Theulen takes over for Chris Agoglia who stepped down after the Golden Bears with a 4-21 record a year ago. Agoglia coached for three seasons after replacing Theulen who directed WNE from 2004-08.

Western New England returns only two starters, but has some promising returnees and a group of newcomers anxious to get the squad back on the winning track. The Golden Bears were picked to finish last in the pre-season Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Coaches Poll.

"We will have a hard-working team who should improve as the season progresses," said Theulen who went 70-42 (62.5 winning percentage) in his first term with the program. "With a relative lack of playing experience, it's like having a rookie coach and 14 freshmen. As always, we will focus on effort, defense, ball-handling, and rebounding. Our offense will come along as our players get use to one another and a brand new system. We are ready to deal with any results as long as we continue to work hard and continue to learn."

Senior guard Andre Shaw (New York, NY) heads the list of returnees. He was third on the team in scoring last year with a 12.8 average in 24 contests (three starts).

"Andre is an exceptional scorer and playmaker who will be looked upon as a leader for our young squad. He must provide solid defense and aid in our defensive rebounding," said Theulen.

Also starting in the backcourt are junior guard Damon Alston (New Britain, CT) and sophomore guard Ryan Mickiewicz (East Longmeadow, MA) at the point position.

Alston appeared in 25 contests (21 starts) last year and averaged 8.4 points with a team-best 50 three-pointers. Mickiewicz also played in all 25 games (16 starts) and averaged 4.3 points with a team-high 77 assists.

"Damon is a good three-point shooter who continues to improve his ball handling and playmaking ability to round out his game. Ryan also is working hard to improve his all-around game. Even though he is a sophomore, he must be steady in keeping us in the offensive flow," Theulen stated.

The starting forwards are sophomore Dennis Rinaldi (Harrison, NY) and Kevin Wilkes (Troy, NY) who have both played well in pre-season drills.

"Dennis is a physical, tough kid who plays strong inside. He is a good rebounder who is working hard on his offense. Kevin is a very good offense player with a consistent 15-foot jump shot. He is looking to improve as a rebounder," noted Theulen.

Up front, junior center James Hock (Trumbull, CT) and sophomore forward Daniel Minto (West Hempstead, NY) are expected to see action coming off the bench. Also in the mix are sophomore center Dylan Stewart (Verplanck, NY) and freshman forward Brett Cody (Thomaston, CT).

There will be strong competition in the backcourt with senior newcomer Nick Belcastro (Hull, MA), juniors Jason Kulik (Rye Brook, NY) and Martin Payne (Springfield, MA), sophomore Abdimajid Mohamed (Biddeford, ME), and freshman Martin Lin (Mansfield, CT) all challenging for minutes.

Shaw, Alston, and Hock will serve as the team captains.

Theulen, who also serves as the school's director of athletics, will see some familiar faces opposing him in his first two games.

Prior to joining the Western New England staff in 1998, Theulen served as men's basketball coach at Springfield College where two of his graduate assistants were Joe Krupinski and Paul Booth are now the head coaches at Lyndon State and Norwich, respectively.

Western New England will meet Norwich at 8:00 p.m. Friday (Nov. 18) in the opening round of the Golden Bears Men's Hoop Classic in the Alumni healthful Living Center. Sage (NY) meets Trinity in the opening game at 6.