Nebraska Sports Information • 116 S. Stadium • Lincoln, NE 68588 • Office phone: (402) 472-7779 • Fax: (402) 472-2005 Basketball SID: Jerry Trickie • E-mail: [email protected] • Cell phone: (402) 540-0269 Game 3 vs. UAB Huskers Set for First Road Test The Nebraska men's basketball team faces its first big test of the season when it hits the road for a matchup Release date: Nov. 30, 2004 with UAB in Birmingham on Thursday, Dec. 2. The game against the Blazers will tip off at 8:35 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN2, marking the first of at The Matchup Who: Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0) least 18 televised regular-season contests for the Huskers in 2004-05. Dave Revsine will handle play-by-play at UAB Blazers (2-0) and Doug Gottlieb will provide color analysis. Husker fans can also listen to the game on the Pinnacle Sports When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 8:35 p.m. (CST) Network and Huskers.com with Randy Lee (play-by-play) Where: Bartow Arena (8,500) and Matt Davison (color) calling all the action. Possible Lineups Radio: Pinnacle Sports Network Nebraska hits the court looking to extend its season- 2004-05 Randy Lee, play-by-play Nebraska Yr. Ht. Wt. Pts. Reb. opening streak to three straight wins when it renews Matt Davison, color G Marcus Neal Jr. Sr. 6-0 180 15.5 4.0 TV: ESPN2 the series with UAB. G Jason Dourisseau Jr. 6-6 195 17.5 10.5 The Huskers and Blazers last met in 1979 in what Dave Revsine, play-by-play G Jake Muhleisen Sr. 6-4 200 4.5 2.0* Doug Gotlieb, color analyst is still NU's longest game in program history. Nebraska G Corey Simms Sr. 6-5 205 4.0 4.5 Internet: Huskers.com (live radio) pulled out a 92-84 victory in four overtimes to forge a F John Turek Sr. 6-9 245 9.0 7.5 Series: NU leads 2-0 (last meeting 1979) 2-0 series lead over Alabama-Birmingham in 1979. In Coaches: NU – Barry Collier (254-195) the first matchup between the teams, the Huskers gained 2004-05 UAB – Mike Anderson (45-23) a 64-55 road victory in UAB's first-ever game at the UAB Yr. Ht. Wt. Pts. Reb. G Carldell Johnson Jr. 5-10 180 4.0 6.0* Division I level in the 1978-79 season opener. 2004-05 Nebraska Schedule G Donell Taylor Sr. 6-6 180 17.5 6.5 Date Opponent Time/Result Along with the 2-0 record over the Blazers, Nebraska G Ronell Taylor Sr. 6-5 180 10.0 3.0 Nov. 8 Monterrey Tech (exh.) W, 89-48 owns a 15-23 record against Conference USA teams and F Marques Lewis Sr. 6-8 285 5.0 6.0 Nov. 13 Nebraska-Kearney (exh.) W, 84-71 is 2-2 against teams from Alabama. NU is 0-2 against F Demario Eddins Jr. 6-7 190 11.0 4.0 Nov. 23 Arkansas-Pine Bluff W, 97-40 the Crimson Tide. *assists Nov. 27 Texas Southern W, 78-58 When the Huskers and Blazers square off, Nebraska Dec. 2 at UAB (ESPN2) 8:35 p.m. will be looking for its third victory in its last four non-conference road games. Nebraska went 2-2 on the road Dec. 6 Morgan State 7:05 p.m. against non-conference teams last year, including wins at Minnesota and Creighton. NU's last road game Dec. 8 Minnesota (ESPN2) 8 p.m. came in the second round of the 2004 NIT, when it lost by a point, 84-83, at Hawaii. The Huskers trailed by Dec. 11 Creighton (FSNMW) 1:05 p.m. Dec. 18 North Carolina A&T 7:05 p.m. 17 at intermission against the Rainbow Warriors, but cruised back within a point in the first four minutes of Dec. 21 at Marquette (FSNMW) 8 p.m. the second half. Dec. 30 at Tennessee (FSNMW) 6 p.m. Jan. 2 Montana State (FSNMW) 1:05 p.m. Meeting the UAB Blazers Jan. 8 Kansas State 7:05 p.m. Alabama-Birmingham kicked off the season last Saturday with 79-55 victory over Virginia Commonwealth. Jan. 12 at Colorado (FSNMW) 8 p.m. UAB received a strong performance from Donell Taylor, who poured in a game-high 20 points with five rebounds, Jan. 15 Texas (ERT) 12:30 p.m. five assists and three steals in 24 minutes. Jan. 19 at Kansas (FSNMW) 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Missouri (ERT) 12:30 p.m. Team Comparison The Blazers improved to 2-0 with a 66-54 win Jan. 26 Texas A&M (FSNMW) 7:05 p.m. UAB (2-0) NU (2-0) over Louisiana Tech on Monday. Jan. 29 at Texas Tech (ERT) 12:30 p.m. 72.5 Points per game 87.5 Taylor came back with 15 points, eight rebounds, Feb. 1 Utah Valley State 7:05 p.m. +18.0 Scoring margin +38.5 seven steals and five assists as UAB turned around a Feb. 5 Kansas (ESPN) 11 a.m. 41.7 Field goal percentage 48.8 three-point halftime deficit with a 24-7 run to open Feb. 8 Iowa State (FSNMW) 7:05 p.m. the second half. UAB shot 38 percent from the field, Feb. 12 at Baylor (FSNMW) 7 p.m. 35.1 3-pt. field goal percentage 31.0 Feb. 16 at Oklahoma 7 p.m. 6.5 3-pt. field goal made per game 6.5 including 11-of-27 from three-point range. Demario Eddins, UAB's top returning scorer (10.1 ppg) and Feb. 19 Missouri 8:05 p.m. 65.3 Free throw percentage 70.2 Feb. 22 Oklahoma State 7:05 p.m. 36.0 Rebounds per game 52.5 rebounder (4.7 rpg) from last season, added six Feb. 27 at Iowa State (ERT) 1 p.m. -5.5 Rebound margin +26.5 points against Louisiana Tech, after gaining 16 March 2 Colorado (FSNMW) 7:05 p.m. 16.5 Assists per game 12.5 points in the opener. March 5 at Kansas State (ERT) 12:30 p.m. 15.0 Turnovers per game 16.0 The Blazers are coached by Mike Anderson (Tulsa, March 10-13 Big 12 Tournament (ERT) TBA 1982).1982). AAndersonnderson hhasas lleded tthehe BBlazerslazers ttoo a 445-235-23 rrecordecord 15.0 Steals per game 13.0 All times are Central and subject to change. 2.5 Blocks per game 4.5 in his third season as head coach. He helped UAB to ERT -- ESPN Regional Television, FSNMW -- FSN Midwest the championship game of the CUSA Tournament as the league's No. 9 seed, and to a Sweet 16 berth in For tickets, contact the Nebraska Athletic the NCAA Tournament last year while going 22-10. UAB knocked off Washington in the first round then took Ticket Office at 800-8BIGRED down No. 1 seed Kentucky in the second round before falling to Big 12 foe Kansas. or check on-line at Huskers.com 1 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

*Times are subject to change. Contact NU Basketball SID Jerry Trickie at 402-540-0269 for specific practice details.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Nov. 29 Nov. 30 Dec. 1 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 4 Dec. 5

