TAMPA - The University of South Florida basketball program revolves around three primary goals: Developing players on and off the court, winning and graduating.

This weekend, Coach Stan Heath will watch those three goals come to fruition as all four seniors who took the Bulls to the NIT, the first postseason appearance since 2002, will have earned their bachelor's degree from USF.

Ryan Kardok and Alex Rivas will walk across the stage this weekend to receive degrees in finance and criminology, respectively. Mike Mercer earned his criminology degree last summer and Chris Howard already has a degree in communications and is completing his second degree in criminology.

In Heath's three seasons at USF, nine players have earned 10 degrees, and much of the honor has to be attributed to Myrtice Landers, USF's Academic Enrichment Program (AEP) advisor for men's basketball.

"We have one of the best academic advisors in America in Myrtice Landers," said former Bull Chris Howard. "She makes sure I stay on course for my goals, and she stays on top of her game so I can stay on top of my game."

The AEP is focused on the unique needs and demands of student-athletes at USF and fosters the cultivation of skills that allow for the development of potential in the classroom, on the field and for the future.

"I'm responsible for being sure the guys graduate with their degrees from USF," said Landers. "What we want to establish is a family relationship, which can help provide the guys with success. I also want them to have the life skills that they need to have to be men in this society."

Prior to his time in Tampa, Heath led eight Razorbacks to their degrees in five seasons at Arkansas and five Kent State players graduated in Heath's one season with the team.