With only three returners and a slew of new faces, the men's basketball team has assembled a cohesive group that should make some noise this season.

Among the returners are 6-3 guard Juvon Crawford (Westinghouse), 6-6 guard/forward Deven Jiles (Richards) and 6-8 forward Amarion Johnson (Tinley Park). Leading the defense last season was Johnson, who has only gotten stronger in the offseason and is finishing better around the rim. Jiles also had a solid offseason and should be a big contributor to the team.

Among some key newcomers are 6-3 guard Jelani McGregor (Victory Rock Prep), a strong shooter who played ball at a prep school in Florida. Guard Malachi Haythorne (Tinley Park, 5-11) is an older member of the team who will be a leader as point guard. The 6-11 freshman center Grantas Sakenis (Andrew) is the tallest member of the team and should keep the defense in check.

"I think we'll be faster than last year. We also don't have a main scorer, so it will be a team effort. There's a lot of guys on the team who are selfless, so we'll ride with whoever is hot. But we have a lot of guys who can shoot," said Head Coach Kyle Huppe, in his second season leading the program.

The Cyclones have simple goals this season – win conference, win the region and get to Danville, Illinois, to compete in the national championship.

"I want to get to Danville, but we have to do the small things first, and it's possible," Huppe said. "We've lost three years in a row in the semifinal game, and we haven't been to nationals in 11 years, but I do think we have the crew to do it. I'm optimistic and excited. We have a really good group."

Huppe is joined again by assistant coaches Aaron Green, a Moraine Valley alumnus, and Cornelius Crossley.

The Cyclones first home game of the season is on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7:15 p.m., against Danville Area Community College.