Thanks Tai

[BjoeHusker]

 

When I was five my dad took my to my first Nebrasketball Game n February 1989 against #14 Kansas, a game which the Huskers would win.  My dad taught me the basics of the game.  From that moment on, I was a die-hard Nebrasketball fan.

 

There are many memorable players I've seen play in my lifetime.  I have vague memories of Dapreis Owens, Rich King, Beau Reid, and Bruce Chubick.  I enjoyed watching guys like Eric Piatkowski, Tony Farmer, Derrick Chandler, Mikki Moore, Venson Hamilton, Larry Florence, Cookie Belcher, Steffon Bradford, Brian Conklin, Kimani Ffriend, Ryan Anderson, Lance Jeter, Dylan Talley, Benny Parker, Shavon Shields, and Terran Petteway play. 

 

In my 33+ years, my favorite players have been Erick Strickland, Aleks Maric, Tyronn Lue, and Terrance Badgett.  It's time to add Tai Webster to this list.  I've been a huge fan of Tai since he committed to Nebraska.  As we all know, he came in with very high expectations.  Tai was very inconsistent his freshman and sophomore seasons, however his junior season was respectful.  Tai's senior season has been one of the best I can recall.  15.5 ppg, 5.2 boards, and 4.0 assists per game, while playing just under 35 minutes a game.  Yes he's missed his fair share of free throws and commits far too many turnovers, but to me, there is something very special about Tai.  Scored in double figures in has last 30 games, became just the fourth player in school history to have 500 points and 100 assists in the same season, and will likely finish his Husker career in the top-25 career scoring list.  A glance at his collegiate stats shows Tai has improved in FG%, 3P%, FT%, and scoring in each of his four seasons.

 

Stats aside, Tai brings something else to team.  Heart.  When things were not going well, he could have left Nebraska and played overseas.  He stayed, worked hard in the weight-room and became a well-respected leader.  His smile and personality are infectious.  He loves interacting with Husker fans and is often seen posing for pics with kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Indiana defeating Ohio State earlier today, a Husker victory Sunday night against Michigan gives up the 10th seed.  That being said, Husker fans need to come out to PBA tommorrow and thank Tai Webster for being a class act on and off the court.  Thanks Tai.

[cipsucks]

Well said!  You just voiced what I think everyone one this board feels.  Tomorrow's game thread will continue this thought.

[PimpMario]

There are a lot of reasons I want to wash my hands of this season and flush it. I was momentarily tempted to skip the Michigan game but then remember it was Tai's senior night. He has given a lot to this program, looking forward to giving him a long standing ovation!

[HB]

Great Guy Tai.

 

[brfrad]

Very well said.   The only thing I saw is you shortchanged Tai 2.0 PPG.  He is avg 17.5 PPG.

[Huskerpapa]

Loved watching you Tai!  Your resilience has been amazing.  I have been a big fan since you arrived on campus and appreciate your efforts while at Nebraska.  Good luck in the future, I am quite sure you will be successful!

[HuskerFever]

I think the fact that Tai didn't give up on himself, the University, and the fans even when he was feeling low during his career says a lot about his character.

[ajb5856]

2 hours ago, HuskerFever said:

I think the fact that Tai didn't give up on himself, the University, and the fans even when he was feeling low during his career says a lot about his character.

And for that reason alone fans need to get to his Senior Night and thank him for his efforts. I've heard way too many people with tickets say they are just done and are skipping tomorrow's game. People have their reasons (just like the ones leaving early) but I don't understand how people call themselves fans and then skip out with no other plans. I know there are 9 good fans for every bad one but I can honestly say I'd be there tomorrow even if we were 0-29.

[nustudent]

Some road bumps early on but he was the guy that really made me believe Nebraska basketball could be something and recruit    The hype/excitement for him brought something back that completely dissolved under Sadler 

thats something I'll remember for awhile regardless of what happens. 

Edited March 5, 2017 by nustudent

[TourneyBound]

Goes to show that you should never give up on guys.... just wish we could of had a better year team wise but happy with his improvement and him not giving up!! Good luck to him in his future and he will always be a HUSKER!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[AuroranHusker]

Wear Black for Tai's Senior Night to honor his Tall Blacks New Zealand squad. Make it a BLACK-TAI AFFAIR!

[jason2486]

1 hour ago, ajb5856 said:

And for that reason alone fans need to get to his Senior Night and thank him for his efforts. I've heard way too many people with tickets say they are just done and are skipping tomorrow's game. People have their reasons (just like the ones leaving early) but I don't understand how people call themselves fans and then skip out with no other plans. I know there are 9 good fans for every bad one but I can honestly say I'd be there tomorrow even if we were 0-29.

