HAMMOND, Ind. – Second-year head coach Dan Voudrie is trying to establish Purdue University Calumet as one of the elite programs in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference this season. The Peregrines could be well on their way to doing just that, as they return the services of three starters from last season’s squad along with a talented incoming class that should help the program experience a significant turnaround.

Antonio McNeal, the team’s lone senior, comes back for his final campaign as one of the squad’s top scoring threats, after averaging just over 15 points per game in PUC’s final ten contests last season. The Hammond, Ind. native’s leadership will be invaluable for a team that should see 12 players make their Purdue Calumet debut.

McNeal will be joined in the starting lineup by athletic forward Michael Patton. Patton has established himself as one of the top rebounders in the CCAC, and after adding 20 pounds to his frame over the summer should improve upon his near double-double numbers of 8.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game from a year ago.

Rob Williams also returns, after averaging 8.4 points per game with 80 assists. The success of Williams, who can play either guard position, will be helped by the arrival of point guard Aaron Evans, which will allow the junior to get more minutes at his natural position, shooting guard.

Despite several key components returning, Purdue Calumet’s success will most likely hinge on the play of its newcomers. Evans, Neal Hudson and Eric Summers headline a promising recruiting class that will bolster the Peregrine’s lineup with both ability and athleticism.

Evans is the probable starter at the point, as the savvy floor general’s high basketball IQ and ability to distribute the ball should help him make an immediate impact for Purdue Calumet. Evans will be joined in the starting lineup by fellow frosh Summers, who not only gives the team a scoring threat in the low post with his 6-foot-8 frame, but also provides some flair with his impressive passing abilities. Hudson, a junior forward, enters the season as one’s of the team’s most accomplished players on the roster, after a highly decorated two-year stint at national power Joliet Junior College.

Voudrie will have a number of options off the bench, as he will be able plug in players with a wide variety of skills. Jordan Champion and Kedric Williams give PUC intensity off the bench with each having the ability to put points on the board. Mark Sutter gives Voudrie a hard-nosed athlete that can play a number of positions, while Kameron Bright and Brant Stockamp should provide the Peregrines with a strong rebounding presence. Bo Ray, Joel Gotshall and Will Schenkel round out the Peregrines’ group of newcomers.

Purdue Calumet will be tested early and often this season, as the team will play nine games against opponents that received votes in the NAIA’s 2008-09 final poll. The Peregrines will open the 2009-10 campaign at their own Tip-Off Classic when they face nationally-ranked Indiana Wesleyan, before closing out the classic against IU Northwest during Homecoming festivities.