Moussa Camara — Jr. — SG/SF:

The good — Moussa, along with Chretien Lukusa and Kyrie Sutton, is entering the 2009-10 season as one of only three returnees from last year’s NCAA tournament-qualifying team. After playing a complementary role on last season’s team, which was oozing with talent, Camara will be thrust into the spotlight as one of the leaders and playmakers this season. He will be relied on heavily for leadership and his ability to spread the floor with his outside shooting. There have been a lot of questions surrounding the character of the players on Binghamton’s squad, but all signs point toward Camara being a stand-up individual who has the respect of his teammates.

Could improve — Ball handling and body control are Camara’s main weaknesses. Head coach, Mark Macon, says that he tells Moussa that he needs to drive to the hole more. But Macon jokes of the Frenchman, saying, “Moussa does not understand my English.” If Moussa can evolve his floor game over the course of this season and not pigeon-hole himself into a spot-up shooter role, then he can be a dangerous weapon for the Bearcats.

Greer Wright — Jr. — SF/PF:

The good — The junior college transfer is potentially the team’s best all-around player this season. At 6 feet 7 inches, Wright has the size to bang down low with bigs on defense, but on offense, his skill set is that of a shooting guard. In his first two games of the season, he showed his ability to beat his man off the dribble with relative ease and maintain enough balance to explode for strong finishes in the paint. If the first two games are any indication, Wright is also not bashful about shooting the long ball. His shot hasn’t been falling from deep so far this season, though he has a good-looking stroke and it should start falling soon.

Could improve — Wright’s defense will be key for the Bearcats this season. With some effort and smart play down low on the defensive end, Wright can help lessen the loss of star forward Reggie Fuller, who anchored the team’s defense last season. Also, as the most talented player on the team, he needs to set a good example for his teammates by keeping a positive attitude even if the going gets rough.

Kyrie Sutton — So. — C:

The good — Kyrie is a force down low. Physically, he is much bigger and stronger than many of the big men he will be facing this season. He has a knack for blocking shots and rebounding. Kyrie will be asked to step up his performance from last year and anchor the team’s interior defense.

Could improve — Kyrie is not blessed with soft hands, making him a liability on offense. Last season he had trouble catching Tiki Mayben’s hot potatoes. However, in his first few games this season, it appears that he just simply is not able to catch the ball clean regardless of how difficult the pass. He struggles to put himself in the position to make a strong move without taking time to gather himself first. Sutton could also work on staying out of foul trouble.

Dylan Talley — Fr. — PG/SF:

The good — At 6 feet 5 inches and 220 pounds, the Bearcats’ starting point guard is large and in charge. Don’t expect him to break down his man with any type of Mayben-esque ball handling displays or to blow by his defender a la Malik Alvin, but Talley seems to have a decent ability in running a half-court offense and keeping his man honest with powerful drives to the hole. The freshman is proficient at hitting from the outside and pulling up from mid-range.

Could improve — Any time a freshman is given the keys to a Division I team that has no identity, there will be bumps and bruises along the way, both physically and emotionally. Talley will have to make sure to take this in stride and not lose his confidence.

Chretien Lukusa — Jr. — SG/SF:

The good — To echo former head coach Kevin Broadus’ words, Chretien is the team’s “glue guy.” He is not going to blow anyone away with his athleticism, but he has the smarts, strength and hustle to help any team win games. The stocky, versatile player contributes great defense and decision-making, as well as a decent outside shot, handle and rebounding ability to this team.

Could improve — If the first few games are any indication, it looks like Lukusa is content with continuing to be the glue guy, and nothing more. The team is lacking in talent, and there will undoubtedly be games where the team struggles to put points on the board. As one of the team’s most experienced players, it would be nice to see him be a bit more offensively aggressive throughout the game.

Taylor Johnston — Fr. — SG:

The good — Johnston has great size for an America East shooting guard. His lefty stroke looks pure, and he appears to be very confident in his abilities. At roughly 6 feet 6 inches, Johnston shoots with a quick release at the apex of his jump, making it extremely difficult for defenders to contest his shot. He has a ton of talent and could have a few very impressive shooting games this season.

Could improve — The freshman does not yet have the balance, body control or handle to effectively drive to the hole in the half court. At this (early) stage in the game he is somewhat one-dimensional and will likely be used as a spot-up shooter.

Mahamoud Jabbi — Jr. — PF/C:

The good — Macon commented that he loves what Jabbi brings to the floor, and for good reason. Jabbi is a great hustle player who does not need to have plays run for him on offense to keep his head in the game and to be effective. The walk-on is a quick leaper and could be a useful weak-side shot blocker this season as well.

Could improve — His slight build will make it difficult for him to bang down low with bigger forwards and centers that he will face this season. Offensively, Jabbi plays a bit too upright and is not the smoothest of players.

Pina Guillame — Fr. — C:

The good — At 6 feet 9 inches and 245 pounds, Pina is a very smooth player and has an impressive feel for the game. Unlike Sutton, Pina can have plays run for him, as he has a soft touch around the hoop and is elusive in the low post.

Could improve — As with most big men, it will take Pina time to adjust to the pace of the Division I game. He will need to find the balance between staying out of foul trouble and playing aggressively. He is not very athletic, but should be able to make up for it with his length.

Jimmy Gray — Fr. — SG:

The good — Gray is a hard worker and can put up points in a hurry. He could potentially play the type of role that former Bearcat guard Brandon Herbert played, putting up threes, handling the ball and playing tough defense.

Could improve — Playmaking and ball handling are areas for improvement, because at 6 feet, the Binghamton native is an undersized scoring guard.