Practice Practice Practice Game vs. UAB Off Practice Practice 2:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to TBA 8:35 p.m. Noon to 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Travel to Birmingham ESPN2 Devaney Center* to 7:30 p.m. Devaney Center* Devaney Center* 6 p.m. Devaney Center*

Head Coach Barry Collier The Series History Coach Barry Collier is in his fifth season in charge of Nebraska and UAB had a short but lively two-game series in the late 1970s. The Huskers won both contests the Husker basketball program and his 16th season as for a 2-0 series lead. a head basketball coach. NU was UAB's first opponent in 1978-79, the first year the Blazers competed at the Division I level. The Entering 2004-05, the Huskers won the first game 64-55 in Birmingham on Nov. 24, 1978. Nebraska had a balanced attack as Bob Huskers are looking to continue the momentum Moore led the way for the Huskers with 12 points while Curt Hedberg, Carl McPipe and Brian Banks each built within the program added 10 points. last year, when Collier The following year, UAB returned the game in Lincoln. The result was an amazing four-overtime affair that led Nebraska to its first still ranks as the longest game in Nebraska history. The Huskers pulled out a 92-84 victory as Andre Smith postseason berth in had 33 points and 13 rebounds while Jack Moore posted 26 points. Despite the contest lasting 100 minutes, five seasons. NU took neither team had a player with more than four fouls when the game ended. advantage of the bid, as it went 2-1 in the National Invitation Tournament. Nebraska-UAB Gametime Change; NU-Minnesota Game Set for 8 p.m. The success in 2003-04 came through hard Tip off for the Nebraska-UAB game in Birmingham on Dec. 2 has been moved back to 8:35 p.m. from its work, as the Huskers ranked among the top teams originally scheduled 8 p.m. start time. The game will be carried by ESPN2 and will be the second game of a in the nation in team defense and three-point field- double-header on the network, along with a Duke at Tennessee women's matchup. goal percentage. NU led the league in three-point The Huskers then make their second appearance on the network next week against the Minnesota Golden percentage and set a school record by hitting 38.9 Gophers on Wednesday, Dec. 8. The game will tip off at its originally schedule 8 p.m. CST start (not 8:35 percent as a team. p.m. as released earlier this week). The NIT appearance last year marked Coach Collier's seventh postseason bid in 15 years as a head coach. He has taken his team to the NCAA Tournament Nebraska's Last Time Out three times and to the NIT on four occasions. Lincoln -- Nebraska turned it up a notch on defense to hold off a pesky Texas Southern squad, as the Collier was named the 25th head coach in Nebraska Huskers earned a 78-58 victory over the Tigers Saturday in front of 7,204 fans at the Devaney Center. history on April 5, 2000. During his first three years, he TSU stayed in the game by hitting from the outside when it mattered most. The Tigers connected on nine helped the Huskers set team records for three-pointers attempts from three-point range, including treys by Mike Sneed and Justin Wilson in an 8-0 run early in the made, three-point field-goal percentage defense and second half to pull within eight points, 46-38. Wilson and Sean Walker then connected on three three-pointers fewest single-game turnovers, among others. to start an 11-2 run to close within 58-51 with 8:24 to play in the game. Collier came to Nebraska after spending 11 years as head coach at Butler. The Bulldogs had a 196-132 Nebraska answered with a 12-3 run to put the game away for good. Freshman Aleks Maric started the record during his tenure. Collier coached his alma run with a pair of free throws before Corey Simms added a jumper and John Turek added a free throw. Joe mater to five 20-win seasons and the Bulldogs reached McCray added a rebound and an acrobatic layup to make it 65-54 in favor of the Huskers. the NCAA Tournament in 1997, 1998 and 2000. Butler Following a Turek layup, McCray then added a three-pointer to move NU’s lead back to 16, 70-54, with also reached the National Invitation Tournament three 3:46 to play. The Huskers finished the game on an 20-7 run and McCray ended the contest with 11 points, his times under Collier and won two MCC regular-season second straight double-figure scoring effort to open his career. Turek had 10 points and eight rebounds. titles under Collier (1997 and 2000). Nebraska hit 42.1 percent from the floor and 71.9 percent from the charity stripe in the contest. The Huskers Collier Year-by-Year held TSU in check as the Tigers connected on just 32.8 percent from the field. Wilson scored a game-high At Butler 26 points for the Tigers, but hit just 9-of-23 from the floor, including 5-of-13 from three-point range. Walker Season Overall MCC Postseason added 15 points and a team-high six rebounds. 1989-90 6-22 2-12 1990-91 18-11 10-4 NIT The Huskers earned a dominating 50-33 advantage on the glass, including a 31-17 lead in the second 1991-92 21-10 7-3 NIT frame. It was the second straight 50-rebound game for the Huskers, and the fourth 50-rebound game in 1992-93 11-17 5-9 the Collier era. 1993-94 16-13 6-4 In the opening frame, the Huskers got out to a strong start behind Turek. The senior from Council Bluffs, 1994-95 15-12 8-7 1995-96 19-8 12-4 Iowa, scored a quick seven points, including his first career three-pointer, to help NU to a 9-0 run to start the 1996-97 23-10 12-4 NCAA game. Playing their typical stifling defense, the Huskers held Texas Southern without a single point for the 1997-98 22-11 8-6 NCAA first 3:11 of the game until Sneed hit a jumper to make it 9-2 in favor of Nebraska. 1998-99 22-10 11-3 NIT 1999-2000 23-8 12-2 NCAA TSU chipped away at the lead, pulling within three, 13-10, with Sneed and Walker scoring all 10 of the Overall 196-132 93-58 Tigers’ points. Nebraska responded with a 10-2 run of its own, including four points from junior Jason At Nebraska Dourisseau. NU then got back-to-back three-pointers by McCray and Marcus Neal Jr., with Neal’s trey giving Season Overall B12 Postseason the Huskers a 23-12 lead. Dourisseau finished the game with a team-high 18 points and a career-high 13 2000-01 14-16 7-9 rebounds for his first career double-double. 2001-02 13-15 6-10 2002-03 11-19 3-13 The Tigers came back one more time in the first half, using a 10-2 run behind back-to-back three-pointers 2003-04 18-13 6-10 NIT by Wilson. The run helped TSU close within two, 25-23, with less than eight minutes to play before intermission. 2004-05 2-0 0-0 NU countered with a 13-2 run to pull away. Overall 58-63 22-42 Totals 254-195 115-100 3 NCAA, 4 NIT 2 3 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

*Times are subject to change. Contact NU Basketball SID Jerry Trickie at 402-540-0269 for specific practice details.

