2000-01 record: 15-13; 6-8 in MWC (t5th) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None RETURNING LEADERS Points: Greene 7.8 ppg | Rebounds: Greene 5.8 rpg | Assists: Birley 2.7 apg | FG %: Greene 50.9% | 3pt %: Birley 35.7% | FT %: Birley 79.5% 00-01 Stats: Colorado State | MWC

		Sunday, Nov. 4 Colorado State has got to find someone who can score. The Rams lost their four top scorers from last year and they’ve got one starter back (none who averaged double figures). The question mark for the Rams is who scores. They need someone to step-up and become a 15 or 16 point a night guy for them.

Outlook
There aren't this many new faces on the first day of kindergarten.

The Rams have gone from the league's most experienced team to its least with the loss of seven players, including four starters. Second-year coach Dale Layer could face a tough time most nights in a league that has seen its talent base improve top to bottom.

"We have so many new guys, people don't know what to expect from us," said forward Brian Greene, the team's only returning starter. "But I think we'll be better than seventh place."

That is where Layer's team is picked to finish, just ahead of Air Force. If Greene's words are going to ring true, though, CSU needs freshmen recruits like guard Freddy Robinson and forward Matt Williams to contribute immediately.

Andy Birley is the most experienced backcourt player, which tells you a lot considering the junior guard averaged just 5.7 points and 2.7 assists last season. There is promise in junior college transfer Joe Macklin, who will be given the first opportunity at running the point. Jonathan Sanders, who showed some ability as a freshman point, has the potential to be a solid player over time.

"No question, we're a much different group this year," said Layer. 'But the kids are working hard and improving all the time. That's what we have to concentrate on -- get better every day. The wins and losses will take care of themselves. We can't get caught up in all that early, not with as many new players as we have."

What We Like: The potential for inside scoring. CSU needs to have more balance offensively and there is a good chance a combination of Matt Nelson and Quantone Smith could provide some. Nelson is a sophomore forward who redshirted last season and now has 220 pounds on his 7-foot frame. Smith (6-8, 250) is a transfer forward from North Dakota State.

What We Don't Like: The team's roster is greener than its uniforms. Layer did a nice job his initial season, which ended with a 15-13 record and 6-8 mark in conference. But few could take this much inexperience and make an immediate impact. The team's lone senior is forward Matt Brown, who averaged 3.8 points and 2.0 rebounds last year.

The Bottom Line: Rebuilding with a Capital R. "I think being (picked seventh) makes sense," Layer said. "But, hopefully, by the time conference comes around, we'll have continued to get better and a lot of the new guys will have come together. Hopefully, we will become a respected team that can stay in games and win its share over the season." The non-conference schedule -- Montana State, Gardner-Webb, Denver, Morris Brown, should we go on? -- will allow for some success before conference begins.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Andy Birley	Jr.	G	6-4/190	PTS: 5.7 | REB: 1.8 | AST: 2.5
Brian Greene	Jr.	F	6-8/225	PTS: 7.8 | REB: 5.8 | AST: 2.1

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
John Sivesind	G	6-3/200	PTS: 12.6 | REB: 2.3 | AST: 2.2
David Fisher	F	6-10/230	PTS: 11.7 | REB: 3.8 | AST: 1.0
Ron Grady	G	6-4/205	PTS: 11.5 | REB: 5.1 | AST: 1.5

Colorado State Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Darian Burke	F	6-10	Newnan, Ga./Grayson
Angelo Estes	F	6-7	Tulsa, Okla./Washington H.S.
Freddy Robinson	G	6-5	Tulsa, Okla./Central H.S.
Quantone Smith	F	6-8	North Dakota State JC/Minneapolis
Matt Williams	F	6-6	Temple, Texas/Temple H.S.