The Eagles were supposed to be on the verge of a breakout season in 2003-04, but finished just 13-14 overall and 7-11 in MAC play. The team showed its potential by upsetting Toledo and playing well against some of the league's better teams. With four starters returning from last year's squad, the Eagles have hope for a winning season. Leading the way is forward Markus Austin, who is already a 1,000 point scorer. He was solid last season for EMU, averaging 13.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.9 apg. Forwards John Bowler and James Jackson will accompany Austin in the low post, and give the Eagles one of the top frontcourts in the MAC. Bowler averaged 13.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg last season, while Jackson turned in 10.6 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Michael Ross is the team's only returning starter at the perimeter and he will have to do better than the 6.9 ppg he averaged a year ago if the Eagles are to have success in 2004-05. James Douglas, who averaged 5.5 ppg off the bench last year, will join Ross in the backcourt in the early going. EMU should also benefit from two of its best recruits in years in Darryl Garrett and Rico Harris. Garrett was the Detroit Public School League Player of the Year last season, averaging 27.1 ppg and 12.0 rpg, while Harris is an elite guard who may move into a starting role by midseason.