TU basketball preview

(Tulsa-AP) -- New Tulsa basketball coach John Phillips' coaching dream came true when he was named head coach in April. <br><br>Now he wants the Golden Hurricane to fulfill a dream of playing again

Thursday, November 8th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- New Tulsa basketball coach John Phillips' coaching dream came true when he was named head coach in April.

Now he wants the Golden Hurricane to fulfill a dream of playing again in the NCAA tournament.

A solid core of returning talent from a 26-and-11 team could make it a reality.

Tulsa has been to the NCAA Tournament six times since 1994, but settled for the NIT after losing to Hawaii in the Western Athletic Conference tournament.

The Golden Hurricane won last season's NIT with seven of its top ten players being freshmen or sophomores. The year before Tulsa made it to the NCAA regional finals before being eliminated.

Back is star forward Kevin Johnson, a preseason all-conference pick. Greg Harrington, one of the WAC's top 3-point shooters, is the only senior.