With the opening of the new Ted Constant Center only a season away, 2001-02 will be the year of the Field House for Old Dominion basketball.

The Monarchs will play all but one game in the aging facility, while the women's team will write the final chapter of its program's legendary history at this storied venue.

Under new head coach Blaine Taylor, the Monarchs return nine lettermen, including three starters. Leading the veterans is senior guard Pierre Greene and juniors Ricardo Marsh and Rasheed Wright.

Greene, a preseason All-CAA selection, was a second-team All-CAA pick last year, averaging 11.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. Wright was third in scoring last year (9.8), while Marsh was close behind (9.3).

This year, the Colonial Athletic Association expands to 10 teams with the addition of Hofstra, Drexel, University of Delaware and Towson.

With every letter-winner back from last year's roster, and two-time CAA Player of the Year Lucienne Berthieu returning after missing all of last season due to injury, Wendy Larry and her Lady Monarchs are setting their sights on reaching the Final Four in San Antonio.

As a junior, Berthieu led the conference in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage, and was named a Kodak District III All-American. She averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds in 1999-2000.

Joining Berthieu in the front court will be senior Hamchetou Maiga, 2001 CAA Player of the Year. Maiga ranked in five different CAA categories last season and was 17th nationally in field goal percentage.

Although the Lady Monarch roster is deep, it has found room for one more, Evelina "Max" Nhassengo, last year's Junior College Player.

Unfortunately, redshirt freshman Corrina Turner, who saw action in just six games last year before suffering a season-ending ACL tear, reinjured her right knee in a preseason pick-up game and will miss the entire 2001-02 season.