Asked recently if he had ever suffered through two consecutive losing seasons as a coach, Perry Clark thought hard for a moment before begging off the question. "I don't know if I have," said Clark, who did post back-to-back losing years at Tulane in 1997-98 and 1998-99. "I don't even like to think in those terms."

Clark may be forced to do just that this season, thanks to a young, inexperienced team that figures to struggle mightily in the rugged Big East.

Forward Darius Rice, a potential All-American, is back, but virtually everything else about the Hurricanes looms as a major question mark.

Clark could be on the hot seat himself. After leading Miami to its winningest season in school history two years ago, the Hurricanes followed with an 11-17 record last season and an embarrassing first-round exit in the Big East Tournament. Rising fan discontent could lead to pressure on Clark, who has four years left on his contract, if his team doesn't show improvement.

"Certainly, this is a very important season for us to bounce back," Clark said.

FRONTCOURT

Rice, Miami's leading scorer for three straight seasons, considered leaving college for the NBA, but wisely chose to return to Miami for his senior season. It's not overstating the case to say Miami will live and die with him.

At 6-foot-10, Rice is one of the best shooting big men in college basketball. But the rest of his game -- rebounding, ball-handling and low-post offense -- needs work. If Rice could score with his back to the basket, he would be virtually unstoppable.

Center Gary Hamilton, a major surprise as a freshman, has an unmatched work ethic and the physical toughness to mix it up inside. But the rest of his game, particularly on the offensive end, is raw, and he's probably more suited for a backup role.

Clark expects two newcomers, junior college transfer Leonard Harden and heralded recruit Karron Clarke, to step in right away. Harden is a power forward/center combo who did not play basketball last season. He has the size needed for the rigors of Big East play. Clarke, a small forward, is Miami's top recruit since Rice arrived on campus three years ago. His outside shot is suspect, but his ability to get out on the break and finish is not.

BACKCOURT

Three of Miami's top four guards return, although that doesn't mean the situation is settled. Far from it.

Robert Hite, Armondo Surratt and Eric Wilkins started a combined 42 games as freshmen, but none is assured of a starting job. Despite extensive playing time, all struggled offensively and none of the three averaged more than eight points.

The biggest area of concern is at point guard, where Surratt and freshman Guillermo Diaz will battle for the starting job. Surratt struggled greatly at the position, registering only 17 more assists than turnovers while scoring in double figures only seven times.

If Surratt doesn't establish himself quickly, the position could go to Diaz. A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz is a combination guard who should be ready to compete at a high level.

The other guard spot likely will be split between Hite and Wilkins. Hite failed to live up to expectations; he started his freshman season quickly before appearing to lose some confidence and tailing off. Hite has amazing jumping ability but will have to show he can score in ways other than dunks and alley-oops.

Wilkins is a good defensive player who fits neither the classic description of a point nor that of a shooting guard. He could get plenty of action at both positions. Freshman Anthony Harris may also play if he shows he can score.

No matter who starts in the backcourt, Clark says getting better perimeter defense is a must. Last season, the Hurricanes were torched by a procession of Big East guards. Better perimeter offense is also a priority. Only Georgetown (157) and Seton Hall (141) made fewer 3-pointers than Miami (171).

FINAL ANALYSIS

Expectations haven't been so low at Miami since the bad old days of the early 1990s. On paper, the Hurricanes' final season in the Big East before joining the Atlantic Coast Conference figures to be a tough one, especially if the team's newcomers don't pan out in hurry.

They key to any potential success is Rice. If he plays like an All-American, Miami could vie for an NIT berth. Anything less and the Hurricanes will struggle to make it to the Big East Tournament.

After reaching the postseason six straight seasons, Miami could be left out for the second straight year. That's disappointing for a program that seemed destined for better things not long ago.

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