2000-01 record: 12-16; 5-13 in Pac-10 (t6th) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Bush 15.9 ppg | Rebounds: Bush 5.2 rpg | Assists: Moore 3.6 apg | FG %: Riley 51.0% | 3pt %: McNair 39.6% | FT %: Moore 75.4% 00-01 Stats: Washington State | Pac-10

		Monday, Nov. 5 The single biggest key for Washington State is the football team. If the gridiron Cougars don't let receiver Mike Bush get injured, then Paul Graham will have a chance. Bush is the Cougars' best hoopster, and he's needed. Washington State is well coached, but will need someone to step in and play inside to be a tough out.

Outlook
Most considered five conference victories last season a surprise, given the lack of inside ability. Five -- and perhaps a few more -- is possible this year.

The strength remains athletic and experienced wings, players like transfer Justin Lyman and senior Mike Bush, the team's leading scorer (15.9 ppg) last season.

Problem is, Bush is also a starting wide receiver for the football team, one that is already guaranteed a bowl game. Bush won't be shooting jumpers until after the team opens conference play. Last season he teamed with point guard Marcus Moore to give the Cougars their best backcourt in years.

"We're getting better as a program," said Washington State coach Paul Graham. "Unfortunately, out best player is out catching passes for now. I just hope the new guys are up to challenge it takes to play in this conference."

The new guys include junior guard transfer Justin Lyman, who averaged 21 points at Blinn (Tex.) College last season.

The 6-foot-6 Moore remains one of the league's best-kept secrets. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a freshman and causes some serious matchup problems. Nick Graham, the coach's son, will likely back up Moore at the point.

One major setback: Framecio Little, a senior forward who played in all but one game last season and averaged 7.0 points and 4.6 rebounds, is academically ineligible.

"He was a big part of our program," said Graham. "I am disappointed."

What we like: Bush -- in shoulder pads or high tops. He played 30 minutes in his first game after returning from football last season and scored a team-high 28 points. "He knows the system," Graham said. "He knows me. He knows what is expected. Mike likes a lot of attention, so I am sure he will be back to play basketball."

What we don't like: Post play. It hasn't been a strength for years and it doesn't appear to be much better now. J Locklier (9.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg) needs to play like a senior and then some, while the loss of Little subtracts a player who started 23 games last season. Milton Riley is a junior power forward with ability, but is slight at a listed 6-9, 197.

The bottom line: Get this: The Cougars -- due to the conference again having a postseason tournament -- must open league play with two games each against USC and UCLA. Non-conference wins will come against the likes of Colorado State and Montana and Prairie View, but this program still lacks the overall skill to compete on most Pac-10 nights.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Mike Bush	Sr.	G	6-6/195	PTS: 15.9 | REB: 5.2 | AST: 1.5
Marcus Moore	So.	G	6-6/182	PTS: 10.4 | REB: 3.6 | AST: 3.6
J Locklier	Sr.	C	6-10/235	PTS: 9.5 | REB: 6.1 | AST: 0.8

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Eddie Miller	F	6-7/232	PTS: 10.1 | REB: 4.3 | AST: 0.4

Washington Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Tom Kelati	G	6-6	Walla Walla, Wash./Walla Walla H.S.
Shaminder Gill	F	6-8	Mission, British Columbia/Philip Pocock H.S.
Pawel Stasiak	F	6-11	Warsaw, Poland/Cloud County (Kan.) CC
Justin Lyman	G	6-6	Missouri City, Texas/Blinn College