Next Year's Roster?

[nustudent]

I bet we lose Parker and Vucetic. I think Ray's minutes go WAY down next season. In fact I don't think he will even be a starter one B1G season arrives.

Wow! You're really counting on a freshman being ready to play the 2 at the start of B1G season? I think you're crazy.

Isn't Shields starting this year, without the benefit of most of the non-conference?  

Isn't Gesell starting at the point for Iowa?

 

I can name a few other freshmen that start in this league. 

 

Not a given, but it's not like we are uber-talented in front of them

[Hooper]

I bet we lose Parker and Vucetic. I think Ray's minutes go WAY down next season. In fact I don't think he will even be a starter one B1G season arrives.

Wow! You're really counting on a freshman being ready to play the 2 at the start of B1G season? I think you're crazy.

 

Is he crazy, or would you have said the exact same thing last year at this time regarding Shavon Shields? Shields' emergence was somewhat set back due to the elbow injury, but he became a starter quickly and never looked back. You would have said a year ago that people were crazy if they penciled in Shavon as a starter by the B1G season.

 

Tai Webster, based on analyst evaluations at least, is a superior player to Shavon Shields. I see no reason to believe that he isn't capable of attaining a starting guard spot by the start of the B1G season. Quite honestly, Nick Fuller may even be capable of the same feat.

 

It's really interesting how Ray Gallegos is such a polarizing figure among fans. Some view him almost with reverence, while others, like myself, see him as a streaky and limited player who would be better off the bench on a deeper, more skilled basketball team.

 

We're talking about a player with a .368 shooting percentage and .290 3-point average who rarely drives to the basket and can't create his own shots all that well. I don't see him as the valuable commodity that others do. Look at Gallegos in contrast to a guy like Dylan Talley, who offers so much more of a complete offensive game. I believe that Webster will bring that same skill set, and that spells reduced PT for Gallegos in my opinion.

 

We need guys who get to the foul line. Gallegos' inability to do so this season is frankly shocking, to the extent that Big Andre has more FT attempts (35) in only 379 minutes than Ray Gallegos does (31) in 1,007 minutes this season. Dylan Talley has had 97 FT attempts this season playing fewer minutes than Gallegos. You can't have your 2 guard getting 31 FT attempts in 1,007 minutes played. That's ridiculous. Check out the stats for yourself, and tell me this isn't hurting Nebraska. For God's sake, even Benny Parker has 30 FT attempts this year!

 

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205734115&DB_OEM_ID=100

[CrazyforNUHOOPS]

This year there was need for those guys to start, next year there won't be. None of those freshman will come in and be ready to play over Ray 13 games into the season.

[nustudent]

This year there was need for those guys to start, next year there won't be. None of those freshman will come in and be ready to play over Ray 13 games into the season.

I'd say it's unlikely.

Don't think it is a 100% given.

[Hooper]

This year there was need for those guys to start, next year there won't be. None of those freshman will come in and be ready to play over Ray 13 games into the season.

 

OK, let's work it this way. Aside from the obvious experience advantage, what does Ray bring as a starter that you feel is so valuable?

 

Again, we're talking about a player who:

 

- has a .368 FG%

- has a .290 3-pt %

- has only 31 FT attempts in 1,007 minutes played (by far the worst ratio on the team, and it's not even close. Talley has 97. Benny Parker has 30.

- rarely drives to basket and therefore doesn't create many shots for teammates by kicking the ball back out to open shooters.

 

Ray's a pretty good defender, I guess, but is that enough? Give me the compelling argument for why Ray Gallegos is a lock to start next year over a guy like Tai Webster.

[Silverbacked1]

I guess I would say is that he hasn't been asked to drive to the hole this year.

 

Therefore, that might be why he hasn't had many FT. 

 

Also he is at best a catch and jump shooter.

 

This is what I see,  I could easily be wrong.

 

Not that big a deal for me. 

 

We can sit here and get mad at each other and what we think and say won't matter one bit because we don't have any say. 

 

The coaches who see everybody everyday know who they want, and what will happen.

[Hooper]

I guess I would say is that he hasn't been asked to drive to the hole this year.

 

Therefore, that might be why he hasn't had many FT. 

 

Also he is at best a catch and jump shooter.

 

This is what I see,  I could easily be wrong.

