With four returning starters, Bob Knight will be looking for an even better season that last year's 20-12 squad that went to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Indiana lost four players to graduation. Although the Hoosiers lost some size in those graduations (all were over 6'7"), they do return a whopping 77 percent of their scoring and 71 percent of its rebounding.

The IU squad will have seven returning letter winners, along with three redshirts, a junior college transfers and three true freshmen.

The excitement starts with preseason All-American guard A.J. Guyton. Guyton was a first team All-Big Ten selection last year as a sophomore and IU fans expect even more this year. He also became only the second player in IU history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists.

Sophomore Luke Recker is looking to increase his 12 points per game from the other guard position. One of the most sought after high school players last year, Recker came in and led the young Hoosiers in minutes played.

Michael Lewis is the third returning starter. The Junior returns a 6.2 points per game average along with 150 assists.

Senior William Gladness is the final returning starter. The former junior college transfer returns almost 9 points to the Hoosier lineup.

Three other Hoosiers return this season. Junior Larry Richardson saw limited minutes in the Hoosier frontcourt. Senior Rob Turner is another former junior collge transfer that will bring in another seven point per game. Luke Jimenez is the final returnee. The junior is a former walk-on who worked his way into the IU starting lineup against Connecticut in the final game of the season.

High School All-American Dane Fife leads the recruits to Bloomington. The 6'4", 190 pound Michigan product should have an immediate impact on the Hoosiers. The only queston mark is the off-season surgery he had on his non-shooting shoulder.

Indianapolis product Jarrad Odle, a 6'8" forward will come along a little more slowly. His shot is his strongpoint and may contribute as the season progresses.

The third freshman is 6'5" Kyle Hornsby. He is also coming off an off-season surgical procedure. He had some knee work done in September, but should be ready for the start of practice.

Lynn Washington comes to the IU program from junior college. He is expected to have an immediate impact under the boards.

Three redshirts are ready to play, although one will be delayed in making an appearance. Antwaan Randle El is one of the best known players on the team and has already worn the cream and crimson; for the football team! Once the pigskin season is over, Randel El is expected to dress for Coach Knight and get some time in the backcourt.

6'10" Kirk Haston will be looked to for some size and muscle inside, and Knight has called him one of the most improved players on the squad last year. Tom Geyer is also dressing after sitting out last year. He will also add some depth in the frontcourt.

The Hoosiers start the season with their annual Midnight Madness practice on October 17, so we will soon see if this squad has what it takes. It looks encouraging on paper, but paper can be erased.