Florida International once looked to have a shot at improving on last season's nine-win ledger and perhaps approach the break-even mark in 2008-09.

But preseason injuries have left coach Sergio Rouco little work with. He opened preseason practice with only eight available scholarship players.

Included on the list of injured were the likely starting point guard, Josue Soto, and forward, Alex Galindo, last season's top scorer.

Still, Rouco, a former Panthers assistant who is 42-74 in his four seasons as head man, tries to remain upbeat despite facing a non-conference schedule that includes trips to Washington, UCLA, and Georgetown.

"We will work hard and if we can keep our guys from losing their focus during the tough non-conference portion of our schedule," Rouco says. "I think we can become a good team by Sun Belt Conference time."

The Panthers do have some potential in the frontcourt.

Russell Hicks averaged better than 12 points and six rebounds a game and provided a defensive presence inside. Newcomer Freddy Asprilla, in Rouco's words, is the "most talented and touted basketball freshman ever to sign" at FIU.

But with little experience in the backcourt, the Panthers are likely to struggle again with turnovers and perimeter shooting, a combination that doesn't translate into many victories.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.