The departures of juniors Shawn James and Kojo Mensah, who forfeited their final season of eligibility by signing with an agent, will make different impacts on Duquesne's basketball program.

The loss of James, a 6-foot-10 shot-blocker, leaves a huge void in Duquesne's roster because the Dukes don't have any big men who can replace him.

Coach Ron Everhart is better prepared to deal with the loss of Mensah because the Dukes will be stocked with returning guards in addition to three incoming freshmen guards.

Although the 2008-09 season is six months away, it's not too early to speculate what Duquesne's rotation might look like with the returnees and signed recruits. But a lot could change because Everhart hasn't completed his recruiting.

The point guards will be Aaron Jackson and 5-10 recruit Eric Evans; the off-guards will come from a mix of returnees, Bill Clark, Phillip Fayne and Jason Duty, and recruits, 6-5 B.J. Monteiro and 6-2 Chase Robinson; and the frontcourt will include returnees Damian Saunders, David Theis and Clark and newcomers 6-7 Shawntez Patterson and Monteiro.

"This is a great opportunity for guys who want to play to work hard over the summer and take advantage," Everhart said. "This is the first time I've dealt with guys leaving the program early, not that it wasn't anticipated."

James and Mensah signed with New York-based agent Steven Cronin after playing one season at Duquesne.

"James and Mensah are in such different places," Everhart said of both entering the draft. "James is more unique because ... he has a special skill -- blocking shots. I always think those guys have a better opportunity. Mensah is a very talent kid, but he's rolling the dice more because there are so many of those types out there."