CLU BEAT: KINGSMEN NO LONGER JUST ONE-MAN SHOW.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

The only all-conference player from last year's team is gone and the Cal Lutheran men's basketball team lacks a go-to player to replace him. Yet, Kingsmen coach Rich Rider is not worried.

The depth CLU once lacked beyond forward Mike Dulaney is the Kingsmen's biggest asset as they open their season Saturday at Santa Cruz. CLU's home opener is Tuesday at 6 p.m. against UC San Diego as part of a doubleheader with the women's team, which starts its season Friday at Southern Oregon.

``I don't think we can replace a guy like Mike,'' Rider said of the All-SCIAC player who averaged 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and three steals a game as a senior. ``We'll do it by committee this year. Even though we don't have a player like him, last year we didn't have much depth. Eventually that will be our strength this year. Instead of just one person, we'll get it done with eight or nine guys contributing.''

Among those expected to help the Kingsmen improve on last season's 10-15 record are senior guard Pastor Cuenca, sophomore guard Luther Staine, as well as junior Justin Muth and sophomore David Seals, who are competing for the starting center job. All are returning players, giving CLU a more experienced lineup than its previous version.

Junior Desean Hannans, a 5-foot-10 transfer from West Hill Community College, could make an immediate impact at point guard if he overcomes the tendinitis that has bothered him recently. Junior Woodley Polynice, a 6-2 transfer from Canyons, has good speed and is demonstrating good all-around athletic ability and should see plenty of playing time at forward. Freshmen Charlie Kundrat and Victor Esquer are among other top newcomers on the team with a strong focus on defense.

``It's going to be January before I really get a good feel for the team,'' Rider said, ``but I like this team. We have potential.''

Early exit: CLU's appearance in the women's volleyball NCAA West Regional was one of its shortest ever as the Regals were eliminated in the first round last Thursday.