They were also champions of the Atlantic 10 tournament, defeating VCU in the championship game, to earn the conference's automatic bid to the 2013 NCAA tournament where they defeated New Mexico State in the second round before losing in the third round to Oregon.

[2][3] Roster Last update: 29 July 2012 The Billikens garnered buzz as one of the preseason favorites to win their conference.

"[T]he only major loss is 6-foot-6 forward Brian Conklin, the team's leading scorer.

But everyone else of note -- point guard Kwamain Mitchell, off-guards Mike McCall and Jordair Jett, swingman Dwayne Evans, forward Cody Ellis -- is back.

Meanwhile, 6-11 forward Rob Loe looks capable of stepping into a bigger role in the frontcourt in his junior season.