Some of Rider's shortcomings last year were physical. Others, though, had to do with chemistry problems that spiraled out of control toward the end of the season.

Coach Tommy Dempsey has said several players weren't "pulling in the same direction" as the rest of the team -- a factor that led to three players -- freshman point guard Carl Johnson, sophomore forward Jermaine Jackson and UNLV transfer DeShawn Mitchell -- leaving the program.

"We just couldn't get them all pulling together in the right direction, and that's how it looked when we played," Dempsey said. "I take responsibility for it, but as we go forward it was a learning experience. I felt it was important to clean things up a little bit this spring and make sure the guys we had left were all pulling in the same direction."

The departures left Rider with more scholarships than were previously anticipated. One scholarship will go to Jeff Jones, a 6-4 guard who will transfer in from Virginia. One will go to guard Tommy Pereira, who should sign a letter of intent at some point this summer. That leaves one remaining scholarship, which Rider hopes to fill by the end of the spring signing period May 20.