2024 Portal Watch

[millerhusker]

After the A&M game, everyone wanted us to go get more athleticism, length and perimeter defense in the portal. Seems like we're achieving that while still trying to get players who fit what we do offensively.

Just comparing the current roster to last year's rotation from a physical perspective:

G - Keisei Tominaga  -  Rollie Worster. Massive upgrade in size, athleticism and defense.

G - Jamarques Lawrence  -  Ahron Ulis. Similar size and athleticism. Both good defenders.

G - Sam Hoiberg = Sam Hoiberg

W - Brice Williams = Brice Williams

W - CJ Wilcher -  Gavin Griffiths.  Massive upgrade in length and athleticism. Should eventually be a defensive upgrade.

F - Juwan Gary = Juwan Gary

F/C - Josiah Allick -  We'll see. William Kyle is longer and more athletic than 99% of college basketball players.

C - Rienk Mast  -  Andrew Morgan.  If Mast does sit out next year. Seems to be a slight upgrade in length. Definite upgrade in athleticism and defense compared to an injured Mast. 

 

 

[AuroranHusker]

15 minutes ago, millerhusker said:

After the A&M game, everyone wanted us to go get more athleticism, length and perimeter defense in the portal. Seems like we're achieving that while still trying to get players who fit what we do offensively.

Just comparing the current roster to last year's rotation from a physical perspective:

G - Keisei Tominaga  -  Rollie Worster. Massive upgrade in size, athleticism and defense.

G - Jamarques Lawrence  -  Ahron Ulis. Similar size and athleticism. Both good defenders.

G - Sam Hoiberg = Sam Hoiberg

W - Brice Williams = Brice Williams

W - CJ Wilcher -  Gavin Griffiths.  Massive upgrade in length and athleticism. Should eventually be a defensive upgrade.

F - Juwan Gary = Juwan Gary

F/C - Josiah Allick -  We'll see. William Kyle is longer and more athletic than 99% of college basketball players.

C - Rienk Mast  -  Andrew Morgan.  If Mast does sit out next year. Seems to be a slight upgrade in length. Definite upgrade in athleticism and defense compared to an injured Mast. 

 

 

I hope NU can still snag an athletic wing player as well as another big... maybe Milicic and/or WK-III would fit, even both of 'em, as NU needs to shore up the interior and athleticism factors going into a 18-team Big Ten. It will be BRUTAL to face, so as many big dawgs will help the cause at securing that elusive M.M. victory, hopefully in Wichita, KS, in 2025 !!

[GhostOfJoeMcCray]

7 minutes ago, millerhusker said:

After the A&M game, everyone wanted us to go get more athleticism, length and perimeter defense in the portal. Seems like we're achieving that while still trying to get players who fit what we do offensively.

Just comparing the current roster to last year's rotation from a physical perspective:

G - Keisei Tominaga  -  Rollie Worster. Massive upgrade in size, athleticism and defense.

G - Jamarques Lawrence  -  Ahron Ulis. Similar size and athleticism. Both good defenders.

G - Sam Hoiberg = Sam Hoiberg

W - Brice Williams = Brice Williams

W - CJ Wilcher -  Gavin Griffiths.  Massive upgrade in length and athleticism. Should eventually be a defensive upgrade.

F - Juwan Gary = Juwan Gary

F/C - Josiah Allick -  We'll see. William Kyle is longer and more athletic than 99% of college basketball players.

C - Rienk Mast  -  Andrew Morgan.  If Mast does sit out next year. Seems to be a slight upgrade in length. Definite upgrade in athleticism and defense compared to an injured Mast. 

 

 

This. And I'm glad we're not selling our soul to just go get the most athletic guys out there just to try and beat 2024 Texas A&M that shot unbelievable from 3 and would have beaten almost anyone on that night. We have to continue doing the model that has won us Big Ten games over the last 14 months, which is smart, hard-working, unselfish, experienced dudes who can shoot and will give max effort on defense. You can't win a tournament game if you can't get to the tournament. 

 

After the A&M game, some fans seem to think we should be getting athletic freaks and that those same players will also be great shooters and super effective in Fred's 5-out offense and will also have the discipline, work ethic and attitude of a Sam Griesel/Sam Hoiberg. Newsflash: if you are all of those things you are in the NBA or getting offered by UConn/North Carolina/Kansas/Duke. 

[HB]

6 minutes ago, GhostOfJoeMcCray said:

 

This. And I'm glad we're not selling our soul to just go get the most athletic guys out there just to try and beat 2024 Texas A&M that shot unbelievable from 3 and would have beaten almost anyone on that night. We have to continue doing the model that has won us Big Ten games over the last 14 months, which is smart, hard-working, unselfish, experienced dudes who can shoot and will give max effort on defense. You can't win a tournament game if you can't get to the tournament. 

 

After the A&M game, some fans seem to think we should be getting athletic freaks and that those same players will also be great shooters and super effective in Fred's 5-out offense and will also have the discipline, work ethic and attitude of a Sam Griesel/Sam Hoiberg. Newsflash: if you are all of those things you are in the NBA or getting offered by UConn/North Carolina/Kansas/Duke. 

