2000-01 record: 17-12; 10-6 in Sun Belt Final Ranking: NR Postseason: None RETURNING LEADERS Points: Henderson 18.4 ppg | Rebounds: Meeking 7.5 rpg | Assists: Henderson 2.6 apg | FG %: Meeking 55.3% | 3pt %: Henderson 33.7% | FT %: Henderson 83.8% 00-01 Stats: Louisiana Tech | WAC

		Wednesday, Nov. 7 The Bulldogs' first year in the WAC will be an adjustment for them. They need to improve their 3-point shooting; 33 percent is not good enough to win in this league.

Outlook
Another of the league's new teams, the Bulldogs arrive from the Sun Belt Conference coming off a 17-12 season.

They were 15-2 last year when scoring at least 64 points. A squad deep on guard play -- you could see coach Keith Richard offer four at a time some nights -- Louisiana Tech exhibits more than its share of flair.

Four starters return, led by Gerrod Henderson, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 18.4 points and 5.0 rebounds as a junior. One of the Sun Belt's best last year and a two-time all-league pick, Henderson earned an extra season of eligibility and should now challenge for all-conference honors in the WAC.

"We know this is a new level compared to where we came from," said Richard, 57-29 in three seasons. "But that's part of joining a new conference. I think we we'll represent ourselves well and there is no question being in the WAC and playing teams like Fresno State will help our program's national exposure. With this many returning players, I think we have the opportunity to surprise some people."

Newcomers should also help the transition.

Few recruits have been awaited at Tech more than Wayne Powell, a 6-9, 245-pound freshman forward. Also, junior college transfer Michael Wilder (6-2, 185-pound guard) was ranked among the nation's top 20 JUCOs and made 93 3-pointers last season.

Senior guard Lawrence Williams (Texas) and junior guard Darrian Brown (Mississippi) began their careers at more established programs. An interesting fact: Sophomore guard Daryl Ford is the son of NBA star and former Bulldog Karl Malone.

What we like: The possibility for mismatches. We weren't kidding when we suggested Richard might play four guards at times. Many of the backcourt players are also capable rebounders, led by senior Marcus Cole. Take away the top three WAC teams, and the potential for still finishing in the upper-tier exists for several teams. Louisiana Tech, by attacking with all those guards, could be one.

What we don't like: The post players. Antonio Meeking is a junior forward who led the Bulldogs in rebounding (7.5) last season, and Zach Johnson is a 6-10 junior forward who averaged 7.6 points and 5.3 boards. But there isn't much else up front, at least in terms of proven talent. Being thin in the post might not matter some nights, but it will get you drilled against the league's best.

The bottom line: It's a team with the potential to finish a few spots higher than its predicted sixth place. Mostly, the Bulldogs will feel their way through the conference this first season and likely won't be in position for any post-season berth. But the future -- Tech's incoming recruiting class is said to be the best in school history -- appears bright.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Gerrod Henderson	Jr.	G	6-4/208	PTS: 18.4 | REB: 5.0 | AST: 2.6
Antonio Meeking	Jr.	F	6-8/250	PTS: 14.0 | REB: 7.5 | AST: 1.1
Marco Cole	Sr.	G	6-5/190	PTS: 12.3 | REB: 5.0 | AST: 1.0
Zach Johnson	Jr.	F	6-9/245	PTS: 7.6 | REB: 5.3 | AST: 0.3

Louisiana Tech Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Bruce Edwards	G	6-2	New Orleans/Carver H.S.
Wayne Powell	C	6-9	Alexandria, La./Peabody H.S.
Lavelle Felton	G	6-4	Milwaukee, Wis./Chipola JC
Joe Sykes	C	6-10	Marshalltown JC
Michael Wilder	G	6-2	Decatur, Ill./Chipola JC