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SportsLine.com Report
March 16, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Three of the top four guards are gone next season, including Love, which means the Billikens must find a new go-to guy. Losing Redden and Fergerson takes away two program guys who did some solid work on offense and defense, while Robertson was capable of picking up minutes on the wing.

Fortunately, the frontline of Jeffers, Baniak and Heinrich returns; this offseason will be big for all three. Meanwhile, the Billikens have three recruits coming in that could see significant time: Shooting guards Jason Edwin and Floyd McClain and small forward Chris Sloan. McClain is considered a Top 100 prospect.

The Coach

The 2000-2001 season will certainly test Lorenzo Romar's patience, not to mention his ability to build a program. With five rotation members gone, he will be forced to shuffle personnel and come up with a winning formula.

There is no chance of Romar leaving, though, considering he just arrived. Next season will give him a chance to further mold the program into his own, with more of his own players.

Who'll Be Back

The starting frontcourt of Baniak, Heinrich and Jeffers returns, which should give the Billikens a solid foundation. And Perry should be back from his ankle injury, ready to run the show. Outside of that, Braun and Tatum will provide muscle off the bench. Redshirt freshman guard Drew Diener may get an opportunity to crack the starting lineup.

Who's Gone

Losing Love means that a big chunk of the offense must be replaced. Smaller parts such as Fergerson, Redden and Robertson also take their games into the graduation sunset.

Key Newcomers

Although a good group of perimeter players leaves, Saint Louis has stocked up during the recruiting season.

• SG Floyd McClain (6-4, 190): A standout at Eisenhower High School, this Houston native averaged 22 points for his team. He picked the Billikens over Texas and Texas A&M after watching them play on television and admiring their style of play. Committed during the fall signing period.
• SF Chris Sloan (6-6, 205): A local, the Francis Howell North High School product and St. Charles, Mo. native picked the Billikens over Notre Dame and a few other mid-majors. He's a good student, but could use some time in the weight room.
• Others: SG Jason Edwin (6-6, 205) of Warsaw (Ill.) High School still needs a qualifying SAT score. He signed early on with Saint Louis and said he would Prop 48, if need be, instead of taking the prep school route.