Wayne Simien’s tendinitis problem won’t go away but barring complications, the powerful Kansas sophomore basketeer’s contributions will continue to be impressive. Yet unless senior guard Kirk Hinrich’s back problems can be eliminated, Kansas might have a tough time winning 20 games this year.

Even if fellow senior Nick Collison can regenerate the groove that helped him produce 21 points and 15 rebounds in the NCAA national semifinal game against Maryland and a 26-12 explosion at Tulsa, Capt. Kirk is the key.

Hinrich must be in peak shape to exploit the multitude of skills and talents this team so desperately needs. Tough and focused as Kirk is, he can’t deliver his best as a semi-invalid.

Right now the Jayhawks may be only the fourth-best team in the Big 12 Conference, behind Texas, Oklahoma and (sob!) Missouri. Maybe fifth, considering the Texas Tech start. This league promises great treachery. Until there’s a complete turnaround, I shudder to think what talent-rich Arizona might do to Kansas here Jan. 25.

We’ve read how veteran Tom Coverdale is the driving force for an outstanding Indiana team. The marvelous Hinrich is just as vital, the aorta of the Jayhawk circulatory system. If he’s not at his best all the way, nobody else can give this erratic club the thrust it needs to excel.

If Roy Williams can summon a miracle healer, he needs to sic him on Hinrich first, then on Simien, who can be an even more potent force once he’s physically sound. Maybe that’ll never happen this year, but Wayne will be hell-on-wheels if he can shake his ailments.

Collison fell far shy of expectations and requirements at Oregon but he’s not likely to stay in a funk for long. He fully recognizes he’s a four-year veteran with mandate to match the contributions of Hinrich and Simien. His response at Tulsa reflects that.

Nick floundered against Oklahoma in the league tournament last season and was a five-point, nine-rebound question mark in the narrow NCAA Tournament win over Holy Cross. He stepped out from behind the obscurity curtain in the wins over Oregon, Stanford and Illinois in the tourney.

Then came the ’02 Final Four showdown and with his 21-10 contribution against Maryland, Nick looked like more of an NBA prospect than now-millionaire Drew Gooden (15 and nine). Next there was that relentless, encouraging eruption at Tulsa. That’s the Nick Collison who must show up every game before Kansas can really get on track and beat the likes of UCLA here on Dec. 21.

After the Key Three, coach Williams has a lot of decisions to make: How can Aaron Miles be best used? Can Keith Langford cut down on his one-on-one lapses? And can everyone, Hinrich included, stop dribbling into crowds and getting stripped?

Anyone for better three-point production, and perimeter defense?

The bench help remains suspect despite Michael Lee’s promise at Oregon and Tulsa. There’s indication that newcomers Moulaye Niang and Jeff Graves might be able to help. Jeff Hawkins? I’m tired of hearing how quick he is and what a great shooter he can be; it’s delivery time.

These guys aren’t dead yet, even though they looked pathetic at times against North Carolina and Florida. Further, we all need to be a bit tolerant of their struggles. They’re student-athletes who have to make their grades, juggle countless things on their slippery plate and do it all in the glare of the spotlight. They’re not dragging down the money some less capable guys might be getting in the pro leagues, major and minor.

They’re truly trying. You can bet your bippy that if anybody wants to improve and advance, it’s the Jayhawks. They’ve been dealt a shaky hand up to now, but if they were great kids in October, they’re not any less acceptable now.

Now for a little more healing and better chemistry.

l Let’s hear it for Maurice Cheeks, coach of the Portland Trail Blazer cage outfit. He’s had the guts to say what too many jock apologists are afraid to utter.

Blazers Ruben Patterson, Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace made recent headlines for bad behavior and Bonzi Wells and Zach Randolph have had problems with the law.

Not one to excuse the miserable demeanor of his players, coach Cheeks said: “We’re grown men, and we can’t keep passing the buck here, or passing the buck there. We have to be accountable for the things that we do and the things that we say.”

What a breath of fresh air in an era when everyone from heister Winona Ryder to overpaid jocks are always getting support from morally blind enablers.

l Former Kansas coach Larry Brown is just what the U.S. Olympic basketball program needs for its 2004 venture. Never mind that Shaq O’Neal said he might not play if his coach, Phil Jackson, wasn’t picked as coach. Let Shaq make fast-food commercials. Some mighty good players have said they’ll sign on for Brown, one of the world’s best at getting a team ready for important competition.

Larry’s been an outstanding player and assistant coach in world play, has been a great college tutor and is a terrific NBA guy. He’ll be able to take the talent that shows up and do well.

The United States looked bad in the most recent world games, even though it had super-talents such as KU’s Paul Pierce. Whatever he did, U.S. coach George Karl didn’t get from his team what was required.

Give Larry Brown the kinds of players Karl had, add dandies such as Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant who weren’t there, and America will bring home the coonskin again.

Larry’s long wanted to be Olympic head coach, he has earned the honor and he’ll do a terrific job because he is a master teacher.