2004-05 Numerical Roster 2004-05 Stats No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Home town (Previous School) PPG RPG A B S 1 Jason Dourisseau** G 6-6 195 Jr. Omaha, Neb. (Burke) 17.5 10.0 7 0 3 2 Joe McCray G 6-5 210 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Laurinburg [N.C.] Inst.) 17.0 5.0 3 0 3 3 Charles Richardson Jr.* G 5-9 160 So. Maywood, Ill. (Proviso East) 1.0 0.5 3 0 1 4 Marcus Perry G 6-2 180 Jr.-TR Anniston, Ala. (Southern Union State CC) JUCO transfer; will likely redshirt 10 Marcus Neal Jr.* G 6-0 180 Sr. Annapolis, Md. (Polk CC) 15.5 4.0 4 0 7 11 Wes Wilkinson** F 6-9 215 Jr. Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island) 5.0 5.0 0 3 1 12 Jake Muhleisen***# G 6-4 200 Sr. Lincoln, Neb. (Southeast) 4.5 2.5 4 1 3 15 Bronsen Schliep** F 6-8 215 Jr. Fairfield, Neb. (Sandy Creek) 4.0 3.5 0 0 0 21 Corey Simms*** G 6-5 205 Sr. St. Louis, Mo. (Normandy) 4.5 4.0 3 1 3 25 Paul Velander G 6-2 175 Fr. Blacksburg, Va. (Blacksburg) True freshman; will likely redshirt 31 Aleks Maric C 6-11 265 Fr. Sydney, Australia (Burlington [N.J.] Life Center) 10.0 9.0 1 2 2 34 Jim Ledsome F 6-9 215 Fr. Severna Park, Md. (Severna Park) True freshman; will likely redshirt 44 John Turek*** F 6-9 245 Sr. Council Bluffs, Iowa (Abraham Lincoln) 9.0 7.5 0 3 1 45 Tony Wilbrand** C 6-10 250 Jr. Alliance, Neb. (Alliance) 2.0 1.5 1 0 1 *letters earned #team captain

Nebraska postgame notes vs. Texas Southern 2004-05 Team Information • Nebraska took a 1-0 series lead over Texas Southern, as it was the teams’ first-ever meeting. NU is now Head Coach ...... Barry Collier (5th year) 4-1 all-time against Southwestern Athletic Conference teams, including 2-0 this season. Alma Mater...... Butler, 1976 • Nebraska has led by at least 20 points in each of its first two games this season, and has won by an Record at Nebraska ...... 58-63, fifth season average margin of 38.5 points per game. Overall Record ...... 254-195, 16th season Assistant Coaches ...... Reggie Rankin (5th year) • Nebraska improved to 2-0 with the victory. The Huskers have won the first two games of the season in ...... Doug Novsek (3rd year) three of the past four years. The Huskers improved their non-conference home winning streak to 15 games ...... Scott Spinelli (2nd year) dating back to the 2002-03 season. Director of BB Operations ...... Tim Waller • Junior Wes Wilkinson made his season debut Saturday against Texas Southern. The Grand Island, Neb. Basketball Video Coordinator ...... Steve Hinerman native missed both of Nebraska’s exhibition games and its regular-season opener with a broken bone in his Men's Basketball Trainer ...... Brad Brown left foot. Wilkinson finished with five points and five rebounds, his most boards since pulling down six when NU defeated nationally ranked Texas Tech at home last year. 2003-04 Record ...... 18-13 • John Turek recorded 10 points on the day, including seven in the first six minutes. Turek added his first ...... (15-3 H, 3-9 A, 0-1 N) Big 12 Record (Finish)...... 6-10 (t-9th) career three-pointer during the early spurt. He is now 1-of-5 from three-point range in his career. Big 12 Postseason Tournament ...... 0-1 • Dourisseau set a career high for the second straight game with 12 rebounds to lead the Huskers. Postseason...... National Invitation Tournament Dourisseau also had eight boards against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener Tuesday...... def. Creighton, 71-70 (opening round) • Dourisseau also set a career high with five assists...... def. Niagara, 78-70 (first round) • Dourisseau also recorded his first career double-double, as he also scored a team-high 18 points to lead ...... lost at Hawaii, 83-84 (second round) Nebraska. It was the second straight game a Nebraska player recorded a double-double, as Aleks Maric also Starters Returning/Lost...... 3/2 had one with 12 points and 14 boards against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener. Nebraska had just Lettermen Returning/Lost ...... 9/6 five double-doubles in 31 games last season, and already has two in two games in 2004-05. Newcomers ...... 5 • Marcus Neal Jr. also recorded a career high with five rebounds, as the Husker held a 50-33 advantage Starters Returning (3)* on the boards. It was the second straight game Nebraska recorded at least 50 rebounds. John Turek, 6-9, 245, F, Sr. (21 starts) • Neal also recorded three steals against the Tigers, his second straight game with at least three steals. 9.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.2 bpg Neal had a career-high four steals in the season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Jake Muhleisen, 6-4, 200, Sr., G (31 starts) • Freshman Joe McCray hit 4-of-8 shots from the floor, including 3-of-6 from three-point range for 11 7.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.2 spg points. It was the second straight game McCray recorded double figures, as he had a team-high 23 in the Marcus Neal Jr., 6-0, 180, Sr., G (19 starts) season opener. 5.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.0 apg

Other Lettermen Returning (6): McCray Named Big 12 Rookie of the Week Corey Simms, 6-5, 205, Sr., G (13 starts) After averaging 17.0 points and 5.0 rebounds over his first two career games, freshman guard Joe McCray 4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg was named co-Big 12 Rookie of the Week on Nov. 28. McCray helped the Huskers to a pair of season-opening Charles Richardson Jr., 5-9, 160, So., G wins with an average margin of victory of 38.5 points. (10 starts) 2.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.1 apg McCray hit 52.0 percent (13-of-25) from the floor while ranking second on the team in scoring. He led Jason Dourisseau, 6-6, 195, Jr., G (3 starts) the Huskers with six three-pointers, including three in each contest, and tied for fourth on the squad in 5.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 48.1 FG pct. rebounding. McCray's four steals ranked second on the squad, as the Huskers had 26 steals while forcing Bronsen Schliep, 6-7, 215, Jr., F (1 start) 1.6 ppg, 0.8 rpg 39 turnovers in the two games. Wes Wilkinson, 6-9, 215, Jr., F A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., McCray is the first Husker since Andrew Drevo in 2003 to earn a Big Tony Wilbrand, 6-10, 250, Jr., C 12 weekly honor. Drevo was named the league's rookie of the week on March 3, 2003. It was the second straight week the Huskers had a rookie of the week honoree, as Nate Johnson also earned the accolade on 2004-05 Newcomers (5): Feb. 24. Marcus Perry, 6-2, 180, Jr.-TR, G Aleks Maric, 6-11, 265, Fr., C Joe McCray, 6-5, 210, Fr., G Jim Ledsome, 6-9, 215, Fr., F Paul Velander, 6-2, 175, Fr., G

