INSIDE THE NUMBERS

2000-01 record: 13-15; 6-10 in Big 12 (Tied/7th) Postseason: None. Last appearance in NCAA Tournament was in 1998. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Muhleisen 11.7 Rebs: Turek 6.2 Assists: Muhleisen 3.8 FG: Muhleisen 41.2% 3pt: Conklin 43.3% FT: Conklin 85.2% 01-02 Stats: Nebraska | Big 12 KEY LOSSES Cary Cochran | 14.0 ppg John Robinson | 10.6 ppg PROJECTED STARTERS F | Brian Conklin | Junior F | Andrew Drevo | Junior C | John Turek | Soph G | Jake Mulheisen | Soph G | Nate Johnson | Junior Player to Watch Nate Johnson Junior Guard JUCO star averaged 27 points a game, including 48 in Division II national semifinal game. Making all-conference team isn't out of question. DATE TO REMEMBER Dec. 21 Usually a trip from a Missouri Valley school doesn't create a lot of interest in the Big 12. But when Creighton cruises down the Interstate to Lincoln, it's a game that will determine the best team in the state. A victory here would show how improved the Huskers are.

 

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

The Cornhuskers were scrappy a year ago when they won six conference games. But Barry Collier's team simply didn't have much margin for error. Nebraska was ninth in the conference in scoring, last in rebounding and last in assists. If the Huskers made their three-pointers they had a chance to win games. While the Huskers weren't the most talented group, Collier, the former Butler coach, got a lot out of his team. The talent level, however, should be better this year. Point guard Nate Johnson was the Division II junior college player of the year last season, Andrew Drevo is eligible this season after transferring from Division II Morningside College and freshman Wes Wilkenson was Nebraska's Mr. Basketball. Drevo has a chance to surprise a lot of people. The 6-8 forward has good range from the perimeter and he gives the Huskers another 3-point threat. Nebraska's size is also better than in the past as the Huskers have seven players 6-8 or taller.

TOUGH ENOUGH..............................
The Nebraska backcourt of Johnson and Jake Mulheisen should help the Cornhuskers offense improve. Johnson, the Big 12's preseason newcomer of the year, is immediately one of the better guards in the conference. His offensive ability should give Mulheisen more room to operate this season.

TOUGH ENOUGH?..............................
While the Huskers have more size this year, they still have to improve their rebounding. Simply put, it's pretty difficult to win games in the Big 12 when you're last in the conference in rebounding. Not only does Nebraska have to get more offensive chances, but it needs to eliminate the offensive rebounds of opponents.

BOTTOM LINE..............................
Nebraska has upgraded its talent level and Collier is one of the game's good young coaches, but is that enough? The Cornhuskers will likely be improved, but in a league where nearly every team can say that it's difficult to tell if that will translate into more victories? An NCAA tournament run might be difficult, but an NIT trip is realistic.