 

Not that big a deal for me. 

 

We can sit here and get mad at each other and what we think and say won't matter one bit because we don't have any say. 

 

The coaches who see everybody everyday know who they want, and what will happen.

 

Who's mad, Silverback? I'm certainly not mad. These types of discussions take place all the time on football boards and no one's getting mad at anyone. People are just putting forth ideas, hashing them out back and forth and engaging in intelligent discussion about the team and future scenarios.

 

I don't understand why folks come into threads like this and tell people not to have discussions about the future of the team, and to instead just sit around waiting for the coaches to tell us what's going to happen. What fun is that? Why even bother posting on a message board if part of that isn't talking about what the future of the team might be in a few months? Why stifle or repress this type of discussion? The more of it the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'll take it over talk about this or that uniform, comparisons of mascots and so forth. But, hey, that's just my opinion.

[Silverbacked1]

Well you sounded that way sorry I didn't mean to piss on your anti Ray thread.

 

I also thought my first 4 sentences answered your question.

 

But if you only want to look at the part you didn't like well...

[leonidas]

I guess I would say is that he hasn't been asked to drive to the hole this year.

 

What makes you say this?  Miles has lamented our team's inability to drive and get to the FT line.  I don't think Ray's inability to drive is because he "hasn't been asked to" but rather because he lacks the ability to do so.  If he could, I'm pretty sure Miles would love for him to do so.  I certainly can't think of a reason why Miles wouldn't want him to. 

[Norm Peterson]

Yeah, if you watched Ray in the last home game, you saw why he probably hasn't been driving to the basket this year.  He just doesn't have the handles.  Not that he couldn't develop them.  I mean, we're talking a spin dribble here and a crossover there.  That just takes practice to make you competent even if not a master at it.  But I recall Ray trying to drive once that last home game and it wasn't real purty.  His ball handling needs some work.

 

Ray's best shot is elevating off of a right hand dribble.  Teams have obviously scouted that and have taken that away from him.  He's not nearly as effective dribbling to his left.  So, I have a couple of things for Ray to work on for next year:  shooting off a left hand dribble; spin dribble off the drive; and crossover dribbles from either hand.  OK, go to it.

[Silverbacked1]

Okay, I think you might be right that he doesn't have the "handles" to drive.

 

But I also think that he to be the catch and shoot guy that the others are going to kick it out to.

 

And your right, no one is driving to the basket, even though coach wants them to.

 

Just what I think, I have no inside information.

 

And as I have said before I really don't care.  So I will leave this thread now because it is obvious that I don't understand the game, at the same level as some here do.

 

Where is the uniform thread at?

[ladyhusker]

This year there was need for those guys to start, next year there won't be. None of those freshman will come in and be ready to play over Ray 13 games into the season.

 From what I understand, based on what the coaches and analysts and such have said, I'd be pretty shocked if Tai Webster doesn't play next year at someone's expense -- and based on his position, that would, I would think, be Ray, Benny, or Deverell. Nick Fuller is also a heck of a player, and his natural position is a 2 or 3...so by midseason, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if he's starting too.

 

If anything, I'd think that, with the ramped-up expectations next year, there would be MORE of a need for those freshmen to be strong contributors (if not starters). This year was a throwaway year -- Miles could have put five walk-ons on the court to play HORSE on offense every play if he wanted and no one would really have complained too much. Next year we start actually expecting some progress, though, and with all the complaints about how bare a cupboard Doc left, I would certainly hope that progress would come from Miles' players (or, if not, that some of the criticisms of Doc would fade a bit) -- a few of whom, logic would insist, are those freshmen.

[Norm Peterson]

Exactly right, ladyhusker.  Couldn't have said it better myself.  So, I'll just cut and paste what you said:  "If anything, I'd think that, with the ramped-up expectations next year, there would be MORE of a need for those freshmen to be strong contributors (if not starters)."

 

We have freshmen come in and start or contribute significantly all the time.  If we're hoping that this recruiting class represents an upgrade in talent, then they darn well better be able to contribute right away and even challenge for starting jobs.  Good grief, we were picked to finish last in the league this year.  That's not because we had great players coming back.  I would suggest it won't bode well for us climbing up the B1G ladder if one or two of those freshmen DON'T come in and start or play substantial minutes.

