The Florida Gators return to the hardcourt tonight for the 2014-2015 basketball season, hoping to continue the streak of success it had from last season’s Final Four team.

The Gators will start the season by facing William & Mary at 6 p.m. at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Members of the Colonial Athletic Association, the Tribe are replacing three starters this season and shouldn’t pose a significant challenge to the preseason No. 7 Florida Gators.

Two Gators, Dorian Finney-Smith and Michael Frazier, were named to the 2014 Preseason All SEC team, and the Gators have plenty of new talent to rotate in as head coach Billy Donovan works to build another championship-caliber team.

Donovan has emphasized the need for improvements on defense early in the season. Last year’s Gator team allowed only 57.8 points a game. This year, the Gators are replacing senior leadership with talented offensive players, making the defense likely to suffer. Donovan has said that defensive improvement is the first step for the Gators.

Here’s a preseason review of the roster for this year’s Gator basketball squad:

The Starters:

Michael Frazier II

Mar 27, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Michael Frazier II (20) and Kasey Hill (0) celebrate after defeating the UCLA Bruins 79-68 in the semifinals of the south regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The only returning starter, Frazier is in position to be the star of this Gator team. His shooting abilities are the best on the team and he is a three-point shooting machine. Last season against South Carolina, Frazier nailed 11 three pointers, setting the school record. He also set the Gator season record with 118 three pointers. But he can have off games too, as defenses will key on him, and as Frazier goes, so could the Gators.

Dorian Finney-Smith

You know him as “Doe-Doe,” forward Finney-Smith is coming off a season as the SEC Sixth Man of the Year. He’s a starter now and expected to provide a versatile set of skills to this Gator team, including grabbing rebounds and put back scoring opportunities. But he’s not a great shooter and will need to show improvement there.

Jon Horford

The transfer senior center from Michigan will have to carry the load early for the Gators as their big man inside. The brother of former player Al Horford, he will be expected to grab rebounds, set screens and do the dirty work. Plus, he’s a veteran of the college game and will provide the leadership the team will need. He may also provide offense from behind the three point line, as yet another big man shooter that Donovan is known for developing.

Kasey Hill

For the Gators offense to get into swing, sophomore Kasey Hill will have to grow into his role as the team’s point guard. The 2013 McDonald’s All American spent last season learning under the senior leadership of Scottie Wilbekin. Now Hill will have to do it himself and offensively lead a Gator team that will be in need of cohesion early. He likes to pass the ball and had a solid 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last year. Hill had a solid performance in last season’s Sweet 16 win over UCLA and if he can pick up where he left off, the Gators offense should get better as the season moves forward.

Eli Carter

Nov 8, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Eli Carter (1) drives to the basket against the North Florida Ospreys during the first half at Stephen C. O

This guard who transfer from Rutgers two years ago is a proven scorer and will be expected to make an impact early for the Gators, especially on offense. The fourth-year junior got a medical redshirt last year to finish recuperating from a broken leg. He appears healed and has to be ready to get on the court.

Key Reserves:

Chris Walker

He may be potentially the best weapon the Gators will put on the floor this year. The sophomore forward is a five-star recruit and will declare for the NBA draft after the season. Walker will miss tonight’s game and two others — including Miami — for a violation of team rules, but his return should stabilize a Gator unit that will need some power up front. He’s a great shot blocker, can attack the glass and run the half-court, though his defensive skills may need some refining.

Devin Robinson

The 6-8 freshman forward is a five-star prospect who has shown an ability to score. He’s got a good eye from three-point range and is expected to get significant playing time early. But will be needed to contribute more on defense and learn how to play in Donovan’s system.

Others to Watch:

Dillon Graham is a redshirt sophomore who was injured last season and after some inconsistent shooting performances, he’ll need to show improved shooting to see significant playing time. Freshman Chris Chiozza will be the backup point guard who see playing time and be expected to set up his teammates for scores.