When attending a Sauk Valley men's basketball game this season, make sure to pick up a roster. You're going to need it.

After losing all five starters to graduation from last year's 23-9 squad, the Skyhawks will feature an almost entirely new cast of characters in 2012-13. Only four of coach Russ Damhoff's 18-man roster played minutes last season, and it's meant a slower learning curve than in the past.

"It's taken us a little more time on the court, and we're maybe just a little bit behind when it comes to timing and execution and making the right reads," said Damhoff, entering his 27th season at Sauk. "We have talent, skills, athleticism and ability on this team, and we're deeper at every position. Now it's just a matter of us jelling as a team."