Start with this from Winthrop coach Joe Burnham: “This is the most excited I have been about the start of a season in my four years at Winthrop.”

The Ramblers have been through some rough years since Burnham took over the program, mostly notably when they dropped down to JV two years ago.

They returned the varsity ranks last season and went 3-15. But they found encouragement in their 3-9 finish after an 0-6 start.

Better yet, Winthrop didn’t have a single senior on the squad, so the everyone is back as the program attempts to continue to trend upward.

“We are looking to build on a strong summer (after) we did not lose any players from last year’s team, and add in a promising freshman class,” Burnham said.

“We know that there will be some bumps along the way, but like many teams, we hope to be playing our best basketball in February.”

Coach: Joe Burnham (fourth year)

Conference: MVC; Class: C South

Last year’s results: 3-15

Returning athletes: Seniors — Adlin Caparin, Shie Smith, Bri McClure, Matti Rice; Juniors — Haley Stoneton, Kathryn Ross; Sophomores — Layne Audet, Katie Perkins, Bre Feeney.

Key losses: None.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Jillian Schmelzer, Aaliyah Wilson-Falcone, Kena Souza, Natalie Frost.