Collectively, the incoming recruits represent the highest level of players brought into Towson's program under Kennedy.

Collectively, the backcourt is Kennedy's quickest and sharpest shooting yet at Towson.

Collectively, the front court is the strongest, most athletic and best defensive big guy group for Kennedy in his six years as the Tigers' skipper.

"If we keep everything going in the right direction, this team has a very good chance to be successful," says Kennedy.

Eight players, including six with at least 17 starts, are back from last year's 12-22 squad that advanced Towson to the CAA semifinals for the first time. Five of the six leading scorers return.

The newcomers include a high scoring junior college guard and two freshmen forwards heavily courted by a mix of Big East and Atlantic 10 schools.

"If you're recruiting guys that no one else is recruiting," says Kennedy, "then you're recruiting the wrong guys."

With such a huge veteran contingent, Kennedy doesn't have to be concerned about the young, inexperienced players getting trampled in the stampede.

"I made a decision last season that I wanted to see the development of our new and young guys right away versus going with our older players," says Kennedy who hopes to benefit this year from that strategy. "The blending took longer than I thought it would."

Blending won't be an issue this season. With the amount of collective experience returning the Tigers can be patient until the newcomers learn to keep pace with the herd