DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  -- Bethune – Cookman opens its November 11 at St. John's without  leading scorer Jordan Potts, who isn't 100 percent ready after suffering a broken foot injury. It's expected he'll miss the first seven games.

The Wildcats' early season challenges will still be there if Potts were on the floor.  However, the tables might turn and everything could go better than expected. Here are three possible good things that could come out of Potts' late start.

New leadership:  With Potts being out, the Wildcats now have at least four new starters compared to last season.  Now, senior Diamante Lewis and redshirt senior Reggie Baker will have a more important role the court. Also, newcomer junior Brandon Tabb gets a better chance to prove his worth on the court as well. According to B-CU Head Coach Gravelle Craig: "Brandon Tabb has played lights out in practice." With Potts joining the team in December, the month of November can be the platform for new leaders to blossom.

Another success formula: Starting the season without the keyplayer is a challenge for any coach. Craig's situation has him with EIGHT new playerrs. While missing Potts, Craig gets extended looks at players he does has, including point guard Jeffrey Altidort. If a success formula can be found without the alpha of the team, Potts will give an additional boost when he does return.
 
Tough Enough: A roster with eight newcomers has only had two preseason scrimmages to learn how to work together. With early tests against teams as St. John's University and New Mexico State, this team has an opportunity to build mental and physical toughness, which could come into full play once Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play starts in January, where fatigue comes into play late in the season. Potts is a tough and physical leader of this basketball team. If the rest of the team can get as tough as him, the season can be very successful.