SAINT MARY'S

Last season: 28-7, 10-4 (second in West Coast Conference)

Coach: Randy Bennett, ninth season, 155-97

Key players: Senior center Omar Samhan (14.1 points, 9.4 rebounds), senior guard/forward Wayne Hunter (6.7 points, 4.2 rebounds), junior guard Mickey McConnell (5.4 points, 2.2 assists), senior forward Ben Allen (2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds), freshman Matt Dellavedova

Scouting report: The Gaels don't want to think of this as a rebuilding season, but they are bound to have some growing pains with a number of true and redshirt freshmen expected to see significant playing time. ... Allen will take up most of the minutes at power forward after the graduation of Diamon Simpson, and Dellavedova will start alongside McConnell in the backcourt. Dellavedova won't attempt to do everything that Patty Mills did for Saint Mary's, but he has his own impressive skill set and is capable of running the point when McConnell is off the floor. ... Samhan, a preseason All-WCC selection, likely will lead the team in scoring and rebounds, but true freshman Mitchell Young and redshirt freshman Tim Williams also will have to produce in the frontcourt. ... Sophomore Clint Steindl and Hunter are likely to split time at small forward, with Steindl the better outside shooter and Hunter the team's top defender. ... Bennett wants to keep the same up-tempo style his team was known for the last two seasons. The question is when will his younger

— CURTIS PASHELKA