Spencer utilized both in preparation for this season, which began Thursday with a 83-60 loss to Antelope Valley at the Ventura Tournament.
The Pirates' 2005-06 campaign was one to remember, as they won nine of their first 10 conference games and went on to finish 22-11, posting the most wins by an OCC squad in 19 seasons.
They were the No. 7 seed in the Southern California regional playoffs, but lost in the first round to No. 10-seeded San Bernardino Valley.
But having lost seven of the top eight scorers from last season's roster, the inevitable community college makeover is truly in order for the Pirates in 2006-07.
Among the losses were first-team all-conference performers Lance Ortiz and Reggie Brown, both of whom are now at Cal State San Bernardino.
"Last year, most of our top guys were sophomores and they were just starting to figure some things out," Spencer said.
Steve Cornett, a 6-foot-7 center, is the most prominent returner. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in a reserve role as a freshman.
Cameron Wise, a 6-2 sophomore from Riverside who averaged 2.4 points in 32 games, is the only other returner who played significant minutes.
"The rest of the guys are new, so we know there are going to be some bumps in the road," Spencer said. "But I'd say it's the hardest-working team I've had and it also has the best team chemistry. Those are always good things to have."
Like last year, Spencer said he will continue to play most of his 16-player roster.
"There's no one I'm afraid to put in the game," Spencer said.
By the same token, with eight players no taller than 6-1 and only two (6-5 Tyler Hentzen and Cornett) taller than 6-4, the Pirates' roster won't evoke fear from any opponent.
"We're the smallest we've ever been, but we shoot the ball well," Spencer said.
Cornett, whom Spencer expects to take a prominent role, gives the Pirates a productive weapon in the paint.
