Nov. 24, 2002

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team will open its season with a non-conference game at the University of Texas at Dallas, Monday evening at 7 p.m. in Richardson, Texas.

The Cowboys are coming off a 2-22 season, but return all five starters and have added several talented players that have the Cowboys excited about the upcoming season.

"Last season was difficult, there is no doubt about," said HSU head coach Dylan Howard. "However, I think it made the player's we have grow up a little bit. They gained some confidence from performing well at times. I think this year we just need to be more consistent."

One thing that helps the Cowboys is the schedule. Last year the Cowboys started the season off with four teams that made the NCAA Tournament and two Division I opponents.

"We were tested a lot early last year and we were not ready for that," said Howard. "I think we have experience to get through tough times this season."

That experience is led by Bryan Conover, Jordan Clower and Jason Eaker. All have been in the program at least three years, although it was not until last year were they counted on to be significant contributors.

"I expect Bryan to contend for ASC player of the year honors," said Howard. "He is an intense player that works hard and gets the most out of his ability. He has the knack to score around the basket and always comes down with tough rebounds. I think he could average 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds) this year. We have some quick hitters to get him some more looks and he has really developed a lot more range over the summer."

Conover averaged 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game last season. He had back-to-back 25-point and 15-rebound performances last season and was among the national leaders in rebounding, before being slowed by an ankle injury. He was named second-team All-ASC West.

Clower also emerged as a scoring option. He led the team with a 13.5 point scoring average and also hauled in six rebound per game. He benefited greatly from getting to the free throw line, where he shot over 80 percent (111-135). He earned honorable mention All-ASC honors.

"Jordan can be the same type of player as Bryan. They were two of the better big men in the conference a year ago. Jordan has good moves down low and can rebound. He lacked confidence last year. Now he is confident and knows my philosophy of inside-out and he has adapted real well. "

Eaker is the best returning perimeter player. He scored a career-high 35 points against McMurry and finished the year averaging 12.5 points.

"Jason is a decent outside shooter, he has to be more consistent. He has the ability to get the ball to the middle of the floor and into the paint when the jumper isn't falling. Mentally is where he has to be strong. He has to do big things for us this year."

Sophomore Matt Autry may be the key to the team's success. Autry is the best athlete on the team and showed flashes of being dominant after joining the team after Christmas.

"Matt has worked hard on his game and his body. He is going to have a huge year. You have to have a good player at that small forward position and Matt gives us that. He really did the work in the offseason to get stronger and he has changed his shot some which has helped him. He will surprise a lot of people this season with how good he is."

Jay McCall is the floor general and will most likely start the season as the starter at point guard. McCall is a good ballhandler and is able to hit shots from the outside and get the ball where it needs to be on the floor. He is being challenged by true freshman Weston Ryan.

"Jay went through it last year and he knows what it takes to work hard and play on this level," said Howard. "Weston is a freshman that I am really excited about. He is the best shooter on the team by far and he is starting to learn the speed of the college game. I expect him and Jay to push each other for minutes."

Junior Carl Thompson will join become eligible after the first semester and he and McCall split time last season at the point.

The Cowboys are also expecting big things from another player that is not with the team right now - Len Williams, who is a receiver on the football team. Williams, a sophomore, will provide depth and rebounding from the post. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 62 percent from the field a year ago.

"Len was one of our better players down the stretch last year. He will join us a little earlier this year and hopefully he will be able to make the transition from football to basketball a little quicker. There is little doubt he will be in the rotation and be a big part of our team.

The Cowboys have another pair of newcomers that will see plenty of game time. Adam Shoupe, a 6-6 player from Brownsville, will help out on the post. He is a good rebounder and runs the floor well for a big man. Grant Justus, a freshman from Katy, will see a lot of time and push Jason Eaker for the starting two-guard slot.

"I really like what I see out of three freshmen - Grant, Adam and Weston," said Howard. "All three are going to play a lot of minutes. They all three bring something that the player they are replacing doesn't necessarily have so that will help us with matchups. They have to learn the speed of the game, but it is coming around quickly."

Guard Jonas Fuller has helped himself in the weight room and could provide the Cowboys a defensive stopper at guard. Cody Coil, Kyle Andrew and Drew Chaddick will also battle for backup minutes.

"We will improve on our 2-22 record," said Howard. "Our two main things we will have to do is play defense and shoot the ball a lot better than we did last year. If we improve those two areas there is no reason we can't finish in the top half of the league and with a little luck compete for the conference title.