SportsLine.com/Lindy's Basketball
2000 Season Preview
Nov. 6, 2000
The second Clyde Drexler era at Houston ended suddenly after only two years. Now it's up to a less-recognizable figure, former Ball State coach Ray McCallum, to lead the Cougars out of the Conference USA basement.
When Drexler was hired in 1998, most fans figured the former NBA great and Phi Slamma Jamma alum would lead the Cougars back to glory. But Drexler's coaching career quickly fizzled -- he was 19-39 in two years, including an 11-game losing streak near the end of last season. He announced his retirement in March, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
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Coach: Ray McCallum -- At Houston: first year; Overall: 127-76, seven years 1999-2000 Record: 9-22 Overall; 2-14 Conference USA (6th/National Division) Last NCAA Appearance: 1992 (first round) |
After athletic director Chet Gladchuk recovered from the shock of losing Drexler, he brought in McCallum, whom he called a "documented winner."
McCallum was 127-76 over seven winning seasons at Ball State, twice taking the Cardinals to the NCAA Tournament. He averaged more than 18 victories a season and posted an 84-15 (.848) mark in home games.
McCallum may have more to work with than Drexler did. Not only does Houston return sophomore forward George Williams, who started 29 games and played more minutes (35.5 per game) than any other Cougar, but UH adds two key newcomers that Drexler signed last November.
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American Division 1. DePaul 2. Cincinnati 3. UNC-Charlotte 4. Marquette 5. Saint Louis 6. Louisville National Division 1. Memphis 2. South Florida 3. Southern Miss 4. UAB 5. Houston 6. Tulane |
Freshman 6-10 center Alton Ford, a local star, McDonald's All-American and the Texas player of the year last season, is the big man Drexler had been waiting for. Ford has his eye on the NBA and isn't expected to stick around for long, but Houston fans are grateful he'll be gracing them with his presence, even briefly.
The Cougars will miss guard Gee Gervin, a two-time All-Conference USA first-team selection. Shoring up the backcourt will be returning starters Chad Hendrick and Bernard Smith, who combined for 12.1 points a game last season.
Honors candidates
Sophomore forward George Williams and freshman center Alton Ford. Williams was trumpeted when he arrived at Houston, but surpassed even those expectations, averaging 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. Ford considered going straight to the NBA but will stick with his commitment.
Keep an eye on
The eligibility status of forward Kenny Younger, who is waiting to hear from the NCAA whether he can play another season. Last season he averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Key players
(*Returning starter; 1999-2000 avg.)
- F George Williams* 6-8, 215, So. - Averaged 35.5 minutes a game (14.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg)
- F Patrick Okafor 6-8, 230, Jr. - One of nation's highest-rated juco power forwards
- C Alton Ford 6-10, 260, Fr. - Big things expected from McDonald's All-American
- G/F Chad Hendrick* 6-5, 210, Sr. - Started 10 of 31 games (8.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
- G Marcus Oliver 6-3, 180, So. - Top returning FT shooter (73.6 percent)
- G Bernard Smith* 6-3, 180, Jr. - Top returning assist-maker (2.3 per game) (3.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
- F Jake Ballis 6-8, 230, Jr. - Occasional starter and role player
- F Kenny Younger 6-9, 215, Sr. - Inside stalwart last season (13.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg)
Key losses
- Gee Gervin, G, 6-2, 165 (18.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and -- if he is declared ineligible -- younger.
Lindy's College Basketball Annual is available at newsstands, or can be ordered at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.
Schedule