The UW-Platteville Pioneers began practice Sunday with an experienced group taking the Bo Ryan Court.

The Pioneers return 14 lettermen and all five starters from last year's 19-7 team that finished second in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

"We have been anxiously awaiting the upcoming season since our return from Ireland this past May," Pioneer Coach Paul Combs said.

Nine Pioneers have starting experience totalling 281 games, led by senior all-American center Jeff Skemp with 77. Senior swingman Charlie Lohoff, an all-league pick in 2006-07, has 63 starts, while classmates Kyle Tetschlag (32) and Bo Richter (2) have 34. Those seniors are being counted on for leadership, Combs said.

"We have an experienced group that has logged a lot of WIAC minutes," the coach said. "With that said, the conference will be as deep as it has been in a long time. Our four seniors are looking forward to leading this program on and off the court."