 

We don't need to sell our soul or completely change course, but we do need to get more athletic to successfully compete on an ongoing basis.   It's not an all or nothing thing.

[AuroranHusker]

7 minutes ago, HB said:

 

We don't need to sell our soul or completely change course, but we do need to get more athletic to successfully compete on an ongoing basis.   It's not an all or nothing thing.

 

Totally agree. That's why I advocate for William Kyle III as well as Igor Milicic Jr. They'd both fit on athleticism as well as being bigger guys who can help score, rebound, and defend. It will be crucial next season to do all 3 well. If Gavin Griffiths can provide much of the scoring deficit left by Keisei Tominaga, I'd feel real good about about another top 1/3rd of the Big Ten next year, which is top 6 in an 18-team league. That '18' and BIG TEN will take some getting to used to, lol.

 

[GhostOfJoeMcCray]

9 minutes ago, HB said:

 

We don't need to sell our soul or completely change course, but we do need to get more athletic to successfully compete on an ongoing basis.   It's not an all or nothing thing.

 

Correct, and that's why I agreed with millerhusker that I think we are. Morgan is a better athlete than Mast/Allick. Griffiths is a better athlete than CJ/Keisei. Worster and Ulis are at least equal to if not better athletes than Lawrence. Kyle is the one we really need who is next level compared to anyone on our roster. 

[nustudent]

Not everyone on the team will be an explosive freak.  And not everyone on the team is going to be a Larry Bird in skill and IQ.  The key is to find the right pairing.  

 

Mast is an incredible resource at the 5 because of his ability to shoot and pass.  He's an okay rebounder.  But he struggles blocking shots and finishing at the rim.  That's why a guy like Kyle is key.

 

You can also get away with a guy like Gary at the 4 if Morgan is in.  He's more of your traditional post.   Which frees Gary up some.

 

It's about balance and complimentary pieces

[HB]

1 hour ago, hskr4life said:

Im taking this as a “we had bigger fish to fry” type scenario?

 

Hopefully, but these kinds of decisions are made every day at portal time.   How far to go on NIL with each player/agent, figuring out what's real, drawing a line knowing that's effectively letting a guy go.   I'm probably stating the obvious, but this is so much about money now, rather than a better fit at a new program, etc.   And on the program end, there comes a point where the price is higher than the player is good, and you have to keep some dry powder.   

 

The good news is in the play for pay era, our new AD is totally committed to that, and will overtly support 1890 until the system changes and allows direct institutional participation or changes to an employee model.   Fred is very pleased with Dannen so far.   Fred has almost double what he had to work with on the pay players budget from a year ago.  We're all in on the current system.

 

We're really trying to get a visit from Payne, but the NIL demands are very, very high.  We're getting a visit from Essigian, assuming he doesn't commit to Indiana on his visit there.   Kyle supposed to come next weekend but concerned about Wake giving him a huge number, like they did Sallis.  

[HB]

On 4/15/2024 at 1:16 PM, bobcat402 said:

Forgot about Ola Joseph thanks!

 

We have moved on from Joseph.  Griffith got the nod over him.   Joseph rebounding stats poor. 

[hskr4life]

12 minutes ago, HB said:

 

We're getting a visit from Essigian, assuming he doesn't commit to Indiana on his visit there.   

Oh?  Nice!

[hhcmatt]

Trying to do a little housekeeping here. Have we had any other visits of guys who haven't committed yet besides Kyle WIlliams, Frankie Fidler, and Igor Miličić?

[hhcmatt]

5 minutes ago, HB said:

 

We have moved on from Joseph.  Griffith got the nod over him.   Joseph rebounding stats poor. 

 

I guess a career high in offensive rebounds set against Nebraska will carry you only so far.

[HuscurAdam]

20 minutes ago, HB said:

 Kyle supposed to come next weekend but concerned about Wake giving him a huge number, like they did Sallis.  

 

After Friedrichson, Sallis, and now Kyle, I'm starting to think Steve Forbes' recruiting strategy is just "see who Fred offers, then offer them a big bag." 

[Navin R. Johnson]

10 minutes ago, HuscurAdam said:

 

After Friedrichson, Sallis, and now Kyle, I'm starting to think Steve Forbes' recruiting strategy is just "see who Fred offers, then offer them a big bag." 

 

Don't forget about Carter Whitt.  On second thought, go ahead and forget about Carter Whitt.

[Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty]

2 hours ago, millerhusker said:

After the A&M game, everyone wanted us to go get more athleticism, length and perimeter defense in the portal. Seems like we're achieving that while still trying to get players who fit what we do offensively.

Just comparing the current roster to last year's rotation from a physical perspective:

G - Keisei Tominaga  -  Rollie Worster. Massive upgrade in size, athleticism and defense.

G - Jamarques Lawrence  -  Ahron Ulis. Similar size and athleticism. Both good defenders.

G - Sam Hoiberg = Sam Hoiberg

W - Brice Williams = Brice Williams

W - CJ Wilcher -  Gavin Griffiths.  Massive upgrade in length and athleticism. Should eventually be a defensive upgrade.