3 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

McCray Debut a Smash Huskers Hitting the Glass Since freshmen regained eligibility in 1972-73, no Nebraska has been relentless on the boards in its first two games this season, pulling down 55 boards frosh had scored 20 or more points in the first game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and 50 against Texas Southern. Entering the week, the Huskers lead the Big 12 of the season until Joe McCray posted 23 points Conference in rebounding offense (52.5 rpg) and rebounding margin (+26.5), and rank first in rebounding against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 23. Here is a list defense as they have held their first two opponents to an average of 26.0 rebounds per game. of 20-point scorers in the Huskers' season openers since 1972-73. Junior Jason Dourisseau ranks third in the league in rebounding entering the week after gaining 10.5 Player (Yr.)...... Season ...... Points rebounds over the first two contests. Freshman Aleks Maric (8.5 rpg) and senior John Turek (7.5 rpg) also Jerry Fort (So.)...... 1973-74 ...... 24 rank in a tie for sixth and 12th, respectively, after the first week of action. Jerry Fort (Jr.)...... 1974-75 ...... 20 Nebraska's rebounding efforts are the third and fourth 50-plus rebound games under Coach Barry Collier. In Andre Smith (Sr.) ...... 1979-80 ...... 21 2003-04, the Huskers pulled down 51 boards in a 72-44 victory over No. 25 Texas Tech and had 50 rebounds Jack Moore (Jr.)...... 1979-80 ...... 21 in a 70-26 win over Bethune-Cookman. Stan Cloudy (Sr.)...... 1983-84 ...... 22 The last time NU had back-to-back 50-rebound games came in 1999-2000 when the Huskers had three Dave Hoppen (So.) ...... 1983-84 ...... 21 consecutive games with at least 50 boards. Overall, the Huskers have had 66 50-plus rebound games since Dave Hoppen (Jr.) ...... 1984-85 ...... 35 Dave Hoppen (Sr.)...... 1985-86 ...... 29 complete box scores have been included in NU record books (1972-73). Only 13 times during that period has Anthony Bailous (Sr.) ...... 1986-87 ...... 23 NU recorded more than 55 boards. Brian Carr (Sr.)...... 1986-87 ...... 28 The Huskers' +36 advantage (55-19) in the season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff is the largest Eric Johnson (Sr.) ...... 1988-89 ...... 31 rebounding margin since at least 1972-73. The previous high was a +30 advantage (72-42) against Oklahoma Rich King (Jr.)...... 1989-90 ...... 20 in the 1991-92 campaign. Eric Piatkowski (Jr.) ...... 1992-93 ...... 25 Eric Piatkowski (Sr.)...... 1993-94 ...... 21 Jaron Boone (So.) ...... 1993-94 ...... 23 Dourisseau Making Strides Jaron Boone (Jr.) ...... 1994-95 ...... 22 Coaches and players alike have raved throughout fall practice about the improvements junior guard Jason Erick Strickland (Sr.) ...... 1995-96 ...... 23 Dourisseau has made in his game. In the Huskers' first two regular-season games, he has shown Husker Steffon Bradford (Sr.)...... 2000-01 ...... 26 fans exactly what they were talking about. Cookie Belcher (Sr.) ...... 2000-01 ...... 27 A native of Omaha, Dourisseau leads the team in scoring (17.5 ppg) and rebounding (10.5 rpg) and is tied John Turek (Jr.) ...... 2003-04 ...... 24 for third by hitting 52.0 percent (13-of-25) from the floor. He also leads the squad in assists (6), minutes (56) Joe McCray (Fr.) ...... 2004-05 ...... 23 and is tied for second in steals (3). Dourisseau opened the season with 17 points in 22 minutes during NU's 97-40 home-opening victory. He Double Down Under hit 8-of-13 attempts from the floor and added eight rebounds and two assists without a turnover. Freshman Aleks Maric made a solid first impression Dourisseau followed with his best game as a Husker, as he posted 18 points and set a career high for the in the Huskers' season opener as he posted 12 points second straight game by grabbing 13 rebounds. He also set career highs with eight free throws and 11 free and 14 rebounds for his first career double-double. The Sydney, Australia native is the second freshman throw attempts after getting fouled repeatedly while slashing to the basket. to record a double-double in a season opener since Last year, Dourisseau hit 48.1 percent from the field and 27.0 percent from three-point range while averaging freshmen became eligible in 1972-73 (the only other 5.3 points and 2.0 rebounds. He had 17 assists against 41 turnovers on the year. was Ron Taylor in the 1973 opener). Here is a complete list of double-doubles in Husker season openers since Freshmen Make Quick Impression 1972-73. Nebraska has a pair of newcomers turning heads in the early season. Center Aleks Maric and guard Joe Player (Yr.)...... Season ...... Pts...... Reb. McCray have played just two regular-season games but are already showing signs that they could be among Ron Taylor (Fr.) ...... 1973-74...... 10...... 11 Bob Siegel (So.) ...... 1974-75...... 19...... 11 the most successful freshmen in the Big 12 Conference this season. Larry Cox (Sr.)...... 1975-76...... 14...... 10 McCray and Maric each add a different dimension for the Huskers. Andre Smith (Sr.) ...... 1979-80...... 21...... 14 McCray has already proven to be one of Nebraska's best shooters and is averaging 3.0 three-pointers Dave Hoppen (So.) ...... 1983-84...... 21...... 14 per game. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native recorded a game-high 23 points in 22 minutes his debut against Dave Hoppen (Jr.) ...... 1984-85...... 35...... 10 Arkansas-Pine Bluff. McCray hit 9-of-17 shots from the floor, although he hit just 3-of-11 from three-point Dave Hoppen (Sr.)...... 1985-86...... 29...... 10 range. He added six rebounds and two steals. McCray's point total is the most by a freshman in a Nebraska Anthony Bailous (Sr.) ...... 1986-87...... 23...... 10 season opener since freshmen became eligible in 1972-73. He came back with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting Bill Jackman (Sr.) ...... 1986-87...... 15...... 13 (3-of-6 from three-point range) with four rebounds, two assists and one steal against Texas Southern to earn Pete Manning (Sr.)...... 1988-89...... 13...... 14 Rich King (Jr.)...... 1989-90...... 20...... 12 co-Big 12 Rookie of the Week honors. Rich King (Sr.)...... 1990-91...... 16...... 10 Maric has great footwork and hands for a big man and has shown the ability to get up the court well. Tony Farmer (Jr.) ...... 1990-91...... 16...... 11 Maric proved he can get to the glass as he picked up a game-high 14 boards in his first career game while Derrick Chandler (Sr.) .....1992-93...... 12...... 16 adding 12 points for his first career double-double. Maric added eight points and three boards with an assist Bruce Chubick (Jr.) ...... 1992-93...... 15...... 11 and two blocks against TSU. He hit just 1-of-2 shots from the floor, but made his way to the free throw line Chris Sallee (Jr.) ...... 1994-95...... 16...... 11 eight times, where he made six. Mikki Moore (Sr.) ...... 1996-97...... 14...... 13 Venson Hamilton (So.).....1996-97...... 14...... 11 Venson Hamilton (Jr.)...... 1997-98...... 13...... 10 Neal Continues Steady Improvement Andy Markowski (Jr.)...... 1997-98...... 16...... 11 Senior guard Marcus Neal Jr. struggled from the floor in the Huskers' Australian Summer Tour, but he has Venson Hamilton (Sr.) .....1998-99...... 13...... 11 recently found his form from last year that helped him earn Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors. Steffon Bradford (Jr.) ...... 1999-00...... 17...... 19 Neal ended 2003-04 hitting 50.0 percent from the floor over the final five regular-season games. He came John Turek (Jr.) ...... 2003-04...... 24...... 13 back to hit 12-of-18 in 2004 exhibition play, including 7-of-8 from long range, and led the team with 18.0 Aleks Maric (Fr.) ...... 2004-05...... 12...... 14 points per game in the exhibition season. He paced the squad in scoring just once all last season. In the Huskers' first two regular-season games, Neal has hit 9-of-20 shots from the floor while averaging 15.5 points per game to rank third on the team. Neal leads the team by hitting 50.0 percent (5-of-10) from three-point range. Neal has sparked Husker runs in each of the first two games. Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Neal hit three consecutive three-pointers to start a staggering 27-0 Husker run. Before Neal's outburst, the Huskers led just 17-15 at the 9:42 mark of the first half and finished the run ahead 44-15 with 2:37 before intermission.

