director) Tim Murray and his staff made a slam dunk with the hiring of Chuck," Memphis coach John Calipari, Martin's old boss, said after the hiring. "Marist has a proud basketball tradition, and I'm confident that Chuck will do his best to continue -- and build on -- the level of success the Marist program has enjoyed."

Matt Brady left and is now the coach of James Madison. When he left, Jay Gavin decided to leave too, going to Virginia Commonwealth. Those defections came on top of the loss of five players, including Ryan Stilphen.

So, the cupboard's bare, at least in relation to last year. This may well be a long year for a team that's won a lot of games in recent seasons; and Martin appears to be more than qualified to build this back up.

The Red Foxes lost five of their top six scorers, rebounders and assist men. Get the picture?

Point guard David Devezin is the only starter returning, and should start in the backcourt alongside freshman recruit R.J. Hall as the Foxes will run the ball the way Memphis does. Ryan Schneider averaged 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds up front.

"I think the way that we played at Memphis excites me with [Devezin]," Martin said. "I think our principles and our style of play [at Memphis with Derrick Rose], you can definitely apply here at Marist. I think I've talked to enough people where I think he can play that way."

Others, like forward Kaylen Gregory, will benefit from the chance to play.

In addition to Hall, Martin brought in 6-9 Greek import Alex Vouyoukas and transfers Javon Parris and Daye Kaba, the latter sitting out this season after transferring from Boston College.

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