The rebuilding phase is something that all teams go through, and it takes every team a different amount of time to bounce back from a down year. Look at the NHL for example, where teams constantly use the phrases "rebuilding" or "retooling" several years in a row as a reason for their sub-par performance in a given season.

In the NCAA, there are so many teams that it's hard to see teams go through the rebuilding phase. This is partly due to the fact that the average fan only focuses on the major programs, who have the luxury of attracting the best players in basketball year after year. So, even when a team like Kentucky loses a bunch of players to the NBA Draft and they "rebuild" by bringing in fresh faces, they are able to keep on winning without a hitch.

Smaller teams, however, have to go through growing pains in order to be successful. The Saint Louis Billikens are about to find out first-hand what it feels like to go through the rebuilding phase during the 2014-15 season, and possibly beyond.

Over the past three seasons, the Billikens have amassed an impressive 81 - 22 record, never losing more than 8 games in a season over that span. Throughout those three years, Saint Louis won two regular season Atlantic 10 titles (2013, 2014), and one Atlantic 10 tournament title (2013).

They have made it to the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive years, but have never made it past the Round of 32. Their success during the regular season didn't carry over into the tournament games, and now fans may have to wait at least a year for another appearance, if not longer.

The 2013-14 edition of the Billikens was arguably the best team over their three-year streak. Jordair Jett was the 2014 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and he was named to the First Team All-Atlantic 10 team with teammate Dwayne Evans. Jett was also named to the All-Academic Team and All-Defensive Team.

Head coach Jim Crews was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.

Going into the 2014-15 season, the Billikens have big shoes to fill. Saint Louis is losing five of their top six scorers from a season, including their top four point producers. Jordair Jett, Dwayne Evans, Rob Loe, Mike McCall Jr, and Jake Barnett are all gone from last year's roster. 

Jett was the team leader for the Billikens, and he will arguably be missed the most. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He had the ability to do everything well for the Billikens, which will be tough to replace. Losing Evans and Loe hurts the team in terms of size, and Loe had decent shooting range for a big man (30.6% from three point range in '13-14). 

Saint Louis is losing over 70% of their team scoring from a year ago, so the returnees will need to step up in a big way and the newcomers will need to step in and contribute almost immediately if the Billikens want to avoid a losing season.

North Hollywood, CA native Austin McBroom is the top scorer returning from last year's team (7.3 points per game). As a junior, he will be looked upon to help carry the offense, as he finally gets his chance to start on a regular basis. Playing behind Jett and McCall last season limited his minutes, but this year is his chance to shine.

Forwards Grandy Glaze and John Manning also return for their senior seasons. The 6'11'', 250 pound Manning gives the Billikens a big body in the paint, which should open things up for the guards up top. Look for McBroom and Glaze to lead the team in terms of scoring offense.

The x-factor for the team, however, will be the play of Villanova transfer Achraf "Ash" Yacoubou. Yacoubou, who sat out last year due to transferring, averaged 2.9 points per game in 12.0 minutes of court time per game during the 2012-13 season with the Wildcats. He is one of the more underrated transfers in the Atlantic 10 conference, and he could play a significant role for the Billikens going forward.

Despite the four players that have been previously mentioned, the Billikens simply do not have the depth or experience to compete in the tough Atlantic 10 conference, and people are realizing that. The preseason polls for the conference were released on October 14th, and Saint Louis was picked to finish 9th out of 14 teams, which is a far cry from where they have finished over the past three seasons. None of their players were named to any of the preseason All-Conference teams, which is an indication of their lack of experience.

The 2014-15 Billikens roster is composed of six freshmen and five sophomores. To say the team is inexperienced is an understatement. Coach Jim Crews has a tough task ahead of him, but he seems to get the best out of his players. If he can help the young players develop over the course of this year, and possibly next season, then the rebuilding phase for the Billikens may be short-lived.

Billiken fans, be prepared for some bumps and bruises this season. The team has enjoyed some recent success, but as the old saying goes: what goes up, must come down. The Billikens are on their way back down, but hopefully not for long.