Lincoln returns three sophomores, who started at least 18 games last season. Bakir Cleveland and Janaie Coates-Sinues started 19 games each, while Reggie Hudson started 18 games. 

Cleveland, who was named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team, was the third-leading scorer for the Lions, averaging 9.7 points. He reached double figures 12 times a season ago, including a season-high 25 against Shaw University. 

Hudson was the prototypical point guard for the Lions, leading the team with 96 assists. His 3.4 assists per game led the CIAA, and with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio was tops in the conference. He was also a menace on the defensive end, leading the team and ranking fourth in the conference, with 1.5 steals per game. Coates-Sinues will probably make the biggest jump, statistically, for the Lions. With the departure of several frontcourt players, there will be more opportunities for him to improve on his 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. 

“We are looking for Bakir, Janaie, and Reggie to have big sophomore years,” said Armstrong. “They gained a lot of experience last year as starters. Each one has worked hard this summer on their games and came back ready to go. These three will help guide our freshmen with the knowledge and experience they had.” 

“We are looking for Bakir, Janaie, and Reggie to have big sophomore years,” said Armstrong. “They gained a lot of experience last year as starters. Each one has worked hard this summer on their games and came back ready to go. These three will help guide our freshmen with the knowledge and experience they had.” 

Despite only starting eight games last season, Williams is Lincoln's top returning scoring threat. The senior point guard who is in his third year with the Lions averaged 11.3 points while shooting 36.8 percent from the floor and 34.4 percent from beyond the arc. His 53 assists are the second-most of any returning player. 

Sophomore Manny Toha, a transfer from Holy Family, will be expected to make an immediate impact on the wing after leading the Tigers in scoring with 12.0 points per game. He scored in double figures 18 times, including nine of the last 10 games a season ago. 

“Manny has been great since day one, he is a true gym rat,” said Armstrong. “Manny brings defense and is a tough scoring guard. He will see minutes at the shooting guard and small forward positions. He is a guard that will attack you off the dribble and can shoot the three.”