Michigan coach John Beilein is excited that he brings nearly everyone back from last year's NCAA tournament team. However, he's not alone.

``There weren't many senior days in the Big Ten this year," Beilein said. ``The league's back."

In fact, it may be the best league in the country next season.

Michigan was one of the true surprises a year ago as the Wolverines - in Beilein's second campaign in Ann Arbor - finished 21-14 while heavily reliant on Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims.

Beilein's biggest loss was that of former walk-on point guards C.J. Lee and David Merritt - who combined to average less than five points per game.

The Michigan head man said backcourt spots - and in particular, the starting point guard spot - will be up for grabs next season. Look for talented incoming freshman Darius Morris to have a shot - as well as Laval Lucas-Perry, who had to sit out the first semester after transferring from Arizona. Sophomore Stu Douglass could also see time at both backcourt spots.

The 6-foot-4 Morris, a California native, is long and is a "point guard who can score, not a scorer who plays point guard."

Lucas-Perry was somewhat of an enigma, but Beilein knew the adjustment would be difficult after he had to sit out the first nine games.

``It's hard to walk in - especially to a team that was playing well at the time," Beilein said. ``I actually thought he had a great year."

Beilein was raving about the offseason work ethic of both Harris and Sims - who combined to average 32.3 points and 13.6 rebounds last season.

``Their focus has been incredible," he said.

With Harris, Sims, Lucas-Perry, Douglass and Zack Novak back in the fold, that gives Beilein his top five returning scorers. Then you add in a freshman class with Morris, shooting guard Matt Vogrich and a couple of frontcourt guys in Jordan Morgan and Blake McLimans and Beilein is hoping to have a solid eight-man rotation.

``That's our hope - to have a consistent rotation," Beilein said. "We've never changed our lineup as much as I had to last year. Everyone on the team started at least one game last year."

- Beilein went on a European trip during the Final Four in which he saw three of his former players. He caught Frank Young's game in Amsterdam, then watched Mike Gansey and Joe Hebert in Germany. ``I wanted to see my guys over there," Beilein said. "And I also wanted to see it so that I can assist other players in the future."

- Don't be surprised if another incoming freshman, Matt Vogrich, makes his way into the rotation. He will step right in and become the team's top perimeter shooter from day one. I saw him connect on nine trifectas once last summer.

NORTHEASTERN SANCTIONS A RESULT OF FORMER REGIME

There was some confusion recently regarding Northeastern being placed on two years probation.

The infraction occurred under ex-Huskies coach Ron Everhart and involved impermissible expenses provided to former Northeastern player Benson Egemonye and a booster (David Caputo).

Coen and his staff, which were first questioned by the NCAA two years ago, already served their penalties - a reduction of scholarships from 13 to 12 last season and a reduction in official visits from 12 to nine - in preparation.

CHAMBERS GETTING UP TO SPEED - SORT OF

Pat Chambers just had his knee scoped on Friday, but he's got the use of a golf cart in which he zips up and down Commonwealth Avenue to showcase the Boston University campus to prospective recruits.

Thus far, it's worked - as the rookie BU coach has been able to lure a pair of impact transfers - Gary Correia from UMass and Darryl Partin from La Salle.

``Obviously, it's a great first job," Chambers said. "The school offers so much as far as academically and socially being in the heart of the city."

Chambers was also blown away by the Agganis Arena (or the place that Jack Parker built).

While Chambers will likely lose standout freshman Jake O'Brien, who received his release and is expected to transfer, the Terriers will still return their two top players in senior guard Corey Lowe and junior wing John Holland.

Chambers also spoke highly of senior guard Tyler Morris, who has been injured for much of the last two seasons after Freshman of the Year honors, and his rehab.

``He's ahead of schedule," Chambers said of Morris, who averaged 13.4 points as a freshman. ``But he'll return in August. He reminds me of Mike Nardi with his work ethic."

Chambers, who claims he can still outlast ex-Villanova assistant Brett Gunning is a race despite the knee surgery, went from the Final Four to the Frozen Four within one week.

Chambers was an assistant on Villanova's Final Four team and then was in attendance for BU's remarkable win in the title game at the Frozen Four.

INAUGURAL ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN BASKETBALL CLASSIC

The first-ever Academic All-American Basketball Classic, which will be held on May 9 at the Citizen's Bank Arena (Ontario, Calif.) is loaded with talent.

Some of those who will participate include The Wear twins - David and Travis - as well as UCLA signees Tyler Honeycutt and Reeves Nelson, UNC-bound wing Leslie McDonald, Nolan Dennis (Baylor) and Mike Marra (Louisville).

RANDOM NOTES: DePaul coach Jerry Wainwright has hired former Illinois and Kentucky assistant Tracy Webster. ... According to sources, Chipola (Fla.) coach Greg Heier is close to joining Southern Mississippi as an assistant. If that goes down, most in the industry expect 26-year-old up-and-coming Chipola assistant Jake Headrick to take the reigns from Heier. ... Brewster Academy coach Jason Smith confirmed that Seattle native Reggie Moore has committed to Washington State. He selected the Cougars and new coach Ken Bone over Oregon, Iowa State and Memphis. ... Kevin Parrom, who was released from his letter-of-intent from Xavier, is now down to Pittsburgh and Arizona, according to Adam Zagoria. ... RecruitingRumors.com has reported that Florida Air Academy's Ben Eblen has committed to Alabama. Eblen had previously signed with Anthony Grant, who left VCU for Alabama.