OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 13, 2014) – Entering his 37th season as a collegiate head basketball coach, Oklahoma Christian's Dan Hays has dealt with his share of rebuilding projects. This season, however, figures to be one of the most unpredictable he's experienced during his long tenure on the OC sideline.

With eight newcomers, the unexpected return of a senior leader from injury, two players taking unexpected redshirt seasons and no junior on the roster, the 2014-15 edition of the Eagles already has a vastly different look than last season's squad, which struggled to a 10-17 record and posted the program's lowest win total since Hays' first season, in 1983-84.

How will those pieces come together? Entering Saturday's season opener against Dallas Christian (Texas), even Hays isn't quite sure. Of the Eagles' 16-man roster, three are seniors and all the rest are either sophomores or freshmen.

"I just don't know," Hays said. "I honestly don't have a handle on what to predict."

One of the few certainties is that the team's three seniors – forwards Eric Randall and Josh Faurot and guard Casey Covalt – will have to play huge leadership roles for the Eagles to succeed this season.

Randall missed all of the 2013-14 season after suffering a preseason knee injury, wiping out what would have been his senior campaign. He initially planned on not returning, but after a slew of offseason departures from the squad, he reconsidered and applied to the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility, which was granted.

At 6-foot-8, Randall is long and agile, with the ability to shoot the 3-pointer and knock down free throws at a high percentage. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as a part-time starter in 2012-13, but perhaps more important for this season's squad, he provides veteran savvy and wisdom.

"He could be a huge difference-maker on this team," Hays said.

The 6-foot-5 Faurot has been the Eagles' "energy guy" for most of his career, going after rebounds and diving after loose balls rather than focus on scoring. But out of necessity, Faurot will need to look for his shot more this season, Hays said.

Joining Faurot and Randall in the frontcourt is OC's first-ever 7-footer, sophomore center John Moon. Thrust into heavy duty following Randall's injury last year, Moon averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game while showing steady improvement. He's the sort of player that opponents game-plan to stop, making his freshman numbers even more impressive.

Freshmen Tripp Fuller and Cameron Peters will be called upon to provide key minutes at forward, along with sophomore Jordan Rutherford, who will be able to focus this season on playing on the wing, where he is most comfortable. Two other freshmen, Spencer Shaw and Zach Holloway, also provide depth on the frontline.

Sophomore junior-college transfer Chiza Ntirata, whom Hays initially had expected to contribute this season, instead will redshirt.

Entering the season, the Eagles look to use primarily a four-man backcourt rotation. Freshman point guard Jordan Box led his Texas prep team to a Class 4A area title before earning Texas most valuable player honors in the Faith 7 Basketball Bowl over the summer. Another freshman, Elijah Strickland, is a knock-down 3-point shooter who also represented Texas in the Faith 7 game.

Versatile sophomore Zach Norris, who averaged about eight minutes per game last season, can play either the point or shooting guard positions and also could see court time at small forward. Covalt, a terrific spot-up 3-point shooter, is the most experienced player in the backcourt and should see an increased role off the bench because of his knowledge of the OC system.

Two Bishop McGuinness High School products also will compete for time in the guard rotation. Sophomore Luis Lopez and freshman Stephen Amalong come from a prep program coached by former OC standout Tondrell Durham that's known for contending for – and winning – state championships. Hays raves about Lopez's leadership abilities while Amalong has deceiving quickness with a good shot.

Another sophomore who saw significant playing time last season, Deric Shelton, will redshirt this season, also unexpectedly.

Hays thinks opponents will try to shut down Moon and Randle and force the Eagles' guards to make plays. The coach says his perimeter players should welcome that, because they'll see open shots.

"That's where the 'unknowns' are," Hays said. "I don't think they're unknowns. I think Elijah Strickland is going to knock down shots. There's not a doubt in my mind. Jordan Box is right at a 40-percent 3-point shooter. Eric Randall is a good 3-point shooter. We hope Casey Covalt can knock some down. If Jordan Rutherford shoots the 3s we think he should shoot, he will be a good shooter. We've got spacing lined up and John is a good passer out of the post. If we play inside out, that's great."

OC was picked 10th among 11 teams in the preseason Heartland Conference poll, a sign that most in the NCAA Division II league don't expect much of the Eagles. But Hays' teams have a habit of making major steps forward during the season.

"It could be great," Hays said. "This is the kind of team that, by February, could really get rolling. We might roll early. I really can't say. You don't know.  But I have really enjoyed working with these kids. They've been great. I'm interested to see where we go."