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OXFORD — Last season the Miami University men's basketball team could count on three consistent scorers in Tim Pollitz, Michael Bramos and Kenny Hayes.

They combined for 70 percent of the RedHawks' scoring, but a big chunk of those points are gone with the departure of Pollitz.

Head coach Charlie Coles will look for other players to start filling in that big blank today, Nov. 8, when the RedHawks play their only exhibition game at Millett Hall against Saginaw Valley State.

"Last year we had a good situation because we had Tim, Michael and Kenny, who could all score," Coles said. "This year we've got to find other guys who can score some points.

"Two that come to mind are Nick Winbush and Antonio Ballard," he said. "I think both of those guys are capable of scoring points, both run the floor real well, both are decent shooters. I think both of those guys can blossom."

Winbush, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward, played in 25 games last season but made only one start. He averaged 2.8 points per game, shooting 47.4 percent from the floor, 36.0 percent from 3-point range.

Ballard, a 6-4 sophomore forward-guard, was a medical redshirt last season, during which he played only one game. As a freshman in 2006-07 he saw limited action (47 minutes in 15 games).

When asked whether Winbush and Ballard would see increased playing time this year, Coles said, "Oh yeah, most definitely."

But right now there is no set starting lineup, no established rotation of players. Bramos, Hayes and senior center Tyler Dierkers will be expected to carry a huge load, but most everything else remains a question.

"There's not much we can tell yet," Coles said. "Our coaches, we are in there arguing about this player, that player. Those things kinda work themselves out."

There will be some familiar faces on the Saginaw Valley State bench.

Head coach Frankie Smith was a long-time assistant with Coles, assistant coach Chris Coles is the Miami coach's son and senior guard Lawrence Ross, who scored 21 points in the Cardinals' 81-55 exhibition loss to Michigan on Thursday, Nov. 6, played for the RedHawks during the 2005-06 season.

Mike Watson, former Miami football player and associate athletic director, is Saginaw Valley State's athletic director.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.