The first thought Head Coach Steve Schulman put into the minds of the 2013-14 Lehman College men's basketball team was simple: forget about last year. The Lightning were oversized for much of last season, and posted a 7-18 record, and missed the CUNY Athletic Conference Championships. But this is a new year, and, with an influx of new talent, the expectation is to return to post-season play, and be one of the better teams in the CUNYAC.

Only six members of last year's squad return for the new campaign, but the cupboard is not bare. The top two scorers from a year ago return, and they are joined by nine new faces. Experience is on Lehman's side, as eight of the nine have played college basketball prior to this season.

"The challenge," said Schulman, "is for us to learn how to play together. Individually, they all know how to play, but we must mesh as a team. I think they're all up to the challenge."

Perhaps the biggest strength of this team is the flexibility of the roster. With strong athletic players at all five positions, the Lightning can match up with opponents better. Lehman can go big when needed, while maintaining the ability to go small.

"In all, I am excited to see how this group comes together," said Schulman. "They have experience, but they need a collective experience of playing together."

In the front court is where Lehman has really improved. Several new faces have added both height and athleticism, giving Schulman options. One of the new faces is actually an old face. Junior Kevan Proctor returns to Lehman College after a several year hiatus. An athletic back to the basket scorer, his presence in the lane will change the way opponents attack the basket. 

A pair of transfers will also play major minutes on the blocks. Jerrome Jones, a transfer from Bronx C.C., is multi-dimensional, who is very active defensively, and can step out to hit 15-footers as well as create off the dribble. Jean Soumah, who comes from Hostos C.C., is very long and very athletic. His ability to rebound the basketball and challenge shooters will add a defensive boost for the Lightning.

Two returners will also play major minutes. Yve Jay Modi is quicker than last year, and has shown that he can run the floor. He will provide stability coming off the bench. Olusegun Williams is full of passion and energy, and can knock down the 12-footer as well as bang down low.

Stanley Stephens will move out to the perimeter this year, after playing down low last season. A year ago, he averaged 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds, playing in the lane. Now, he's at a much more natural position for him, and his production should continue to improve.

Also on the outside, Brandon Stolz will see regular action. A transfer from Hostos C.C., he will often be called upon to guard the opposition's top scorers. He has shown the ability to do whatever it takes to win, from taking charges to shooting three-pointers.

Senior Ryan Alvarado will compete for playing time, and will be called upon for his shooting touch. Vince Carter, who played at Clinton C.C. a year ago, can knock down shots from the perimeter, and has a quick first step. His energy is one of his best assets.

Moving to the point guard position this year is returning senior Kelvin Gil. A year ago, Gil was named a CUNYAC Second-Team All-Star, as he scored a team high 12.9 points per game, while being third in the conference in three-pointers made per game. This year, he'll be called upon to run the offense. The number of shots for this natural leader will go down, but his efficiency has improved, making him a valuable offensive threat.

Challenging for time at the point guard position will be senior Danny Rock, who is a feisty competitor. Rock is a solid defender who does not back down. Sean Desimone, a transfer from SUNY Geneseo, comes to Lehman as the third option, pushing for court time.

Three more guards fill out the roster. Zach Basso comes from nearby Manhattanville College, where he saw limited action. He is joined by a pair of first-year college players in Edwin Diaz, who is an athletic player who can jump out of the gym, and Astrit Krasniqi, a true freshman who is a very hard worker.

This team will compete against a challenging schedule, including a full complement of 16 CUNYAC contests. The non-conference schedule starts off with two NCAA Championships regulars in the first three games. Albertus Magnus (Conn.) College is the first opponent of the year, and NJAC rival William Paterson University is the third. Both matchups will be on the road, with the Albertus game being played in the Mitchell College tournament.

The home opener is slated for November 21, against Vaughn College, followed by a pair of early season CUNYAC games, against Medgar Evers and Hunter. A three-game road trip includes a conference game at John Jay, before Colorado College and Rutgers-Camden come to the Bronx as part of Lehman's Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament. January will be a busy month, with eight games, highlighted by Homecoming on the 18^th, against York College. The Lightning will conclude the regular season with a pair of home games, culminating with a tilt against CCNY on February 18.