When looking at the roster, many NIU men’s basketball fans may ask, “Who are these guys?”

There are eight new players on this year’s squad, four of whom are freshman. While the newcomers are adjusting to NIU, the rest of the team is also getting used to the coaching change.

“From a coaching stand point, we just try and slow things down and make sure we take our time in our teaching,” head coach Ricardo Patton said.

Of the transfer players, there were two that Patton mentioned in particular: Junior Sean Smith from Vincennes Junior College and senior Michael Hart from Carthage College.

“Sean Smith is showing some flashes of being a guy who can score the basketball,” Patton said. “Mike is catching on. I think he’s got a chance to help this team. He’s trying to get in the rhythm of playing organized basketball as opposed to playing in the rec.”

Hart, who transferred to NIU in 2006, tried to join the team as a walk-on last fall but was cut by former coach Rob Judson.

“I’m ready for a great season and happy to be around such a positive group of guys coming into a new situation,” Hart said. “This is one of the best teams I’ve ever been on as far as guys looking out for each other. We communicate well and just enjoy each other’s company.”

As far as the transition to a new school, Smith spoke on the differences in the level of play between a community college and a Division-I school.

“The transition is going to be a little tougher,” Smith said. “This level is going to be a little harder than a junior college, but it’ll be something that I’ll be ready for.”

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