Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 1988)
Coaches hope Big Eight earns respect By Mike Kluck Staff Reporter Although last year’s stellar season will be difficult to match, Big Eight basketball coaches hope the confer ence can gain some more respect this year. Last year, the Big Eight had both teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship game and had five players picked in the first round of the National Basket ball Association draft. And the conference coaches hope to back up that year with a solid performance this season. “Last year, we had such a great representation in the NCAA tourna ment,” Kansas State coach Lon Kruger said. “If we can come any where close to matching that this year, I think we can finally get over the hump and people will give the Big Eight respect.” Kansas Slate made it to the semifi nals of the NCAA tournament before losing to Big Eight rival and eventual champion Kansas 71-58. The Jay hawks also defeated Oklahoma 73-69 to win the championship. Iowa State and Missouri qualified for the NCAA tournament, but lost in opening rounds. Oklahoma — The Sooners are right where coach Billy Tubbs wants them to be, at the No. 1 spot. Tubbs who was the Big Eight coach of the year has two starters returning, sec ond team all-Big Eight players Stacey King and Mookie Blaylock. King has been voted the preseason Big Eight player-of-the-year. Missouri — Derrick Chicvous, the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer and first team all-Big Eight selection, has departed. But Missouri has four start ers returning: Nathan Bunlin, Mike Sandbothe, Lee Coward and Byron Irvin. Kansas State — Kruger said he was surprised that the Wildcats arc picked to finish third in the confer ence. He said after Oklahoma and Missouri, the conference race is w ide open. Kansas State has one starter, second team all-Big Eight selection Steve Henson, returning from its team which finished 25-9,11 -3 and second in the conference and made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tourna ment before losing to Kansas. The Wildcats have lost All-Big Eight se lection Mitch Richmond, Charles Bledsoe, William Scott and Ron Meyer, who have all used up their eligibility. Oklahoma Slate — The Cowboys sport 10 new players this season, but return three starters, including Rich ard Dumas, a second-team all-Big Eight selection last year. Dumas also made this season’s preseason all-Big Eight team. The Cowboys are looking to im prove on their 14-16 record and 4-10 sixth place conference finish. Cow boy freshmen Thomas Jordan, Johnny Pittman and Byron Houston all received votes for conference newcomer of the year. Kansas — First-year coach Roy Williams said he has checked to make sure Danny Manning, last season’s Big Eight player-of-thc-year, has used up his eligibility. Much to Williams’ chagrin, Man ninghad. Here’s why Williams would like to liave Manning back — he led the Jayhawks to a 27-11 record, 9-5 conference record (third place) and a national title. The Jayhawks return throe starters: Kevin Pritchard, Milt Newton and ■— Jeff Gueldner. Iowa Slate — Coach Johnny Orr said for Iowa State to be successful, senior Elmer Robinson will have to have his best year. Robinson and Terry Woods are the Cyclones two reluming starters from last season’s 20-12 team, which finished fifth in the conference at 6-8. Iowa State loses first team all-Big Eight Jeff Grayer, Gary Thompkins and Lafester Rhodes, a conference honorable mention selection last year. Nebraska — Oklahoma State coach Leonard Hamilton said Ne braska will be the “sleeper” team of the conference this season. The Husk ers lost three starters from last year’s team that 13-18 and tied for sixth in the conference with a 4-10 record. Colorado — The Buffaloes lose Scott Wilke, a second team all-Big Eight center, and Michael Lee. who have used up their eligibility. Tor rance Chapman and Kenny Nash will sit out this season because of “admin istrative suspension.” -----1 Husker Heaven wishes the Huskers the best of Luck during their ‘88-‘89 basketball season Daily Nebraskan Editor Curt Wagner Supplements Editor MSkc Reilley Advertising Manager Bob Bates Production Manager K Itty Polick v General Manager Dan Shattll Cover photo: Nebraska’s Pete Man ning (right) stretches for a rebound against Oklahoma’s Dave Sieger and Terrence Mullins last season. Photo by Doug Carroll. Due to the size of the basketball supplement, many stories were un able to be published. They will appear in the regular editions of the Daily Nebraskan. I Ford Probe 1989 “GL” I 2 dr Hatchback. Equipped not stripped 5 in stock i I MAIN COURSE, All This For (My I l DESSERT ft BEVEBASE (/QC I n 2-1/4 li>. Hamburgers Grilled to Order X >? 2- Orders of Our Famous French Fries jr 2- Soft Drinks (Free RefWs) 2-Brownies for Dessert Sjr Expires 12/1/881 ^Present Coupon k> Ccahlet When Ordering J| 6100 “P" St — Gateway_| All You Can Eat Mexican Buffet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Night (5PM-9PM) Steak Fajitas • Tacos • Cheese Enchiladas A—— 7\ Soft Tacos • Taqultos • Tostadas • Refrltos / Y~ l~\ Burrltos • Spanish Rice Tr~— a WKh All The Trimmings... ips£523E*!53is. Guacamoie, Real Sour Cream, Cheese, etc. |jii i iwid