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When Bloomsburg University men's basketball coach Charlie Chronister looks over his roster for the 2001-02 season he has lots of reasons to smile.

First, Chronister returns three starters from last year's 20-8 team that won its third PSAC East title in four years. Second, perhaps the PSAC's best “sixth-man” Jay DeShields, returns along with his team-high 62 three-point field goals. Third, a great class of incoming players should provide the Huskies with even more firepower this season. Put it all together, which Chronister has been doing skillfully for 30 years, and you can see why the PSAC's all-time leader in victories would be happy.

“We return five players who played a great deal for us last year,” said Chronister. “They could be a starting unit for us, which would make us a very good team. Overall, it is not a bad place to start a season.”

Leading the group of returning players are co-captains Aaron Carter and Jay DeShields. The two seniors front a group of players that contributed 69 percent of the team's points a year ago. Their leadership will play a key role in the development of the Huskies into a team.

“Aaron (Carter) is a quiet, lead-by-example type of player, while Jay (DeShields) is a natural leader who is involved with many campus organizations,” Chronister added. “Jay enjoys the leadership role.”

While the Huskies return five players, they will need some help of the bench from several newcomers.

“Our incoming class of players is strong with players like Seth Scott,” said Chronister. “They will definitely see some minutes for us this season.”

FRONTCOURT

The Huskies feature a solid frontcourt with both the ability to score and rebound. Leading the group of returning players are juniors Tom Barlow and Adam Bohman.

Barlow averaged 11.5 points per game last year in his first season as a starter. He gives the Huskies a versatile player who can take the ball inside or shoot from the outside. Bohman averaged 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game a year ago. With his abilities around the basket and outside shooting skills he may be one of the best “big-men” in the PSAC this season.

Joining Barlow and Bohman up front will be freshman Seth Scott along with sophomore Ryan Hewitt and freshman Cheyenne Patty.

Scott is a 6-8 forward/center who is fundamentally sound and has the ability to see lots of playing time. Eventually he could be an impact player in the program. Hewitt played sparingly his first year, but will look for more playing time this season, while Patty needs to get stronger but could see some time as well.

BACKCOURT

For the years the strength of the Huskies has been its backcourt and this season will be no exception. Leading the returnees at this position are Aaron Carter, Jay DeShields and Ryan Luckman.

Carter is a solid, hard-nosed player who can break down an opponent and take him to the basket or pull up for a jumper in the lane. The second team All-PSAC performer last year needs just 157 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

DeShields is a player who can alter a game in a positive way coming off the bench. He can bury a three-pointer, make a steal or disrupt an opponents offense with his quickness.

Luckman is the Huskies version of a “point-forward.” The team's top assist man a year ago, Luckman can also play inside defensively giving the Huskies a unique look and making match-ups difficult for opposing coaches.

Sophomore Bill Reed, junior Phil Cole and red-shirt freshman Michael Kinsey will battle for minutes. Reed can play either guard spot, while Col, with two years of eligibility, is a graduate student who played in England and Kinsey is a solid defender with good offensive skills.