4 5 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

Muhleisen Gains Spotlight in Sports Illustrated On Campus Barry Collier Radio Show Three-year captain Jake Muhleisen has not received much national credit despite the outstanding way The Barry Collier radio show, a weekly statewide call-in he runs the team, both on and off the court. That changed on Nov. 11 when Sports Illustrated On Campus, show co-hosted with Randy Lee, begins its fifth year on the Pinnacle Sports Network. Broadcasts can be the collegiate version of the popular sports magazine, named him one of nine men's basketball players who heard on Mondays at 6 p.m. on anchor affiliates KLIN are unsung heroes because they do "the little things that don't show up in a box score." The 'Glue Guys' (1400) in Lincoln and KFAB (1110 AM) in Omaha, as are "the ties that bind their respective teams," according to the article. Along with Muhleisen, SIOC named well as other Pinnacle affiliates across the state. The Josh Pace (Syracuse), Roger Powell (Illinois), Chuck Hayes (Kentucky), Isma'il Muhammad (Georgia Tech), show, which can also be heard on Huskers.com, will Jamal Levy (Wake Forest), Alando Tucker (Wisconsin), Ellis Myles (Louisville) and Nick Robinson (Stanford) run through the end of the season. to the 'Glue Guys' list. The Barry Collier Show Looking for 1,000 The Barry Collier Show, a weekly television show Jake Muhleisen has scored more points in his career than any current Husker with 740 points, while John about Nebraska men's basketball hosted by Randy Lee and Matt Davison, is in its fifth year in 2004-05. Turek ranks second on the squad with 696 career points. They look to break into the 1,000-point club in Telecasts can be seen on Sunday evenings at 10: 2004-05, where they would become the sixth Husker tandem to reach the mark in the same season. 35 p.m. on KOLN in eastern Nebraska, and on other Nebraska's other duos that reached 1,000 career points in the same season are: Tom Baack and Stu Lantz, stations across the Midwest. The show will run through 1967-68; Brian Banks and Carl McPipe, 1978-79; Rich King and Clifford Scales, 1990-91; Jaron Boone and the end of the Huskers’ season. Erick Strickland, 1994-95; and Cookie Belcher and Venson Hamilton, 1998-99. The last player to reach the 1,000-point plateau was Cary Cochran, NU's all-time three-point leader, who Huskers.com recorded his 1,000th point during Muhleisen and Turek's rookie season (2001-02). Cochran was the 23rd To find all the information on the Nebraska men's Husker in history to join the club, as he finished with 1,082 points from 1999 to 2002. basketball team that you need in one place, just log onto Huskers.com. The official website of the Nebraska Athletic Department, Huskers.com has rosters, Huskers Face Loaded Schedule in 2004-05 schedules, statistics, coach and athlete biographies Nebraska will take on a tough slate in 2004-05 as it looks for back-to-back postseason berths for the first and much more, all at your fingertips. time since the 1997-98 and 1998-99 campaigns. Along the way, the Huskers will face: HuskersNside.com, the premium website of • 12 teams that reached the postseason last year, including: NCAA Tournament teams UAB, Texas, Huskers.com, offers even more, as game highlights, Kansas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, and NIT participants Creighton, Marquette, Tennessee, Colorado, coaches shows and video features are available. Live Missouri, Iowa State and Oklahoma. video game feeds and highlights of Husker athletic • two opponents that reached either the NCAA Tournament Final Four (Oklahoma State) or the NIT Final contests for nearly every sport are also available to Four (Iowa State) last year. The Big 12 Conference has had at least one team in the NCAA Final Four each of premium site subscribers. the past three seasons, including two teams twice. Huskers in the Pros The Huskers play 16 regular-season home games at the Bob Devaney Sports Center this season, where Nebraska has had 24 players selected in the NBA NU earned a 15-3 record in 2003-04. Nebraska renews series with Minnesota and Creighton at home, and draft since 1949, with Venson Hamilton being the will open new non-conference series on the road against UAB, which made the Sweet 16 last year, and latest selection in 1999 (2nd round, 50th pick). There Marquette, which reached the 2003 Final Four. The Blazers and Golden Eagles return the game in Lincoln in were four former Huskers on opening-day rosters 2005-06. The Huskers also complete a home-home series at Tennessee this season in Knoxville. this season, including Eric Piatkowski (Chicago Bulls), Tyronn Lue (Houston Rockets), Erick Strickland (Milwaukee Bucks) and Mikki Moore (L.A. Clippers). Unprecedented Television Coverage Nate Johnson, a senior last season for the Huskers, Nebraska can be seen on television more times this season than any other year in the program's history. was also in the Los Angelos Lakers' training camp The Huskers will play to a regional or national audience at least 18 times through the regular season, plus before being cut in the final week before the regular any games in postseason play. season. Much of NU's added exposure comes from an agreement with FSN Midwest to televise 10 games as part of The Huskers had three former players on NBA the Huskers' new third-tier package. The telecasts, including five games on the road and six against conference opening-day rosters last year, which tied for third foes, will be produced and distributed by FSN Midwest throughout the state of Nebraska (channel 37 on Time among Big 12 teams. Nebraska also has several players playing overseas Warner in Lincoln, channel 47 on Cox Cable in Omaha and channel 33 on Qwest Choice in Omaha). this year. Along with the FSN games, the Huskers will be seen on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN Regional an additional eight Johnson signed with Honka (Finland) after leaving times in the regular season. The Huskers have averaged more than 12 televised contests (national, regional the Lakers, while another senior from last season, and local) each of the past four years. Andrew Drevo, is playing in Sweden with Sodertalje. Cookie Belcher is playing his fourth season with Postseason Aspirations Laurentia Biella in Italy's 'A' League, while Kimani The Nebraska men's basketball team returned for the 2004-05 season looking to continue its momentum Ffriend is playing in Israel. Venson Hamilton is playing in Spain, Richard van Poelgeest is playing in Denmark from last year when it reached the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. After winning a pair and Steffon Bradford is playing in Portugal. of games in the postseason – their first postseason appearance in five years – the Huskers look to earn back- to-back postseason berths for the first time since they made nine consecutive postseason appearances Preseason Rankings between 1991 and 1999. Overall, Nebraska has reached the postseason 13 times in the NIT and six times The Huskers enter the season with high in the NCAA Tournament. expectations within the program after a solid finish last year. Others have seen that optimism as well, For Starters as the Huskers moved up three spots in the Big 12 Nebraska returned nine lettermen to the court in 2004-05, including three starters from a year ago in F Preseason Coaches Poll and two spots in the Big 12 John Turek (21 starts), G Jake Muhleisen (31) and G Marcus Neal Jr (19). The Huskers also returned G Corey Preseason Media Poll. Nebraska was picked eighth Simms (13), G Charles Richardson Jr. (10), G Jason Dourisseau (3) and F Bronsen Schliep (1). In total, the by the coaches and ninth by the media, just three points out of the eighth spot. Huskers have 215 career games started and 497 games played returning. Other lettermen back for the Huskers include F Wes Wilkinson (29 games played) and C Tony Wilbrand (24), while NU has five newcomers in C Aleks Maric, F Jim Ledsome, G Marcus Perry, G Joe McCray and G Paul Velander. 4 5 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

