Rebuilding a program in disarray has been easier for Tommy Amaker than escaping that program's sordid past.

With three freshmen in the lineup, the Wolverines returned to prominence last season with a 13-game winning streak (after an 0-6 start), capped off by a victory over arch rival Michigan State -- all despite a self-imposed ban on postseason play.

After having their carrot taken away again during the offseason once again -- the NCAA extended the postseason ban for another season in May -- the Wolverines won an appeal and are now eligible for postseason play. The good news should give Amaker's overachieving squad something to shoot for.

"Last year was very difficult," Amaker said. "We delivered the news to our players Nov. 6 or Nov. 7, after we had already started practice and the season was already under way in terms of exhibition games. It was a difficult pill to swallow, and it had some lingering effects on us, especially the impact it had on our seniors. Having gone through it before and knowing the sun still comes up and that it can still be an exciting year, I'd like to think that will make us stronger and tougher for the coming season."

FRONTCOURT

Michigan held its own under the boards last season despite a lineup that included three guards and a wing forward. Help has arrived. J.C. Mathis, a two-year starter at Virginia, gives the Wolverines a legitimate power forward to bang with other Big Ten big bodies. Mathis, who practiced with the team last season, has already been voted one of the team's captains. "He's going to be one of the bigger keys to our team," Amaker said. "He'll be our most experienced frontline player, even though he has yet to play a game for us."

Bernard Robinson Jr. has cut down on his tendency to play out of control, though he still had more turnovers than assists last season. As the team's lone scholarship senior, Robinson is expected to set a better example in his final year.

"His leadership is going to be critical. It starts there," Amaker said. "He's a very versatile player. He's our best perimeter defender. He does a lot of things for us. He scores, he rebounds, he passes, he's athletic, he finishes on the break, and he handles the ball at times, so he plays a lot of different roles."

Starting center Graham Brown isn't going to dazzle anyone with his speed, but he's difficult to stop in the low post. Reserve center Chris Hunter has more range but must increase his strength and durability. Freshman Courtney Sims, a quality shot-blocker and low-post scorer, also could push for playing time.

Sophomore Amadou Ba can add a physical presence, while freshman forward Brent Petway, an explosive scorer and leaper, fits into Amaker's plan to run and press.

BACKCOURT

Daniel Horton's freshman season, in which he averaged 15.2 points and led the team in steals and assists, will be hard to top. Amaker knows that his leading returning scorer will draw greater attention this season. "He's such a marked player on our team, and it's no secret that when he didn't play well, we weren't a very good team," Amaker said.

Horton's 37.2 percent shooting should improve with experience. With more depth behind him, Horton also should become more of a defensive factor. Amaker wants Horton to pick up the opposing point guard earlier in possessions instead of worrying about getting into foul trouble.

Lester Abram had a less flashy but nearly as productive freshman season as his backcourt partner. He can be even more dangerous if he improves his decision-making and ball-handling.

Freshman Dion Harris, the first Michigan Mr. Basketball to enter the program since Robert Traylor in 1995, can play either guard position. Sherrod Harrell is a situational defender, while fellow walk-on Dani Wohl has the quickness to engineer the fast break when Horton needs a rest.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The additions of Mathis, Sims and Petway, and the continued growth of Brown and Hunter, make the Wolverines a much more imposing team under the basket. Added depth and improved rebounding will allow Michigan to play the high-energy, open-court brand of basketball Amaker prefers.

Anything less than a run at the Big Ten regular-season title would be considered a major step backward. The talent is there, and Amaker's team has postseason goal -- hearing their name called on Selection Sunday.

• Click here for complete index of 2003-04 team previews

To purchase the 2003 College Basketball Preview from Athlon Sports, click here.