You haven't seen this Duquesne before.

International, of course. The countries represented on Duquesne's roster: Macedonia, Sweden, Spain, Canada (twice), Albania, Hungary and, of course, the United States.

Different cast, new style? Indeed.

"We're going to have to be different to be good," said Coach Dan Burt. "We haven't been in this position for a long time because we always had returners. In one way it's scary, and in another way, it's absolutely refreshing."

Duquesne graduated its top three scorers, including Chassidy Omogrosso, third all-time in program points, and Kadri-Ann Lass, who concluded her career as the school's all-time blocks leader.

"We lose a tremendous amount," Burt said. "We're completely unproven. We're not as talented as we've been in the past. Four of our five seniors have signed pro contracts. But we have great size and length and our commitment to one another is outstanding."

Assist leader Libby Bazelak returns as the leading scorer. Burt is also hopeful about Nina Aho, an elite athlete who weathered health and injury issues last year, will make the impact he knows she's capable of. He touts the 5-10 redshirt junior guard from Hungary as a difference maker if fully healthy.

"Nina's the key," said Burt, who compares her to Washington Mystics star Kristi Toliver. "She's really not far off from where she needs to be. Her skill level is high."

Rebounding and defending will be critical to the Dukes' success. Freshmen center Precious Johnson, 6-4, redshirt junior Anie-Pier Sampson, 6-2, and redshirt freshman Caroline Elliott, 5-11, add size to a team that isn't known for it. Freshman Amaya Hamilton, 6-2, will contribute early.

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