Nebraska Media Policies Home Sweet Home Postgame Procedures The Huskers own a 15-game non-conference home winning streak that dates back to the 2002-03 campaign, Following Nebraska's home contests, Coach Collier will meet with the media following a brief cooling-off and are 2-0 at home this season after a 78-58 victory over Texas Southern last weekend. Nebraska's other period in the postgame interview room, located near win this season came with a 97-40 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener. The 57-point victory the southeast corner of floor. Requested players will be was a Devaney Center record and the second-largest margin of victory in Nebraska history. available following Collier's press briefing. On the road, Nebraska was a perfect 11-0 at home last year in non-conference games, including a 78-70 win over Coach Collier and at least two players will be made Niagara in the NIT first round. The last time Nebraska lost a non-conference game at home came on Dec. available outside the Huskers' locker room. 21, 2002, against Creighton (81-73). Nebraska has been outstanding at home over the past 28 years since moving into the Devaney Center. The Media Credentials Huskers own a 334-103 home record over that span, including a 15-3 mark at home last year. The 15 wins Credential requests for Nebraska home games should be faxed to Vicki Cartwright's attention at tied for second most in Devaney Center history. Overall, the Huskers are now 46-19 at home under Coach (402) 472-2005 or sent to Nebraska Sports Information, Collier with nine of the losses coming against ranked teams. 116 South Stadium, P.O. Box 880123, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0123. Injury Update The Huskers are in good health entering the UAB contest. Nebraska's only significant injury this year was Interview Requests a broken left foot by junior forward Wes Wilkinson. The Grand Island, Neb. native was injured on the first day Nebraska players or coaches are available for of practice (Oct. 16) and was sidelined for five weeks. He returned for half-court workouts on Thanksgiving interviews daily after practice and at press conferences, as scheduled. The Huskers will practice from 2:15 and had his first fullcourt workout the following day. He then played 13 minutes in Nebraska's 78-58 victory p.m. to 5 p.m. during this year, alternating between over Texas Southern last Saturday. the Devaney Center and Mabel Lee Hall. The best time to reach Coach Barry Collier for an interview is Turek Making Mark on Record Books immediately following practice or on the Big 12 weekly Senior forward John Turek has a chance to put his name in elite company this season. teleconference on Mondays. After finding great improvement each of his first three seasons, Turek is leaving his name among Post-practice interview requests should be placed at Nebraska's best rebounders and shot blockers while climbing the NU scoring chart. With numbers similar to least 24 hours in advance and directed to Assistant SID Jerry Trickie, at (402) 472-7779 or (402) 540-0269. last season, Turek can top the 1,000-point plateau this winter while moving into Nebraska's career Turek Among the Elite NU Weekly Press Conferences top 10 for rebounds. Turek enters the mid-week John Turek looks to become just the third Nebraska player Nebraska coaches and players will be available at matchup against UAB with 696 career points and with at least 1,000 career points, 700 rebounds and 100 weekly press gatherings at the Devaney Center during 556 rebounds, just 105 boards shy of moving into blocked shots. the conference season. Contact SID Jerry Trickie at the Nebraska top 10. Player (Years) ...... Pts...... Reb...... Blk. 402-472-7779 for times and details of the next press Already one of the top shot blockers in Nebraska 1. Rich King (1988-91)...... 1,475..... 761...... 183 conference. 2. Venson Hamilton (1996-99) ..... 1,416..... 1,080... 241 history, Turek has a chance to do something this -- John Turek (2002-pres.) ...... 696...... 556...... 131 year that no Husker has ever accomplished. Turek, NOTE: Complete blocks records for individuals not available before 1978. Big 12 Weekly Teleconference who ranks sixth in NU history with 131 blocked Through Premier Teleconferencing, the Big 12 hosts shots, has led Nebraska in blocked shots each of the past three years, including tying the NU freshman individual telephonic news conferences with each head record with 39 blocks in 2001-02. By leading the team in blocks this season, Turek would be the first Husker coach, starting at 10 a.m. (Central time) on select dates ever to lead the squad in four consecutive seasons. Dave Hoppen, the Huskers' career scoring leader, also during the 2004-05 season. The briefings originate had a share of the team lead for blocked shots all four years, but tied Ronnie Smith for the team high during from conference headquarters on the 28th Floor of the Hoppen's junior season. Wyndham Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Turek is within reach of becoming just the third Husker ever with 1,000 points, 700 rebounds and 100 Dallas, Texas. Media wishing to attend the sessions blocks. If he reaches those totals, he will join a pair of players who were taken in the NBA Draft – Rich King, at the conference office may do so. Otherwise, contact a first-round selection, and Venson Hamilton, a second-round draft pick and the 1999 Big 12 Player of the the Big 12 Conference office for a call-in number. There will also be a replay which will be made available after Year. 4 p.m. Central the day of the teleconference. Showing an All-Around Game 2004-05 Briefing Schedule Senior guard Jake Muhleisen has proven to be one of the top all-around players in Nebraska history over The session schedule (all times CST) for 2004-05 is: the past three seasons. Tuesdays—Dec. 7-14. Muhleisen, who has played all three guard positions during his career, looks to join elite company this Mondays—Jan. 3-10-17-24-31; Feb. 7-14-21-28; year as he has the chance to become only the fourth player in program history to record at least 1,000 career March 7-14* points, 350 rebounds, 250 assists and 100 steals. If he reaches those marks, Muhleisen would join Eric 10:00-10:10 Bill Self, Kansas Piatkowski, Erick Strickland and Cookie Belcher on the elite list. 10:10-10:20 Billy Gillispie, Texas A&M Muhleisen enters the UAB contest with 740 points, 257 rebounds, 210 assists and 76 steals. 10:20-10:30 Eddie Sutton, Oklahoma State 10:30-10:40 Scott Drew, Baylor Downing The Big Boys 10:40-10:50 Quin Snyder, Missouri The Huskers have defeated at least one ranked team each of the past four seasons and will look to keep 10:50-11:00 Bob Knight, Texas Tech their streak alive in 2004-05. 11:00-11:10 Ricardo Patton, Colorado 11:10-11:20 Jim Wooldridge, Kansas State Nebraska had two wins over ranked teams last season as it ran past No. 12 Kansas, 74-55, and No. 25 11:20-11:30 Kelvin Sampson, Oklahoma Texas Tech, 72-44. The 28-point margin of victory over the Red Raiders was NU's largest ever against a 11:30-11:40 Barry Collier, Nebraska ranked opponent while the win over Kansas also ranked in the top four. 11:40-11:50 Rick Barnes, Texas 11:50-Noon Wayne Morgan, Iowa State Noon-12:10 Selected Student-Athlete

*For those coaches advancing into the NCAA Tournament and the Postseason NIT. 6 7 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball 2004-05 Nebraska Basketball

