INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2000-01 record: 22-10; 14-34 in WAC (3rd) Postseason: Lost to Villanova 67-64 in second round of NIT. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Meeking 11.2 Rebs: Meeking 6.7 Assists: Felton 4.2 FG: Johnson 63.8% 3pt: Felton 34.9% FT: Louisiana Tech | WAC KEY LOSSES Marco Cole | 11.4 ppg G. Henderson | 17.3 ppg PROJECTED STARTERS G | Lavelle Felton | Senior G | Michael Wilder | Senior G | Darrian Brown | Senior F | An. Meeking | Senior F | Zach Johnson | Senior Player to Watch Antonio Meeking Senior Forward With backcourt points gone, the ball goes through him every trip down court. DATE TO REMEMBER Nov. 19 Game 1 is at Florida. You might as well find out in the opener just how good you can be., right?

 

LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS

Sounds crazy, but the Bulldogs just might end up challenging for a conference title despite the loss of guards Gerrod Henderson and Marco Cole, who combined for 28.7 points per game last year. Why? The frontcourt is loaded with experience, led by senior forward Antonio Meeking (6-8, 245), a preseason all-conference pick who should get more looks this season. Zach Johnson and Joe Sykes, each 6-10, should also benefit from more scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs made a strong impression during their first WAC season, finishing 22-10 overall and 14-4 in conference while advancing to quarterfinals of NIT play. Arguably the league's most athletic team, Louisiana Tech has by far the best chance to overcome Tulsa and Hawaii atop the standings. Head coach Keith Richard will rely on a senior-led team, one that opens its schedule against Florida in the preseason NIT. Meeking and senior guard Lavelle Felton have done a nice job in fall practice replacing the leadership qualities lost with the departures of Henderson and Cole.

TOUGH ENOUGH..............................
The NCAA Tournament berth that Richard's team felt it deserved last season could be produced up front this time. Meeking averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds last year. He's often too quick for opposing forwards to defend and usually too big for guards to check. Johnson, meanwhile, sat among the league leaders last year by shooting 63.8 percent. The Bulldogs, remember, ranked second nationally in rebound margin last year.

TOUGH ENOUGH?..............................
Felton (6-4, 200) ranked third among league players with 135 assists last season, but this is an unsettled backcourt. Felton will be joined by senior Michael Wilder, who was last year's spark off the bench. Another senior, Darrian Brown, will also push for a starting job. The guards aren't expected to score like Henderson and Cole, but they must be competent at both ends for the Bulldogs to compete with the WAC's best.

BOTTOM LINE..............................
It's a good team with the potential to be very good. In four seasons, Richard has compiled a 79-39 record, which ranks fifth all-time at Louisiana Tech for career wins. The Bulldogs made the post-season for the first time since 1991-92 last year, and the present roster suggests another berth of some kind is in order.