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Thursday, August 2
Updated: August 3, 1:47 PM ET
Team preview: Rice Owls
ESPN.com
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The lowdown
2000-01 record: 14-16; 5-11 in WAC (8th)
Final Ranking: NR
Postseason: None
Three Questions for 2001-02
1. Who replaces Mike Wilks at the point? Will the lack of experience at that position cascade on the Owls?
2. Can T.J. McKenzie and Shawn Tyndell become a go-to inside-out combination? Will the Owls be tougher to guard in the middle with McKenzie as the key to the offense?
3. Will the Owls get consistent outside scoring?
Andy Katz's Scenarios
Best case: Finishing second behind Fresno State and making a run at the NIT.
Worst case: Ending up at the bottom half of the league and striking out in the postseason.
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Key Players Returning
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Player
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Yr.
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Shawn Tyndell
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Sr.
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G
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6-5/205
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PTS: 10.5 | REB: 3.2 | AST: 1.7
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T.J. McKenzie
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Sr.
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C
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6-11/255
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PTS: 6.1 | REB: 6.4 | AST: 0.6
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Omar-Seli Mance
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Jr.
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G
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6-2/190
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PTS: 4.8 | REB: 3.2 | AST: 2.5
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Key Losses
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Mike Wilks
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G
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5-11/180
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PTS: 20.1 | REB: 4.9 | AST: 3.0
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Erik Cooper
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F
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6-6/215
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PTS: 13.2 | REB: 5.9 | AST: 1.4
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Rice Signings
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht.
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High School/College
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Brock Gillespie
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G
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6-0
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Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville H.S.
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Jason McKrieth
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G
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6-4
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Schenectady, N.Y./Schenectady H.S.
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Michael Harris
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F
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6-6
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Hillsboro, Texas
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