One More Time USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll Nebraska will be looking for back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since posting 20-win campaigns Week 3 Team (1st place votes)...... Record in 1997-98 (20-12) and 1998-99 (20-13). The 1999 season marked the last of nine straight winning seasons 1. Wake Forest (22)...... 5-0 for the Huskers before they posted an 18-13 record in 2004. Since 1980, the Huskers have recorded winning 2. Kansas* (5)...... 2-0 marks in 19 of 25 seasons and reached the NIT or NCAA Tournament in 17 of those winning campaigns. 3. Illinois (1) ...... 4-0 4. Georgia Tech (1)...... 3-0 All About Defense 5. Syracuse...... 5-0 Under Coach Barry Collier, the Huskers have continued to rewrite the Nebraska defensive record book 6. Connecticut...... 1-0 over the past four seasons. 7. Oklahoma State* (1) ...... 3-0 8. Kentucky (1)...... 3-0 Last year, the Huskers posted some of the best defensive numbers at NU in the last four decades, 9. Michigan State ...... 3-0 including: 10. Duke ...... 3-0 • allowing opponents to hit just 40.0 percent from the field to rank 20th nationally in field-goal percentage 11. North Carolina ...... 4-1 defense. It tied NU's lowest mark since 1961. 12. Maryland...... 3-0 • a team scoring defense of 62.9 points per game, the program's best defensive mark since the 1982 13. N.C. State...... 4-0 campaign. 14. Pittsburgh ...... 3-0 Among the other outstanding single-game marks the Huskers posted last year were: 15. Texas*...... 3-1 • limiting South Florida to just 2-of-19 shooting from three-point range, the lowest single-game opponent 16. Washington ...... 4-0 17. Louisville...... 3-1 three-point field-goal percentage (.105) in four years under Coach Collier. 18. Florida...... 3-0 • holding Bethune-Cookman to just 26 points in the game, the lowest point total allowed by NU since a 19. Notre Dame...... 3-0 33-23 victory over Kansas State in 1941. BCC also shot a Devaney Center record low 21.2 percent (11-of-52) 20. Arizona...... 3-2 from the field while setting a Big 12 single-game opponent record low point total. 21. Mississippi State ...... 5-1 • holding Tennessee to three field goals in the first half – including one from two-point range – the fewest 22. Alabama...... 4-1 NU has allowed in one period since the 1987 NIT against Arkansas. 23. Wisconsin...... 2-1 • limiting No. 12/13 Kansas to a season-low 55 points and 36.2 percent shooting from the floor, including 24. Cincinnati...... 3-0 just 27.8 percent from three-point range. 25. Virginia...... 4-0 *-2004-05 Husker opponents Nebraska got off to a strong start again this year, as Nebraska: • limited Arkansas-Pine Bluff to 40 points on 32.7 percent shooting in a 97-40 Husker victory. NU forced Other Husker opponents receiving votes: Oklahoma, 20 turnovers in the largest victory in Devaney Center history. NU improved to 11-0 under Coach Collier Marquette, Creighton, UAB. when holding teams to 50 or fewer points, and overall, Collier-coached teams moved to 41-0 when holding opponents to 50 or fewer points. Associated Press Poll • defeated TSU by 20 points while holding the Tigers to just 32.8 percent shooting from the floor while Week 3 forcing 19 turnovers. Team (1st place votes)...... Record In 2003-04, Nebraska's defense held opponents to the lowest field-goal percentage total since 1961, 1. Wake Forest (40)...... 5-0 as it gave up just 40.0 percent shooting from the field, including 32.7 percent from three-point range. The 2. Kansas* (18)...... 2-0 previous year, the Huskers ranked first in the league in three-point field-goal percentage defense by allowing 3. Syracuse (4)...... 5-0 4. Georgia Tech (7)...... 3-0 opponents to hit a school-record low 30.2 percent from behind the arc. 5. Illinois (1) ...... 4-0 6. Oklahoma State* (2) ...... 3-0 Getting Aggressive 7. Connecticut...... 1-0 Nebraska installed an aggressive, attacking-style offense at the beginning of fall practice in 2003 and 8. Kentucky...... 3-0 went on to average 70.5 points per game last season, up 7.2 points per game over the 2002-03 season (63.3 9. North Carolina ...... 4-1 ppg). It was the largest increase in scoring production in one season at Nebraska since 1964-65 to 1965-66 10. Duke ...... 3-0 (+9.0, 68.2 ppg to 77.2 ppg). It was just the second time in the past six seasons Nebraska averaged at least 11. Michigan State ...... 3-0 12. Maryland...... 3-0 70.0 points per game, both coming under Coach Collier (also 2000-01). 13. Pittsburgh ...... 3-0 The Huskers have had a full year of practice in their current offense and look to make more improvements 14. Washington ...... 4-0 in the scoring department in 2004-05. The Huskers started on a strong note as they put up 97 points on the 15. Mississippi State ...... 5-1 board, the second-highest point total under Coach Collier. Nebraska hit 54.4 percent from the floor while 16. N.C. State...... 4-0 gaining its most points since a 99-82 win over Kansas State on Feb. 9, 2002. Through two games, NU is 17. Louisville...... 3-1 averaging 87.5 points per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field. 18. Texas*...... 3-1 19. Florida...... 3-0 20. Notre Dame...... 3-0 Classroom Champions 21. Arizona...... 3-2 The Huskers have had great success in the classroom the past four seasons and look to continue that 22. Alabama...... 4-1 trend in 2004-05. Each of the past two years, John Turek has been named a first-team academic All-Big 12 23. Iowa...... 3-1 selection. Turek will try to become only the fifth Husker to earn academic all-league honors three times in 24. Virginia...... 4-0 his career and is also an academic All-America candidate this season. 25. Wisconsin...... 2-1 Along with Turek, returning letterwinners Jake Muhleisen, Jason Dourisseau and Tony Wilbrand were *-2004-05 Husker opponents selected to the first team. In total, Nebraska had six first-team selections last year – a Big 12 record – while 10 Huskers were named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in at least one semester. Other Husker opponents receiving votes: Creighton, Oklahoma, Marquette, UAB, Iowa State. Captain . . . Again Senior Jake Muhleisen returns for his third season as team captain, leaving him in a unique position. Muhleisen is believed to be the first three-year captain in Nebraska history, and is the first three-year captain to play for Coach Barry Collier. A native of Lincoln, Muhleisen has been roommates with NU football team co-captain and career leading tackler Barrett Ruud each of his four years of college.

