Ronald Roundtree and walk-on Gary Holmes were not able to qualify academically and Franck Essis had immigration problems and could not be admitted. Walk-on Eric Alvarez will not be attending school but the reason was not known at the time this article was published.

All the others stuck, including Philadelphia playground legend Ralphie Holmes, a 6-3 wing player, and 5-10 point guard Zakee Smith, both of whom should significantly bolster our guard play. He may not know it yet, but returning big man Pape Sow will be the biggest benefactor of this news.

To help with our inside game, the Titans signed two 6-7 forwards in Jamal Forcheney and Broom Groomes and both have completed the necessary coursework to get into school.

6-9 forward Ronald Allen, a Prop 48 casualty, was admitted as well but he will have to wait a year before we get to see him in a Titan uniform. Early indications are he will definitely be worth the wait.

That's six quality new faces (not including Allen) we hope to see once the season starts.

Of the returning players expected back, only Chris Alexander (academics) will not be back but his loss is overshadowed by the fact that Brandon Campbell is in school. There were some early indications he may forgo his senior season and concentrate on professional track. Thankfully, this was not the case.

2002-03 Basketball Roster
(as of Sep. 4, 2002)