GRINNELL, Iowa – With the graduation of nine seniors from last season's squad, the high-flying Grinnell College men's basketball team will have a different look in the 2013-14 campaign.

The Pioneers will be led by a solid senior trio, as well as record-breaking guard Jack Taylor '15.

Last season's team finished 14-4 in the Midwest Conference and 17-6 overall while qualifying for the league tourney. The Pioneers also averaged 112.3 points per game, making them the national scoring leader for the 18th time in the past 20 years.

Patrick Maher '14 averaged 12.5 points per game last season and led the squad in assists and steals (5.7 and 2.2 per game, respectively), Aaron Levin '14 averaged 9.6 points an outing and Cody Olson '14 also is back after playing a key role last season.

"Of the seniors, Aaron is our vocal leader," said associate head coach David N. Arseneault '09, a former Pioneer star who coaches with his father, head coach David Arseneault. "He takes care of all the behind-the-scenes stuff for us. We're looking for a big year from him with his ability to shoot beyond the arc, as well as post up."

"Patrick is the type of point guard that every coach dreams of," Arseneault continued. "He makes his teammates better. He enjoys passing the ball, but can also lead our team in scoring on any particular night.

"Cody is the fastest guy on the team from end line to end line," he added. "He finished last season by climbing up the playing ladder and became an integral part of our rotation. His on court leadership will help stabilize his playing group."

Leading the junior class is Taylor, who made international headlines last November when he scored an NCAA-record 138 points against Faith Baptist Bible College. Taylor's season was cut short when he broke his wrist a month-and-a-half later, but he is back at full strength.

"Jack obviously got a lot of attention early last season," said Arseneault. "During the offseason he worked himself into incredible shape. In terms of creating his own shot, he's the best player I've ever coached. He has earned the right to have the ball in his hands even more than last year."

Other juniors are Luke Yeager '15, Tague Zachary '15, Dylan Bartuch '15, Evan Johnson '15, Hayes Gardner '15 and Aamir Walton '15. Yeager averaged 12.8 points a contest last season.

"Luke has the deepest shooting range on the team and has the ability to play multiple positions … he will continue to be one of our primary scorers," said Arseneault. "At 6-8, Tague is a mismatch for opposing big men because he can shoot from beyond the 3-point line. His athleticism makes him a great fit for our style of play.

"Dylan is valuable because he can play just about every position on the floor and understands the system," Arseneault added. "Evan brings incredible energy and hustle. On top of that, he can really shoot the ball. Overall, our juniors have a lot of experience and they will be counted on to perform in key roles."

The sophomore class consists of Anthony LaMacchia '16, Brent LeMoine '16 and Ryan Davis '16.

"These guys are untested, but each possesses individual skills that should allow them to contribute," Arseneault explained. "Anthony is one of the best spot-up shooters on the team, Brent is very physical and can get to the glass and Ryan offers some nice athleticism to go with a high basketball IQ."

Arseneault is excited about the incoming first-year class. "We're seven deep there, and have a nice blend of just about anything," he said.

That group includes Kyle Parker '17, Nick Curta '17, Julian Marx '17, James Page '17, Stuart Hoegh '17, Mike Porter '17 and Nicolas Knoebber '17.

"Kyle is a perfect fit for our style of play from the point position," said Arseneault. "He has the ability to score himself or set up a teammate for an open look. Nick Curta has a leg up on everybody because he played the System in high school for his dad, so he's way ahead of the normal learning curve. Julian has a very high basketball IQ and can knock down open shots as well as anybody on the team.

"James is a strong, athletic kid, who can do a bit of everything," Arseneault added. "Stuart has the versatility to play multiple positions. His combination of strength and quickness will be utilized in our up-tempo style. Mike is another guard with a high basketball IQ, who can get to the rim and makes those around him better."

Arseneault is hoping the mix of experience and newcomers blends into another big season. "Our strengths include our overall ability to put points on the board," he said. "We should also be able to score with a lot more ease than the last few years. Top to bottom our athleticism is as good as it's ever been. Everybody on the team bought into the off-season strength and conditioning program.

"Based on the fact that we graduated nine seniors, the key question mark is our experience," he added. "Although we return most of our scoring, it will be important for some of our upperclassmen to assume leadership roles and help the younger guys develop. At the same time, with a lot of the younger guys stepping into roles, they'll have to quickly assimilate to our brand of basketball. A lot will depend on how quickly we can get everybody on the same page."

Arseneault said the league will be strong again. "Our league continues to get better. This year is no different, especially with so many senior-dominated teams. St. Norbert will be the favorite," he said. "They won the title last year and return a lot of people. Carroll will be good, too, as will Beloit. Our goals remain the same as always, to make the postseason, to lead the country in scoring and to be entertaining."