SportsLine/Lindy's reports
Nov. 12, 1999

The Tigers, having averaged 20 wins per season the past three years, could reach that plateau again this season with four returning starters led by sharp-shooting Clay McKnight on the perimeter.

Jason Williams' 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game are gone, but if twin redshirt freshmen Andy and Matt Abernathy can step up, veteran coach Bob Thomason could find himself in the postseason for the third time in four years. The Tigers reached the NCAAs in 1996-97 and the NIT in 1997-98.

Only four players return, with 6-5 senior forward Calvin Criddle providing the most promise. Unless Johnson and his staff can pull off a minor miracle, the Wolf Pack figure to settle at the bottom of the East Division.

Keep an eye on

Clay McKnight, the Tigers' top returning scorer and an honorable mention all-Big West pick last season. One of the top 3-point shooters in the nation.

Tigers at a glance

Boise St. Cal Poly SLO Cal State Fullerton UC Irvine UC Santa Barbara Idaho Long Beach St. New Mexico St. Nevada North Texas Pacific Utah St.

Returning starters (4):
Clay McKnight, G, 6-2, 185, Sr. (12.9 ppg, 1.9 apg)
Nathan Davis, G, 6-2, 200, So. (5.6 ppg, 4.1 apg)
Barry Marvel, F, 6-7, 225, Sr. (8.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Tim Johnson, C, 6-10, 265, So. (4.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg)

Returning key reserves:
Mike Preston, C, 6-9, 235, So. (5.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Dan Masters, F, 6-7, 215, So. (2.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg)

Newcomers to watch:
Peter Heizer, G, 6-4, 190
Andy Abernathy, F, 6-7, 205
Matt Abernathy, F, 6-7, 220

Starters lost (1):
Jason Williams, F, 6-7, 225 (17.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg)
Scott Thomason, G, 5-8, 155 (8.5 ppg, 3.7 apg)

Schedule