Arkansas-Pine Bluff Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:40:28 PDT

A year makes a big difference.

That's what UAPB and coach George Ivory are finding out as they venture into the 2009-10 campaign. Last year, Ivory was in his first year at the helm with 10 newcomers on the roster, just trying to piece things together.

This year, Ivory returns 11 players, including seven who averaged at least 19 minutes a game for a team that was fourth in the SWAC standings at the end of the year.

Now, the expectations are higher for Ivory, who is happy with his veterans but also excited about the newcomers.

"I know we've got a lot of guys coming back, but we've got some real talented young kids," Ivory told the Pine Bluff Commercial. "They're exciting and they bring a lot of energy to the game.