Texas Tech lost all-time leading scorer Andre Emmett to the NBA, but putting points on the board shouldn't be too much of a problem for the Red Raiders. It's Emmett's leadership -- and willingness to take the big shot -- that will be most difficult to replace.

Another area of concern for the Raiders will be rebounding. They ranked 10th in the Big 12 last year, and the 6-foot-5 Emmett was the team's top rebounder.

Depth also will be an issue, so fourth-year coach Bobby Knight might be forced to give significant minutes to at least two of his incoming freshmen.

FRONTCOURT

Knight raved about freshman Darryl Dora throughout the 2003-04 season, and the 6-9 post player recorded the first double-double of his career in Tech's opening-round victory over Charlotte in the NCAA tournament. Dora provides Tech with more of a threat from the outside than departed center Robert Tomaszek.

Tech loses some athleticism up front due to Mookie Works' decision to transfer, but John Ofoegbu, who redshirted last year, will provide some added bulk to the frontcourt. Tech particularly needs a strong contribution from Ofoegbu on the offensive glass.

"John's pretty strong, and he plays hard," guard Ronald Ross said. "He means a lot to this team. I think more people should have higher expectations for him because he's going to be good."

BACKCOURT

Ross was one of three Red Raiders to average in double figures (10.1 ppg), but he struggled with his consistency. He scored at least 10 points in 18 games and more than 20 points in five games but failed to score a point in four games. "I don't want to focus just on scoring," he said. "I want to make sure I'm more consistent. And, I want to get more assists."

Perhaps more important than Ross' scoring will be his leadership. "I definitely need to step up and make sure I bring leadership to the team," said Ross, who played on an NIT All-Star team in July that toured China. "I know what goes on here due to experience, so I've got to pass that on to the players and help them out when I can."

Jackson started 32 of 34 games in his first collegiate season and was second on the team in scoring (11.3), second in assists (2.6) and first in steals (62). Jackson is more of a scorer than a shooter; he hit just 31.6 from 3-point range and 40.7 percent overall. His assist-to-turnover ratio was solid (2.3-to-1), but Knight said throughout the season that Jackson should have more assists for as much as he handles the ball.

LucQuente White and Drew Coffman should get ample minutes off the bench. White is an outstanding defensive player, while Coffman is an excellent shooter.

Curtis Marshall played sparingly last year after transferring to Tech from the New Mexico Military Institute. The 6-5 swingman is a capable outside shooter. Freshman Martin Zeno could also see time on the wing. He is an outstanding athlete who excelled in the triple jump and long jump in high school.

FINAL ANALYSIS

But Knight hasn't won a conference title since the '92-93 season and hasn't advanced past the second round of the NCAA tournament since '94. And while this figures to be another solid Red Raider club, a deep NCAA tournament run is unlikely. In fact, the NIT would seem to be a more likely destination for the Red Raiders this season.

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