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2004-05 Team Leaders Filling the House Double-Figure Scoring Games The Huskers look to continue the momentum gained at the end of last season when the Huskers recorded Jason Dourisseau 2; Joe McCray 2; Marcus Neal Jr. 2; Aleks Maric 1; John Turek 1 five straight games with at least 10,000 fans in attendance. NU averaged more than 9,900 fans per game during the 2004 Big 12 home slate. The total was an increase of nearly 1,200 from the previous season and Double-Figure Rebounding Games was the Huskers' highest conference attendance total since 1997-98. Jason Dourisseau 1; Aleks Maric 1 That late-season support has carried over to 2004-05. The Huskers sold 7,033 season tickets before the start of the regular season, including 976 new season tickets. Add in the 1,888 student season tickets sold Double-Doubles and the Huskers have sold 8,921 season tickets, up 608 or a total of seven percent from last year's 8,313 Jason Dourisseau 1; Aleks Maric 1 season tickets sold. 20-Point Games Joe McCray 1 Looking for the Close One With an experienced lineup returning to the court this season, Nebraska looks to take better advantage of Games Leading NU in Scoring* its opportunities in close games. Jason Dourisseau 1; Joe McCray 1 Nebraska was 7-6 in its final 13 contests last year, including a pair of wins in the National Invitation Tournament. Of the six losses, five were decided by five points or less, including an overtime contest on the Games Leading NU in Rebounding* road at No. 7 Oklahoma State and a one-point setback that ended the Huskers' season at Hawaii. Two of the Jason Dourisseau 1; Aleks Maric 1 wins were by three points or less. Games Leading NU in Assists* Jason Dourisseau 1; Jake Muhleisen 1 Huskers' 2005 Recruiting Class Among Top 25 Nationally Five highly rated players signed national letters-of-intent during the early signing period and will join the Games Leading NU in Blocks* Nebraska basketball team and attend the University of Nebraska starting in 2005-06. The group is ranked Aleks Maric 1; John Turek 1; Wes Wilkinson 1 among the top 30 recruiting classes nationally according to at least one service. The Huskers have one scholarship still remaining for next season. Games Leading NU in Steals* Among the four signees on the first day of the early signing period (Nov. 10) were Will Harris, Jamel Marcus Neal Jr. 2; Jason Dourisseau 1 *includes ties White, Chris Balham and Kyle Marks, while Marcus Walker signed his scholarship papers on Nov. 16. The class is tied with seven teams for No. 23 nationally with 18 points by hoopscooponline.com. Nebraska's class is fourth among Big 12 schools, trailing only Baylor (No. 10), Kansas (No. 12) and Oklahoma Running Away State (No. 13). It marks the Huskers’ second top-25 recruiting class in four seasons. Scoring runs of at least eight straight points Nebraska: Harris and White have each been ranked among the national top 100 by separate recruiting services, 4 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (27-0 1st half; giving Nebraska four top-100 signees over the past two seasons. Current freshmen Joe McCray and Aleks 14-0 2nd half; 18-0 2nd half; 8-0 2nd half) Maric were each also ranked among the top 100 before joining the Huskers. 1 vs. Texas Southern (9-0 1st half; 8-0 2nd half; A native of Queens, N.Y., Harris leads the way among the Husker signees after earning a top-100 ranking 8-0 2nd half) by several publications. The 6-7, 230-pound swingman was ranked No. 94 nationally by recruiting expert Bob Gibbons and the No. 25 wing/forward by hoopmasters.com. Harris, who currently attends Maine Central Opponents: Institute, was ranked 15th nationally among fifth-year players by hoopscooponline.com after ranking No. 1 Texas Southern (9-0 1st half; 8-0 2nd half) 119 last year as a senior at Troy (N.Y.) Redemption Christian Academy. Harris averaged 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists as a senior, after playing at Christ the King the previous two years. Following his senior season, Harris had a breakout summer in 2004 on the AAU circuit. Harris, who has played for the New York Gauchos and New York Elite, was ranked the No. 1 wing/forward at the 2004 National Basketball Players Association Top 100 Camp by Gibbons. His strong performance also helped him rank No. 66 nationally in Lindy’s. The addition of White gives the Huskers a pair of New Yorkers on next year’s roster. A native of New York City, White is considered one of the top prep school guards in the country while playing for Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute this season, the No. 1 prep school team in the nation with a 7-0 record. The 6-3, 175-pounder has averaged 12 points and nearly nine assists per game for Laurinburg, after gaining 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists per contest at Grady High School last season. White was recently ranked 91st in the country among breakdownmagazine.com’s top 100, a national ranking that includes all classes. He was also ranked No. 33 among fifth-year players by hoopscooponline.com. White was the first commitment to the Huskers’ 2005 class. Along with Harris and White, the Huskers added two other athletic players in Balham and Marks. Balham, a 6-8, 225-pounder, has been playing basketball for less than four years since coming to the United States from France before his freshman season. Balham, who is from Lenexa, Kan., has played two seasons at Shawnee Mission West, where he averaged 9.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks while helping the Vikings to an 11-10 record. Despite finishing one game above .500, West was the leading defensive team in the state as it allowed only 41.9 points per game while holding opponents to just 38 percent shooting from the floor. Balham, who is as a preseason all-state selection before his senior season, helped West outrebound opponents by seven boards per game. Marks is an athletic forward who was the Huskers’ most recent commitment. The 6-7, 205-pound native of Riviera Beach, Fla., averaged 12 points, six rebounds and five blocked shots for Dwyer High School as a junior. He helped Dwyer to a 25-3 record last year and the Class 5A state title. While he had already caught the Huskers’ attention, Marks burst onto the summer circuit with the Tallahassee Wildcats where he was one of five Division I signees. The other four were scheduled to join the programs at Florida, Florida State, Cincinnati and Virginia. Marks helped the Wildcats win tournament titles at the Charlie Weber Classic, Coast-to-Coast Invitational and the adidas Showtime National Championships.

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Walker, who has a four-star ranking and is listed among the top 25 point guards nationally by Pronunciation Key theinsiders.com, is top-150 recruit according to hoopmasters.com. At Archbishop O’Hara High School in Barry Collier – Call-yer Kansas City, the 6-2, 165-pounder this season with 1,818 career points and owns the school records for Jason Dourisseau – Dah-ROO-so Aleks Maric – Alex MAR-itch single-season scoring (754 points) and single-game scoring (54). Jake Muhleisen – MULE-high-sen Last year, Walker led O’Hara to a 20-8 record and helped the Celtics advance to the Class 4 quarterfinals Bronsen Schliep – Shleep of the Missouri state tournament. Walker averaged 26.9 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals John Turek – TUR-eck per game in 2003-04. Walker attended the 2004 Rebook ABCD Camp, where he tied for the tournament lead Paul Velander – VEE-land-er with 3.9 assists per game and was named one of the top 10 point guards in attendance. Huskers by Class Quick Shots Seniors (4) • Nebraska owns a 13-4 all-time record on Dec. 2. NU is 1-1 on this date under Coach Barry Collier, Marcus Neal Jr., Jake Muhleisen, including a 65-46 home win over Wofford in 2001 and a 52-51 loss at Pittsburgh in 2000. NU is 20-12 in the Corey Simms, John Turek month of December under Coach Collier. Juniors (5) • The last time the Huskers played on ESPN2 was Dec. 5, 2002, when NU dropped a 65-60 contest at Jason Dourisseau, Bronsen Schliep Marcus Perry, Tony Wilbrand, Wes Wilkinson another Conference USA school, South Florida. Sophomores (1) • Husker freshman guard Joe McCray is from the same high school (Dillard) as the Blazers' junior forward Charles Richardson Jr. Brandon Tobias. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla. natives won a state title together, and McCray added a second in Freshmen (4) 2003 before heading to prep school last year at Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute. Jim Ledsome, Aleks Maric, Joe McCray, • The Huskers have one player on the roster from the state of Alabama, junior guard Marcus Perry. An Paul Velander honorable-mention All-American last year at Southern Union State CC, Perry is redshirting his first season with the Huskers. Huskers by State/Country • The Blazers' Demario Eddins played two years at Winchendon (Mass.) Prep before joining UAB. Alabama (1) Winchendon Prep is the same program that NU assistant coach Scott Spinelli started when he was named Marcus Perry coach in 1993. Spinelli, a Leominster, Mass. native, spent three years (1993-96) at Winchendon Prep after Florida (1) Joe McCray serving as head coach at Milford (Conn.) Academy from 1990-93. Illinois (1) Charles Richardson Jr. Iowa (1) John Turek Maryland (2) Jim Ledsome, Marcus Neal Jr. Missouri (1) Corey Simms Nebraska (5) Jason Dourisseau, Jake Muhleisen, Bronsen Schliep, Tony Wilbrand, Wes Wilkinson Virginia (1) Paul Velander Australia (1) Aleks Maric

Huskers by Major Business (5) Aleks Maric (International Business) Bronsen Schliep (Ad min is tra tion) John Turek (Marketing) Wes Wilkinson (Ad min is tra tion) Communication Studies (1) Jason Dourisseau Computer Science (1) Tony Wilbrand Economics (1) Marcus Perry Education (1) Charles Richardson Jr. Finance (1) Jake Muhleisen Sociology (2) Marcus Neal Jr. Corey Simms Undeclared (3) Jim Ledsome Joe McCray Paul Velander

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