MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's basketball program graduated a large and successful class of 11 seniors, including some household names listed frequently in the school record book.
 
Now, coach Dave Schlabaugh calls upon a new wave of talented Rams to fill key roles with the youngest roster he's had in nine seasons on the Hilltop. Cornell features 11 first-year players on the 20-man squad.  
 
"We graduated a great class. But we brought in the best freshman class we've ever had," Schlabaugh said. "It will take some time for us, but we're preparing to be good."
 
The new-look Rams get their first opportunity Friday night for the season opener against rival Coe inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.
 
Cornell will retool a lineup that lost a trio of all-Midwest Conference performers in Jayden Meeker, Zach Ingle and Dylan Hurley. Meeker (1,313 points) and Ingle (1,257 points) finished on the program's top 15 all-time scoring list and combined to play 203 games. Hurley ranked No. 7 nationally last season in assists per game (6.0).
 
The Rams will lean on the experience of senior tri-captains Caleb Leslie, Nate Jacobson and Jaylan Bradberry. Leslie is the team's top returning scorer, averaging 8.4 points with 52 3-point goals. He shot 85.2 percent from the foul line.
 
"We're expecting a lot out of our returning players," Schlabaugh said. "Our seniors have been great leaders and deserve to be captains. Their leadership started when our last game ended last season."
 
Sophomore guard Keon Talgo started 12 games before being slowed by injury. He averaged 6.5 points and hit 29 3-pointers. Juniors Max Markgraf, Ben Kmak, Noah Williams, Noah Billows and sophomore Drake Canavan make up the returning group.
 
Schlabaugh also expects his newcomers to make an impact on this year's team and beyond.
 
"I am super happy with the incoming class. All have the ability to help us in their careers," Schlabaugh said. "We're working to get better every day and learn our best style of play."
 
The Rams finished 15-10 last season and placed sixth in the MWC at 8-8. Cornell is picked seventh in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Defending champion Monmouth (60 points) is the favorite with seven first-place votes, followed by Grinnell (56), Illinois College (52) and Lake Forest (40).
 
The MWC opener is Dec. 2 at Grinnell.
 
"We will be under the radar," Schlabaugh said. "We're going to get better throughout the season. This team should be fun to watch."