Lowdown

The Islanders, who have had three coaches in a four-month period, have settled on Dawson AA coach Scott Mawhinney to lead them back to prosperity. 

The Islanders are one of four teams trying to snag  one of those newly-created fifth and sixth playoff spots. 

But three talented veterans are gone and will be tough to replace.

Guards

Nickolas Pronovost was a surprisingly solid scorer last season, more than tripling his offensive output from his rookie season. 

He may have to pump out even more points this year as the team's best player. 

Guard Donovan Weekes was scrappy last season and made the most of his talent.

Forwards

6-9 giant Alex McCooeye's retirement from basketball was an unpleasant surprise and some other hardworking forwards will man the Abbott frontcourt this year. 

Veterans Pat Desy and Marvin Basile will be helped immediately by transfers David O'Loughlin (Lennoxville) and Leszek Kolacki (Dawson AA).

A potential star is waiting in the wings by the name of Kyle Bernard. This smooth, 6-4 forward is a great athlete and will challenge for a starting spot.

Coach: Scott Mawhinney, 1st year.

2003-2004: 2-14. Eighth place. Missed playoffs.

Departures
- Jason Ratchelous, 5-10 guard (13.8 pts, 2.1 rbs, 1.4 stls, 40.6 3pt%).
- Mark Nixon, 6-4 forward (8.0 pts, 4.6 rbs, 3.4 asts, 1.9 stls).
- Nigel Peters, 6-0 guard (9.6 pts, 4.1 rbs, 2.1 asts, 1.7 stls - quit team).
- Alex McCooeye, 6-9 forward (2.9 pts, 4.1 rbs, 1.3 blks - retired).

- Abraham Pitacciato-Kerr, 6-5 forward (6.2 pts, 4.0 rbs - left school).

- Isaac Eniojukan, 6-1 forward (3.1 pts, 4.0 rbs - graduated to Concordia).
- Jason Cheevers, 6-2 forward (left team - academics).

Key Veterans
- Nickolas Pronovost, 6-0 guard, 3rd year (11.1 pts, 3.2 rbs, 3.3 asts, 2.7 stls, 30.8 3pt%). 
- Pat Desy, 6-2 forward (5.3 pts, 3.9 rbs).
- Donovan Weekes, 5-10 guard (4.7 pts, 2.1 rbs, 1.3 stls).
- Marvin Bazile, 6-5 forward (6.0 pts, 3.9 rbs).

Other Veterans 
- Ronald Reddock, 5-11 guard, 2nd year (2.8 pts).
- Ken Malone, 6-7 centre, 3rd year.

- David O'Loughlin, 6-3 forward, 4th year (6.0 pts, 4.1 rbs - Transfer from Lennoxville).
- Leszek Kolacki, 6-5 forward, 4th year (16.6 pts - Transfer from Dawson AA).

Recruits
- Kyle Bernard, 6-4 forward, Sun Youth/Lasalle Catholic
Athletic wing has size and scoring skills.
- Etienne Lauziere, 6-3 forward, Nicolas Gatineau (14.1 pts, 5.1 rbs).
Athletic with a good post game.
- Dave Bergman, 6-5 forward, Brookwood/Lindsay Place.
Has big body, works hard and rebounds.

Walk-ons

- Johnathan Merritt, 5-10 guard, Selwyn House.
- Jack Wong, 5-9 guard, West Island Lakers AA.

           Outlook

Coach Mawhinney will have to guide his squad with a steady hand if Abbott is to reach the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.