2000-01 record: 14-16; 7-9 in Big 12 (7th) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None RETURNING LEADERS Points: Cochran 9.6 ppg | Rebounds: Conklin 2.8 rpg | Assists: Cochran 2.2 apg | FG %: Cochran 46.0% | 3pt %: Cochran 47.3% | FT %: Cochran 87.1% 00-01 Stats: Nebraska | Big 12

		Thursday, Nov. 1 For the Cornhuskers to win, they really have to control the tempo of play. They no longer have Cookie Belcher at the point. Somebody, perhaps junior college transfer Brennon Clemmons, has to step up, handle the ball and find their sharpshooter, Cary Cochran, the lone returning starter.

Outlook
On paper, it appears this could be a long season in Lincoln.

The Cornhuskers, who finished 7-9 in the conference and 14-16 overall, lost four starters who combined for 48.5 points and 23.6 rebounds per game. None of their returning players averaged more than 9.6 points per game and none will challenge for first-team all-conference honors. Yet second-year coach Barry Collier, who brought a dramatically different style and slower pace to Lincoln in his first season, believes this team will be better defensively and will possess a better understanding of the staff wants done on the court.

Collier uses the 3-point shot as an integral part of the offense and senior guard Cary Cochran (9.6 ppg, 47.3-percent 3-point shooting) is the Cornhuskers' best perimeter marksman. In fact, Collier has threatened to yank his senior if he passes up too many open looks. The Cornhuskers need a point guard, though. Senior John Robinson wasn't the answer when given the opportunity last season so look for junior Brennon Clemmons, a transfer from Olney Central (Ill.) Community College, to get the job.

The Cornhuskers likely will be a perimeter oriented team. Sophomore center Brian Conklin is 6-foot-11 and plays better facing the basket, making 23 of 54 3-pointers last season. Only five players on the roster are taller than 6-5 and the team's traditional "big men" are freshmen. Asking freshmen to battle under the basket all season is a bit much.

What we like: During his stay at Butler, Collier got his players to embrace an offensive system that stressed patience and good shot selection. That type of system doesn't promote individual stars but it can irritate opponents who don't like to play defense for more than a few passes at a time.

What we don't like: If the Cornhuskers can display patience on offense and get their 3-pointers to fall, they'll give some teams fits. But who is going to pound the glass when the shots don't fall? And if Clemmons doesn't pan out as the starting point guard, the Cornhuskers could be in trouble.

The bottom line: Nebraska's record improved by three games in Collier's first season. Considering he wasn't working with players he recruited, that is a testament to good coaching. He's got some of his players this year, but the roster still will be a mix of old regime and new staff. Another improvement of three games could get the Cornhuskers into the NIT, but don't bet on it.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Cary Cochran	Sr.	G	6-1/185	PTS: 9.6 | REB: 2.4 | AST: 2.2
Brian Conklin	So.	F/C	6-11/220	PTS: 4.0 | REB: 2.8 | AST: 1.1

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Cookie Belcher	G	6-4/205	PTS: 16.4 | REB: 5.1 | AST: 4.4
Kimani Ffriend	C	6-11/220	PTS: 13.8 | REB: 8.2 | AST: 0.9
Steffon Bradford	F	6-6/240	PTS: 12.8 | REB: 8.1 | AST: 0.8
Rodney Fields	G	6-2/210	PTS: 5.5 | REB: 2.2 | AST: 1.7

Nebraska Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Brennon Clemmons	G	6-2	Indianapolis/Olney Central College
Dan Heimos	C	6-11	Waterloo, Ill./Gibault H.S.
Jake Muhlheisen	G	6-4	Lincoln, Neb./Southeast H.S.
Corey Simms	G	6-5	St. Louis, Mo./Normandy H.S.
John Turek	F/C	6-9	Council Bluffs, Iowa/Abraham Lincoln H.S.