 

I remember senior night for Sek Henry and Ryan Anderson. We were 2-14 in B12 play, including losing that night to Colorado I believe. There was no way I was missing though!

Edited March 5, 2017 by jason2486

[hskr4life]

Every single senior invests sooo much into the team.  Senior nights are the best for this reason.  Tai is no different.  That kid has done so much for this program!

 

He is one of the main reasons I have 100 percent faith in our player development.  Crazy to think that many wanted him gone after year 1 and year 2.  

 

I think he he is a prime example of what youthful "game" was and youthful "game" can be.  Struggle year 1 and 2... better year 3.  Star year 4.

 

Now I'll leave you 1 piece of my mind.  Glynn, Michael, Ed, Jack (Sophomore)... Isiah, Jordy, Jeriah (Freshman).  Tai struggled way more than these 7... but I believe these 7 have the same or even higher ceiling than Tai.  Give these guys a chance to be Jr and Sr with each other and good things will happen.

 

Tai... thank you so much.  You have shown what true heart and determination is.  You ARE a leader... you are the poster child of what I want Nebrasketball to be.  Someone who works hard, embraces the culture, and never gives up.  We will never give up on you guys.

 

nNow get this win tonight and send Nebrasketball out with a bang and right into the NCAA's. You all can do it!

[Ron Mexico]

I will really miss Tai. He represents everything good about Nebraska and Nebraska Basketball.

I'll be at the game earlier than usual tonight and cheering louder than usual.

 

[Norm Peterson]

He deserves a lot of applause tonight for all the hard work, dedication, and LOYALTY he's shown to Husker nation.  I've been proud to cheer for him these last 4 years.  Sorry to see him go but wish him the best wherever he lands.

[The Polish Rifle]

Thanks Tai - absolute pleasure to watch him play here. 

[Swan88]

 

[Cell]

I wasnt able to watch Tai's senior night but its been great to see his career unfold. He has been resilient and done things the right way, trusting the process.

 

Funny story. Tai is 17 and playing on the New Zealand Breakers pro team. He is whats called a development player and only plays as much as a walk on. One game the team is up big with only a minute to go and Tai gets subbed in. The team has a promotion where if they score 100 points the whole crowd gets free Burger King. The team is currently on 98 points. Long story short Tai ends up with the ball on a fast break, nobody in front of him. He rises up to dunk it...and then after 2 hours sitting on the bench puts it right into the bottom of the rim and costs 7000 people free burgers. I think he might have even put a tweet out jokingly apologising. Perhaps that traumatised him into barely dunking his college career.

 

Gonna miss seeing him play for the huskers.

 

 

[jimmykc]

Great to have you join us, Cell. Hope you continue to check in occasionally in the future. Tai was a positive influence on our team and state. Send some more Kiwi's our way anytime.

[HuskerFever]

The one memory that Tai will keep with him forever?

 

"No Sit Sunday"

 

That just goes to show that the fans' support and dedication to make the game environment something special really makes an impact on the student athletes.

 

(Video @ 7:45)

 

 

[Silverbacked1]

I am going to miss that smile.

[HuskerFever]

 

[AuroranHusker]

20 hours ago, Ron Mexico said:

I will really miss Tai. He represents everything good about Nebraska and Nebraska Basketball.

I'll be at the game earlier than usual tonight and cheering louder than usual.

 

 

Loved the perseverance and determination of Tai Webster. Truly a success story. Coming from a 24-hr flight away from home as a 17 year old to transforming his whole life within 4 years. Love that story. It should be heralded within the Big Ten circles more, in my opinion...

[HuskerFever]

For those who missed it (or want to watch it again): This is deep. What a gesture.

 

 

[Huskerpapa]

15 hours ago, Cell said:

I wasnt able to watch Tai's senior night but its been great to see his career unfold. He has been resilient and done things the right way, trusting the process.

 

Funny story. Tai is 17 and playing on the New Zealand Breakers pro team. He is whats called a development player and only plays as much as a walk on. One game the team is up big with only a minute to go and Tai gets subbed in. The team has a promotion where if they score 100 points the whole crowd gets free Burger King. The team is currently on 98 points. Long story short Tai ends up with the ball on a fast break, nobody in front of him. He rises up to dunk it...and then after 2 hours sitting on the bench puts it right into the bottom of the rim and costs 7000 people free burgers. I think he might have even put a tweet out jokingly apologising. Perhaps that traumatised him into barely dunking his college career.

 

Gonna miss seeing him play for the huskers.

 

 

Great story, thank you for sharing it.