2000-01 record: 9-19; 3-13 in Big 12 (12th) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Ellis 14.2 ppg | Rebounds: Ellis 6.2 rpg | Assists: Shropshire 2.1 apg | FG %: Ellis 44.4% | 3pt %: Shropshire 31.7% | FT %: Shropshire 76.2% 00-01 Stats: Texas Tech | Big-12

		Thursday, Nov. 1 There is big-time excitement about the Bob Knight era in Lubbock. Knight ants to instill the will to win, the ability to win and how to win into his players. The Red Raiders have so many new faces, including Knight. The key ill be playing hard and together. They have less talent than other teams in the Big 12, so it will be a slow process. But the players need to buy into Knight's system and understand that he knows what it takes to win.

Outlook
Even Bob Knight probably doesn't have much of a clue what type of team will take the floor in Lubbock, or how well the Red Raiders will fare in the Big 12.

For starters, Knight is the new face in town and just four of the nine players from last season who could have returned actually stuck around to play for the General. That combination seems ripe for a long breaking-in period. But with a non-conference schedule that can't be called brutal, the Red Raiders might have time to get to know each other.

One familiar face is senior center Andy Ellis (14.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), who led the Red Raiders in scoring and minutes played and was second in rebounds last season. Knight went out and got a pair of junior college players, Pawel Storozynski and Kasib Powell, to fill out the front line.

Although the Red Raiders suffered through a 9-19 season a year ago, three guards earned valuable experience by averaging more than 20 minutes per game in conference play. Sophomore Marcus Shropshire (5.3 ppg, 2.1 apg) is in the incumbent at point guard. Junior Will Chavis, a transfer from Panola (Texas) Junior College, is Shropshire's likely backup. Sophomores Mikey Marshall (3.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Andre Emmett (7.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg) should give Knight a working guard rotation.

What we like: Regardless of your personal feelings toward Knight, it is good to see him get back on the bench. And you know the Red Raiders will be a disciplined, tough bunch ... or else. The renewed interest among the fans should give the Red Raiders a boost at home, at least early. Then it will be up to the team to keep the fans coming back.

What we don't like: New coach. New system. Lots of new faces. A tough conference. The pieces just don't appear to be in place for the Red Raiders to make a serious run at upper-division finish or a postseason berth.

The bottom line: The Red Raiders will probably have to win on the strength of their defense. And most Big 12 teams are prepared for aggressive, man-to-man defense. No one expects Knight to lead the Red Raiders to a post-season berth. If he does, even if only to the NIT, it will only enhance his reputation as a coach.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Andy Ellis	Sr.	C	6-11/225	PTS: 14.2 | REB: 6.2 | AST: 0.9
Andre Emmett	So.	G	6-5/205	PTS: 7.7 | REB: 3.6 | AST: 1.0

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Cliff Owens	F	6-8/240	PTS: 12.6 | REB: 7.4 | AST: 0.8
Jamal Brown	G	6-0/185	PTS: 10.7 | REB: 2.6 | AST: 6.2
Jayson Mitchell	F	6-4/195	PTS: 7.8 | REB: 3.9 | AST: 1.4

Texas Tech Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Nick Valdez	G	6-6	Arvada/Northeastern JC (Colo.)
Mickey Michalec	C	6-11	Tulsa/Skiatook (Okla.)
Will Chavis	G	5-11	Carthage-Panola JC (Texas)
Pawel Storozynski	F	6-8	Poland/Dodge City CC (Kan.)
Kasib Powell	F	6-7	El Dorado-Butler County CC (Kan.)