Old, new and upcoming Huskie cagers were the topics of speech at the weekly coaches luncheon, as NIU men’s basketball coach Jim Rosborough took the reins from former master of ceremonies, NIU football boss Jerry Pettibone.

Jane Albright, NIU women’s basketball coach, and her assistant, Deb Patterson, opened the luncheon as guest coaches and spoke of their two new recruits from the Windy City.

Cindy Conner, a 6-foot-1 swing forward from Whitney Young High School in Chicago, and Soyini Chism, a 6-foot-2 strong forward out of Chicago Lindbloom, will be the necessary ingredients to “solidify the post game” for the Huskies next season. Not to jump the gun, Albright and crew also discussed the squad’s anticipation for this season, which kicks off tonight in Chick Evans Field House.

Rosborough also spoke eagerly about his season as well as young players whom he refers to as “sponges.”

“They pick up on everything you say,” Rosborough said.

Rosborough talked of his youthful squad as “something refreshing” because all of the players are ones he helped recruit. The Huskie boss said he is looking forward to his “highly motivational schedule,” which begins Nov. 26 against Bethel College in the fieldhouse.

As for the old players, Rosborough responded to a question concerning two-year player Matt Hardy, who did not appear on the roster this year. Hardy decided to “hit the books and concentrate on his studies” as a math major, Rosborough said.