Sutton, starting his 11th year at the helm, introduced his new squad Thursday during media day activities at the Mabee Center.

"I like this group. I like their attitude and the chemistry they’ve had so far, but it’s still early," Sutton said.

"I think these guys truly care about each other, and I think that the guys coming back have a hunger about them - and I know the coaches do - over how the season went last year overall."

ORU finished 16-15, failed to win the Summit League regular-season race for the first time in five years and lost in the first round of the conference tournament.

Sutton returns five contributors from that team - Dominique Morrison, Kevin Ford, Kyron Stokes, Ken Holdman and Beloved Rogers - and has seven scholarship athletes who will be eligible for the first time.

Sutton said the Eagles will have a new look with point guards Rod Pearson and Hunter McClintock running the team.

"Certainly that’s going to be the position that changes the most from last year, because we really played without a point guard most of the year. I really thought that hurt us in some games (with shooting guard Robert Jarvis having to play out of position at the point). Hunter and Rob are terrific at making their teammates better, and I think (ORU fans) will see a big difference," he said.

Pearson started two Division I seasons at Southeast Missouri State before transferring

Among the newcomers, Sutton also likes 6-foot-5 Michael Craion, a fast, athletic transfer from Indpendence (Kan.) Community College, and powerful 6-foot-10 Damen Bell-Holter, a center from Alaska who averaged 28.5 points and 17.1 rebounds in his final high school season.

ORU opens play Monday, hosting the University of British Columbia for an exhibition game.