ITHACA, N.Y. -- So, let's come back to the question marks for the 2021-22 Cornell men's basketball team.

No games in 612 days. The graduation of five starters, four of whom will play at other Division I institutions as graduate transfers.

The Big Red frontcourt, combined, has 58 collegiate games played among them. They've combined to scored 155 points, grab 143 rebounds and dish 18 assists.

When you think of it, that's a couple busy weekends of experience.

Take into account that almost all of those numbers belong to senior Kobe Dickson and you realize there's lots to find out over the next eight weeks as the Big Red prepares for Ivy League play.
 

THE FRONTCOURT

Dickson, one of three captains, is a true post. He has an arsenal of moves to go to and is an improved passer and shooter when he steps out into the high post. Defensively, he has the size to bang with anyone on the schedule and can rebound out of his area. His length allows him to block and alter shots in the lane.

Junior Marcus Filien is the only other player on the roster with significant game experience. He is a capable shooter when given space, which most teams have had to do given his quick first step and ability to finish above the rim. Filien can be a lockdown defender as demonstrated by averaging 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman.

Junior Chuks Uzoka also returns after the 6-6 forward saw spot action in 2019-20. He hopes to earn an expanded role thanks to his athleticism and energy.

From there, newcomers take over. How the minutes shake out will ultimately be determined by readiness, but expect the rotation to evolve as the season goes along. Six players, when they step onto the floor for the first time, will be making their collegiate debut.

Keller Boothby, a 6-7 forward, is a high-level, high-percentage 3-point shooter with great range. He has shown the toughness to scrap in the paint and has demonstrated a high basketball IQ during the preseason.

At 6-8, Chris Cain has an excellent basketball pedigree and it shows. He can play a variety of roles on the floor and brings a mix of athleticism and craftiness around the rim.

Sean Hansen is a rugged forward who can pass from the high post and finish around the rim. An improving shooter, he will be asked to set great screens and facilitate offense at the top of the key. Hansen can body up to more experienced players and isn't afraid of contact.

Though freshman Ryan Kiachian has missed most of the preseason with an injury, he hopes to make an impact defensively. He has great timing as a shot-blocker and can alter shots at the rim. An aggressive offensive player, he is also skilled enough to step away from the hoop and get into the lane or pull up early from mid-range.

Guy Ragland Jr. can step out and make shots, and the 6-8 freshman has shown he'll be a candidate to do just that. He has shown great improvement throughout preseason on both ends of the floor and is working his way toward earning a spot in the rotation.

Sophomore forward Evan Williams is another high basketball IQ player who is immediately ready to contribute on the defensive end. He is capable of guarding multiple positions, including in the backcourt, and is a high-energy player on the offensive glass.