CNNSI.com - 2000-01 Men's NCAA Basketball Preview - CNNSI.com's Houston preview

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Houston Cougars

Big recruit could spell beginning of new era

Last season

9-22, 2-14 C-USA

Coach

Ray McCallum (1st season, 127-76 overall)

Projected starting lineup

G Dominic Smith, 5-10, Jr.
A junior college transfer with outstanding quickness, he appears to be a better option than junior Bernard Smith at PG.

G Chad Hendrick, 6-5, Sr.
Will be called on to step up his perimeter scoring to take the pressure off the talented frontcourt. Averaged 8.5 points last season.

C Alton Ford, 6-9, Fr.
The Cougars’ best recruiting catch in years, the 270-pound Ford should be an immediate dominant presence in the middle

F George Williams, 6-8, So.
Last season, Williams was a marked man inside, although he still averaged 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. Ford’s presence will allow him more freedom.

F Kenny Younger, 6-8, Sr.
Surprise! At the last minute, the NCAA approved another season for Younger (13.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg). He’ll be eligible in December, giving the Cougars a powerful front line.

Top guy off the bench

G Marcus Oliver, 6-3, Jr.
Mediocre in a reserve role a year ago, shooting poorly (.299) and making 34 turnovers to 13 assists.

Key games

vs. Air Force (Nov. 16). If they win, Wake Forest probably awaits in BCA tourney title game.
at Connecticut (Nov. 30). How’s this for a non-conference toughie?
Memphis (Jan. 6). If they can play, this would be a good time to show the home folks.

Outlook

The last minute decision of Ford to enroll and Younger’s bonus season make these guys much improved. Ford was a recruiting coup for the Cougars and could make a huge difference immediately. The problem is scoring. The Cougars lost their top two offensive threats, and return only one player (Williams) who averaged in double figures, so they'll have to get points from the newcomers. They also need to get better at shooting from the perimeter. Houston will be better, but still not as good as the National’s Big Three.

--Stan Olson