2000-01 record: 16-13; 8-8 in Big East (t3rd in East) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: Lost to Auburn 60-58 in first round of NIT. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Rice 14.0 ppg | Rebounds: Salmons 6.0 rpg | Assists: Salmons 3.7 apg | FG %: Salmons 47.6% | 3pt %: Jones 47.1% | FT %: Jones 81.1% 00-01 Stats: Miami | Big East

		Monday, Oct. 29 The Hurricanes are another possible sleeper, both in the Big East and nationally. They lost only one starter and get 6-foot-9 Elton Tyler back. Miami boasts a big and agile starting five, led by John Salmons (6-7), Darius Rice (6-10), and 6-8 James Jones. Point is where they'll need consistency and the ability to sink a jumper when defenses sag down on size inside.

Outlook
Perry Clark had a lot more success in his new job than the man he replaced, Leonard Hamilton, had in his with the NBA's Washington Wizards.

The Hurricanes went 16-13 overall last season and broke even in the Big East, and should be even better this season with four starters back and a potential upgrade at center, where 6-foot-9 Elton Tyler is back to replace graduated starter Dwayne Wimbley. Two years ago, before missing last season for academic reasons, Tyler averaged 10.1 points and 5.5 rebounds, and had 14 double-doubles. Wimbley wasn't that kind of player for the Hurricanes, which is bad news for the rest of the Big East.

Not that Tyler is the key to this season's team. He's not. The strength is in the middle three positions, where rising star Darius Rice is back at small forward after making the Big East All-Rookie team for averaging 14.1 points and 4.9 rebounds a game. Also back is versatile swing man John Salmons, a 6-7 senior and one of the league's more underrated players. He averaged 13.3 points, six rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals last season. Power forward James Jones returns for his junior season after posting surprisingly strong sophomore numbers (11.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg).

The point guard position has the same two players splitting time, junior Michael Simmons (2.5 ppg) and sophomore Marcus Barnes (7.2 ppg), with Simmons providing the steady hand and Barnes the shooting touch. Freshman Kahleaf Watson might have something to say about the rotation, while another newcomer, 6-9 junior college transfer Rafael Berumen, should be ready to give Tyler and Jones a break when needed.

What we like: The Hurricanes have a lot of good athletes to run Watson's up-tempo style, with the kind of experience that generally translates to a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

What we don't like: You want one guy to take over the point guard spot, but the Hurricanes might have three. That's three different styles, which for some teams would be two too many. Watson might need some early-season games to figure this position out.

The bottom line: The Hurricanes ought to be disappointed with anything less than a spot in the NCAA tournament, and with this kind of balance, experience and depth, could be more than a one-and-done team in March.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
John Salmons	Sr.	F	6-7/200	PTS: 13.3 | REB: 6.0 | AST: 3.7
Darius Rice	So.	F	6-10/205	PTS: 14.0 | REB: 4.8 | AST: 1.0
James Jones	Jr.	F	6-8/211	PTS: 11.9 | REB: 5.5 | AST: 1.2

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Dwayne Wimbley	F	6-9/245	PTS: 7.4 | REB: 4.9 | AST: 1.0

Miami Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Rafael Berumen	F	6-9	Los Angeles City College (Calif.)
Wil Frisby	F	6-8	New York, N.Y./Fresno City College, Calif.
Kahleaf Watson	G	6-2	Dyke, Va./Blue Ridge