[bball23]

Is Ray not a better player though if you surround him with guys that can create, get opposing defenses to collapse while he spots up and shoots 3?  Right now, nobody really has to leave Ray as we never get into the lane therefore so many of his shots are forced.  Not only that, but we have ZERO depth and therefore Ray is playing 38 minutes a game.  I'm sure those legs are dead tired by now.  I think with guys like Biggs/Webster that can maybe attach the lane more Ray will be more valuable as a spot up shooter.  We'll see though.  Plus, the way coach talks, Ray is a gym rat and will continue to work on his shot. 

[Norm Peterson]

There's obviously a place for a guy who is athletic enough to chase the other team's shooters around the floor for 38 minutes night after night.  Having better offensive players at the other positions could open things up a bit for Ray, but look at this way.  Who do we have coming in who we expect to be better offensive players and what spots do those guys play?  Fuller, Hawkins and maybe Webster are ALL guys who would be options for the kick-out 3.

 

What we really need is a guy who can put the ball in his hands and get to the rim and finish or hit the perimeter jumper, which are things Talley brings to the table and that we lose when he's gone next year.  Who on next year's roster would take that last shot against Iowa?  I don't think it's Ray.

 

Ray has a place on this team.  That's absolutely true.  But he's never been consistent enough of a shooter to be the primary perimeter option for a good team.  And he doesn't have the ball skills to drive it.  Which is really too bad.  If Ray had quality handles, he would be a ferocious offensive weapon for us.  Can you imagine?  Ray, with his quicks and leaping ability?  Plus his ability to shoot off the dribble?  If opposing defenses had to respect his ability to penetrate and get to the rim, he'd be unstoppable.  If they'd try to take away his dribble drive, he'd just pull up from mid-range.  That would be such a tremendous weapon.

 

Get on it, Ray.  Work on those handles.  Gitter done.

[MandRHusker]

Norm, I think both Pertteway and Biggs are guys who can take it to the rim and finish. And they both have nice mid range jump shots. What neither seem to have that Talley brings is a decent shot from 3 point range. Hawkins or Webster may also fill this void, just depends whether either one is mentally and physically ready to do so next season.

[hhcmatt]

Is Ray not a better player though if you surround him with guys that can create, get opposing defenses to collapse while he spots up and shoots 3?  Right now, nobody really has to leave Ray as we never get into the lane therefore so many of his shots are forced.  Not only that, but we have ZERO depth and therefore Ray is playing 38 minutes a game.  I'm sure those legs are dead tired by now.  I think with guys like Biggs/Webster that can maybe attach the lane more Ray will be more valuable as a spot up shooter.  We'll see though.  Plus, the way coach talks, Ray is a gym rat and will continue to work on his shot. 

 

Exactly.

 

 

Rey Gallegos is playing 38 minutes a game and is the only senior on the team next year.

Unless he's in some prolonged funk or not put in a position to maximize his talents, Ray Gallegos will start every game he's healthy next year.

To think that he wouldn't start almost every game next year is to focus solely on his weaknesses vs what he brings to table.

 

Which players start doesn't matter nearly as much as how many minutes will a guy play.  

Perhaps you all are using that interchangeably.

A much more meaningful debate about Ray Gallegos is will he average over 30 minutes per game?  Over 20?  Less than 20?

 

It's possible that Miles might be reminded of former Husker Marcus Walker.  

Walker transferred to Colorado State and in his Junior year played a ton of minutes, took a ton of shots, and hit for less than 30% from 3.

 

For his senior year, his 3pt% went up and his minutes went down.  He was once again a major contributor to the roster.

 

 

Expect the same thing from Ray next year.

[Hooper]

Is Ray not a better player though if you surround him with guys that can create, get opposing defenses to collapse while he spots up and shoots 3?  Right now, nobody really has to leave Ray as we never get into the lane therefore so many of his shots are forced.  Not only that, but we have ZERO depth and therefore Ray is playing 38 minutes a game.  I'm sure those legs are dead tired by now.  I think with guys like Biggs/Webster that can maybe attach the lane more Ray will be more valuable as a spot up shooter.  We'll see though.  Plus, the way coach talks, Ray is a gym rat and will continue to work on his shot. 

 

Exactly.

 

 

Rey Gallegos is playing 38 minutes a game and is the only senior on the team next year.

