The response to the inconsistent play of the Wolverines, a year after Michigan reached the championship game with five freshman starters, has already had its price.

Felton will be joined by center Sean May and forward Rashad McCants as freshman starters.

He acknowledged the significance of this victory for a team with three freshman starters that is still trying to build its identity.

That left Rohrssen to rely heavily on three freshman starters: Bouli, Pearson and Crawford.

The five freshman starters turned to sophomores.

N.C.A.A. officials say their research has not uncovered any previous tournament appearance by a team with five freshman starters.

With more at stake in this meeting, Michigan with its five freshman starters appeared ready not to repeat the sins of the past.

Alan LaForce, the East Tennessee State coach, was asked what he saw in the future for Michigan and its five freshman starters.

Barrett and Marcus Toney-El, the other two freshman starters last season, are back and determined to wipe away the bad memories of a year ago.

With nine new players, possibly three freshman starters, this is Jarvis's first true recruiting class at St. John's.