They are lucky that they are located in California and will have many suitors to play them including a few schools they have already developed a bit of a rivalry with such as Fullerton and especially Santa Barbara from the Big West Conference.  The Stampede really want to join their California system brethren in the Big West and there are major rumors of additions (and subtractions) in that conference.  For now they are an Independent and they will not be getting the support of any big time record companies so this will be no Nirvana. The Stampede might have a more difficult travel schedule then even the Rainbows of Hawaii as they are taking at least three  trips back east plus trips to Idaho and Colorado.  The diagnosis for this year is not healthy but all teams must go through growing pains when moving up levels, well most teams.  Will Wheeler be able to put together a team that will be competitive at this level or will the obstacles that burden these progressive programs wear them down.  Ten wins would be a miracle as Wheeler has brought in a large class of freshmen to build the foundation for the future in San Luis Obispo.

Wheeler is beholden to his carryover upperclassmen and will give them the opportunity to show something. After all they have carried him to a few national tourneys and a final four albeit D-2.  The Stampede however, do not have the underclassmen type of talent to compete consistently at this level.   That is why he has recruited so many four-year kids to SLO as he knows he has to build an entirely new program from the ground up.  But until the wetness dries up behind their ears Wheeler will rely on his returning players to at least put up a good fight. 

Leading the way will senior wing man Mike LaRoche.  LaRoche is a gifted shooter who can really light it up.  LaRoche is probably the only Stampede Player who can match up regularly with his opposition.  LaRoche probably will not play at the next level because he is not overly athletic but if smarts and skill were the measuring points he would be an all-star.  LaRoche has been the team leader from day one since he got to SLO four years ago. Senior guard Hank Moroski is most definitely a fan favorite.  A tenacious defender who could really shoot the ball, Moroski has that kind of blue-collar attitude that fans love.  Moroski led the league in diving on the floor and hustle plays.  He is a good but not great scorer but makes up for it with determination and will.  He will start once again but that might not be long.  Other seniors back court players in the mix are Rally Rounsaville and Bob Horvath.  Both can score but will be hard-pressed to guard people at this level. 

Seniors Algin Sutton and Theo Dixon have handled the front court starting assignments the last few years for Wheeler.  Both are undersized big men especially their frames but they have been solid at the lower level. This duo got the job done way above their actual talent level. Juniors Andre Keys, Robert Jennings and especially Billy Jackson came on strong last year and got some big minutes.  Jackson is the best low post option on the returning roster and will probably start.  Wheeler has made it clear it will be an open competition from the get go and the kids coming in are way bigger and thicker then these returning cats. 

The deepest and perhaps best position of returning players is at the point.  A trio of juniors have battle for two years now and have developed a nice hierarchy.  Horace ‘Pinky’ Williams is the starter and might be the best player coming back.  He is a good scorer who can also distribute and is athletic enough to guard D-1 level players.  He is backed up by Lewis Cohen a 6’4 distributor who usually helps out guarding wings.  He does not score enough but is a solid backup.  Jim Schultz is another point guard who can really pass but has not got on the JV much due to the guys in front of him.  He will this year but if he gets much playing time it would be due to an injury. 

Sophomore forward Kevin Lucas put up some great scoring numbers in his first year. He was not consistent but boys could he could get it going.  Lucas will be a leader of this team this year and will be counted on to be more consistent and to be a primary option on offense.  He has a chance of being a long-term player for the Stampede as he was huge last year in the playoffs.  Another sophomore, Sean Chambers, is without question the best athlete on the team.  Chambers is only 6’2 but has world class leapers (he has many times been courted for the great track team here) and came on strong in his first year here. Chambers plays the wing but is a terrific board man who is figuring out the game.  If and when he does, he could be special. Coby Neuss is another forward who came on really strong on the JV and could push for minutes. 

The Cal Poly Stampede are prepared to be one of the worst programs in the country.  They are after all jumping up from D-2 this year. There is not much hope for the team form the valley as Coach Ernie Wheeler has forsaken the JC route and the quick fix of talent especially as San Luis Obispo is located right in the middle of Juco heaven.  He will try to build from the ground up with four year kids and rely on his veterans to stay afloat at this level.  Compounding the problem is the fact this team will not be affiliated with a conference and will have to travel the Indy route. The Stampede may never be the type of program that sets California fans on fire but they are at the hop.  And they are here to stay.  Next step is to get into the Big West with their California University brethren.  But that will have to wait at least a year.  And that year could awful ugly in Mott Gym.