THE GOOD NEWS
Western Michigan should have the most potent guard corps in the Mid-American Conference next season. Sophomore David Kool emerged this year as a MAC player of the year contender. Shawntes Gary came on as a scorer and is one of the best defenders in the league. Michael Redell is a good distributor, but he must learn to play with more control with the ball in his hands.

THE BAD NEWS
The Broncos must find leaders next season. They will lose a senior class of five players, and all of them provided a strong veteran presence and key attributes in playing style. Western Michigan also must find a replacement for C Joe Reitz. The four-year starter gave the Broncos a tremendous physical presence in the post.

KEY RETURNEES
Kool will be one of the early favorites as the MAC player of the year next season.

He became a major scorer this year as a sophomore, and is one of the most productive players in the MAC in late-game situations. Donald Lawson could become an important cog in the lineup. As the backup to Reitz in the post, the 6-foot-9 Lawson played sparingly this year. He'll get a chance to make an impact next year.

ROSTER REPORT

--Reitz might have a career in sports, but not necessarily as a basketball player. The 6-foot-7 center was an All-State tight end in high school who turned down a football scholarship from Indiana. NFL scouts watched him play during the basketball season, and he could become a free-agent signee this spring with a pro football team.

--The Broncos will look for a bounceback season next year from F Derek Drews. The junior lost his starting job in early January, and he struggled to find his niche coming off the bench. Drews led the MAC in 3-point shooting (.463) a year ago, but slipped this year (.412).

--Coach Steve Hawkins has had health problems in the past nine months, suffering three seizures. Two came this winter. He and his doctor feel they have the issue under control, but Hawkins undoubtedly will be careful about taking care of himself in the offseason.

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