Unless he's in some prolonged funk or not put in a position to maximize his talents, Ray Gallegos will start every game he's healthy next year.

To think that he wouldn't start almost every game next year is to focus solely on his weaknesses vs what he brings to table.

 

What does he bring to the table that others don't?

[49r]

Remember how critical people were of Lance Jeter after his junior year?

 

I do.

[cipsucks]

Remember how critical people were of Lance Jeter after his junior year?

 

I do.

You typically see improvement from a Juco from his junior to senior year.  I don't know if that translates to a fifth year senior.  It sure could....

[49r]

Remember how critical people were of Lance Jeter after his junior year?

 

I do.

You typically see improvement from a Juco from his junior to senior year.  I don't know if that translates to a fifth year senior.  It sure could....

 

Well, yeah, there is that.

 

But my point was more that it's not impossible for a player to improve from one year to the next.  Seniors, and especially fifth year seniors, also tend to play with a bit more, uh, urgency.  I'm not ruling that out from Gallegos.

[cipsucks]

I agree completely, 49r. 

[nustudent]

rey is who he is.

 

He's finishing up his 4th year on campus.   He's not going to be a different player next year.  

 

Jeter improved but he had only been on campus one year, not 4...and safe to say he was the exception not the norm.

 

Rey isn't going to suddenly become some great player.   He's going to be a guy who plays solid defense, doesn't handle the ball well and will have some nights where he melts the nets and others where he couldn't make a lay-up.   The key is going to be if we can surround him with enough help so that when he does have his off-nights..they don't impact us so heavily.

[hhcmatt]

 

Is Ray not a better player though if you surround him with guys that can create, get opposing defenses to collapse while he spots up and shoots 3?  Right now, nobody really has to leave Ray as we never get into the lane therefore so many of his shots are forced.  Not only that, but we have ZERO depth and therefore Ray is playing 38 minutes a game.  I'm sure those legs are dead tired by now.  I think with guys like Biggs/Webster that can maybe attach the lane more Ray will be more valuable as a spot up shooter.  We'll see though.  Plus, the way coach talks, Ray is a gym rat and will continue to work on his shot. 

 

Exactly.

 

 

Rey Gallegos is playing 38 minutes a game and is the only senior on the team next year.

Unless he's in some prolonged funk or not put in a position to maximize his talents, Ray Gallegos will start every game he's healthy next year.

To think that he wouldn't start almost every game next year is to focus solely on his weaknesses vs what he brings to table.

 

What does he bring to the table that others don't?

 

Experience and relative consistency.

You may or may not know if Ray's shot is going to go down, but you know everything else you're going to get.  Refer to what nustudent just said because it's spot on.

 

A counter point is Shavon Shields who I think will turn out to be a great player.  

He is just as likely to foul out with 2 points as he is to score 30 points.

You have no idea what Shields is going to do because he's constantly adjusting to being a B1G player.

 

I think Ray starts and plays 20-25 minutes a game.

This leaves plenty of minutes for everyone else coming in because we'll be splitting out a lot of minutes.

 

If your'e going to tell me that I'm going to live in a world where we bring in 6 new players who are so consistent they relegate Ray Gallegos to the bench, I would love nothing more than to fly my unicorn to this magical place that only exists before these guys hit the floor.

[nustudent]

 

 

Is Ray not a better player though if you surround him with guys that can create, get opposing defenses to collapse while he spots up and shoots 3?  Right now, nobody really has to leave Ray as we never get into the lane therefore so many of his shots are forced.  Not only that, but we have ZERO depth and therefore Ray is playing 38 minutes a game.  I'm sure those legs are dead tired by now.  I think with guys like Biggs/Webster that can maybe attach the lane more Ray will be more valuable as a spot up shooter.  We'll see though.  Plus, the way coach talks, Ray is a gym rat and will continue to work on his shot. 

 

Exactly.

 

 

Rey Gallegos is playing 38 minutes a game and is the only senior on the team next year.

Unless he's in some prolonged funk or not put in a position to maximize his talents, Ray Gallegos will start every game he's healthy next year.

To think that he wouldn't start almost every game next year is to focus solely on his weaknesses vs what he brings to table.

 

What does he bring to the table that others don't?

 

Experience

That doesn't necessarily beat out pure talent though.