2000-01 record: 23-9; 10-6 in WAC (t2nd) Final Ranking: NR Postseason: Lost to Memphis 90-65 in second round of NIT. RETURNING LEADERS Points: Costello 14.2 ppg | Rebounds: Stewart 6.7 rpg | Assists: Costello 4.6 apg | FG %: Stewart 58.3% | 3pt %: Enzweiler 43.9% | FT %: Costello 71.4% 00-01 Stats: UTEP | WAC

		Wednesday, Nov. 7 The Miners lost perhaps the best player in the league, Brandon Wolfram, their leading scorer and rebounder (22.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg). They still have some scoring back, but they were out-rebounded in league play last season by three per game. The problem is this: A team that needs to get better at rebounding also has to replace its leading rebounder from last season.

Outlook
The Miners might be able to replace all-everything Brandon Wolfram and still challenge Fresno State and Hawaii atop the league standings. The reason: Point guard Eugene Costello is back in good standing.

The senior was suspended over the summer for breaking team rules, but has returned and is good enough (along with three other returning starters) to keep UTEP in the race. The Miners were 15-1 last year when Costello had fewer than two turnovers and 12-3 when he shot at least 45 percent.

Wolfram? All he did was earn all-conference honors by averaging 21.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.

"We're not going to replace Brandon," UTEP coach Jason Rabedeaux said. "He was the glue to this team. He is the kind of player a coach gets every five or 10 years. But our goal is still going to be making the NCAA Tournament. That won't change, no matter who we have coming back in a given season."

Returning starters up front in Brian Stewart and Roy Smallwood -- who combined for 22.3 points per game last season -- are threats when teams try and limit Costello. Both, however, need to be more consistent now that Wolfram is gone.

Chris Neal is a senior shooting guard whose 7.3 scoring average and defensive lapses must improve, while senior Victor Luces adds a fairly reliable jumper.

UTEP will again push tempo and be one of the WAC's more exciting teams to watch. There are few conference teams with this much energy on a nightly basis.

What we like: Brian Stewart in the middle. The senior center (6-foot-10, 250 pounds) played well down the stretch last season (he had double-doubles in six of the final 14 games) and finished with averages of 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds. He is the league's second best center next to Fresno State's Melvin Ely, and UTEP's No. 1 inside option in the post-Wolfram days.

What we don't like: The supporting cast of guards. Costello is a fine player, one who can create for himself and others, one whose play on a given night could mean the difference between winning and losing. But those around him -- Neal, Luces, freshman Nick Martin -- have not yet proven strong enough players to concern top-tier opponents.

The bottom line: UTEP won 23 games last season and tied for second in conference, losing to Memphis in the NIT. Another such run is possible but certainly not automatic. Wolfram was an outstanding player, and UTEP needs the same kind of efforts from Costello and Sewart if the Miners intend on making the post-season.

Key Players Returning
Player	Yr.	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Eugene Costello	Sr.	G	5-10/165	PTS: 14.2 | REB: 3.9 | AST: 4.6
Brian Stewart	Sr.	F	6-10/250	PTS: 11.8 | REB: 6.7 | AST: 0.8
Roy Smallwood	Jr.	F	6-6/210	PTS: 10.5 | REB: 6.1 | AST: 2.0
Chris Neal	Sr.	G	6-2/175	PTS: 7.3 | REB: 2.1 | AST: 2.6
Leonard Owens	Sr.	F	6-6/190	PTS: 5.9 | REB: 4.2 | AST: 3.2

Key Losses
Player	Pos.	Ht./Wt.	Comment
Brandon Wolfram	F	6-9/240	PTS: 22.3 | REB: 7.6 | AST: 0.9

UTEP Signings
Player	Pos.	Ht.	High School/College
Joe Devance	F	6-7	El Paso, Texas/Burges H.S.
Alex Anthis	G	6-3	Athens, Greece/4th High School of Alimos
Brandon Clausen	G	6-6	Mesa. Ariz./Highland H.S.
Luke Martin	G	5-11	Concord/St. John's Prep
Justino Victoriano	F	6-9	Western Nebbraska JC