F - Juwan Gary = Juwan Gary

F/C - Josiah Allick -  We'll see. William Kyle is longer and more athletic than 99% of college basketball players.

C - Rienk Mast  -  Andrew Morgan.  If Mast does sit out next year. Seems to be a slight upgrade in length. Definite upgrade in athleticism and defense compared to an injured Mast. 

 

 

As much as I like our new additions, I’m not sure I’d say we’re maintaining our offensive identity with these changes. Neither Worster nor Ulis are good shooters, especially not as good as the guys they’re replacing. If we replace Allick with a guy like Kyle or Payne, that’s a big change from Allick stretching the floor. Neither of those guys are three point threats.

 

My concern is we’re overreacting to the last game we played, and the changes we make could do more harm to the offense than good to the defense. Not to mention I don’t think we’ve actually added any great defenders… just guys who are improvements over bad defenders like Keisei and Wilcher.

[nustudent]

5 minutes ago, Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty said:

As much as I like our new additions, I’m not sure I’d say we’re maintaining our offensive identity with these changes. Neither Worster nor Ulis are good shooters, especially not as good as the guys they’re replacing. If we replace Allick with a guy like Kyle or Payne, that’s a big change from Allick stretching the floor. Neither of those guys are three point threats.

 

My concern is we’re overreacting to the last game we played, and the changes we make could do more harm to the offense than good to the defense. Not to mention I don’t think we’ve actually added any great defenders… just guys who are improvements over bad defenders like Keisei and Wilcher.

A.  Worster and Ulis won't be on the court much at the same time.  

B.  While they aren't as good of shooters as Keisei, their ability to distribute will allow guys to more shots in catch and shoot situations.

C.  Allick is a better shooter from 3 than a Kyle, but he's hardly Dirk Nowitzki.  Kyle's ability to finish inside and at the rim will help open up more kickouts as well.  

[MichHusker]

Sounds like Brendan Hausen from Villanova is someone to keep an eye on. Career 40% 3pt shooter

[hhcmatt]

13 minutes ago, Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty said:

As much as I like our new additions, I’m not sure I’d say we’re maintaining our offensive identity with these changes. Neither Worster nor Ulis are good shooters, especially not as good as the guys they’re replacing. If we replace Allick with a guy like Kyle or Payne, that’s a big change from Allick stretching the floor. Neither of those guys are three point threats.

 

My concern is we’re overreacting to the last game we played, and the changes we make could do more harm to the offense than good to the defense. Not to mention I don’t think we’ve actually added any great defenders… just guys who are improvements over bad defenders like Keisei and Wilcher.

 

If you look at it like replacing

 

Lawrence and Boogie with Ulis and Worster

and

Keita with Kyle or Panye

 

it looks pretty reasonable.

 

The only reason to make Worster for Keisei comparisons is because we still have 4 open scholarships

 

 

I assume that Hoiberg's offense will run better with true PGs but given the lack of them here, I don't know.

 

[Huskerpapa]

I sort of look at it this way; Keisei's replacement is already on the roster.  His name is BRICE WILLIAMS.

[The Jazz Huddle]

14 minutes ago, Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty said:

As much as I like our new additions, I’m not sure I’d say we’re maintaining our offensive identity with these changes. Neither Worster nor Ulis are good shooters, especially not as good as the guys they’re replacing. If we replace Allick with a guy like Kyle or Payne, that’s a big change from Allick stretching the floor. Neither of those guys are three point threats.

 

My concern is we’re overreacting to the last game we played, and the changes we make could do more harm to the offense than good to the defense. Not to mention I don’t think we’ve actually added any great defenders… just guys who are improvements over bad defenders like Keisei and Wilcher.

The only reason that Allick's 3pt% wasn't atrocious was because he was wide open every time he took one. He was a relatively weak finisher and lacked touch. 

 

He was an athlete, however. But that can and will be replaced. 

[GhostOfJoeMcCray]

35 minutes ago, Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty said:

As much as I like our new additions, I’m not sure I’d say we’re maintaining our offensive identity with these changes. Neither Worster nor Ulis are good shooters, especially not as good as the guys they’re replacing. If we replace Allick with a guy like Kyle or Payne, that’s a big change from Allick stretching the floor. Neither of those guys are three point threats.

 

My concern is we’re overreacting to the last game we played, and the changes we make could do more harm to the offense than good to the defense. Not to mention I don’t think we’ve actually added any great defenders… just guys who are improvements over bad defenders like Keisei and Wilcher.

 

Allick was 8-22 from 3. He attempted less than 1 three per game and on average made one 3 pointer every 4 games played. 

 

Rienk Mast was 42-122.

Andrew Morgan was 12-33. 

Igor Milicic was 56-149. 

 

IMO, we need 2 of these 3 above and we'll be fine, and then Kyle will do things on the court none of our other bigs could do last year. 

 

I expect Brice to carry a much bigger shooting load with Keisei gone, and Griffiths will make a huge leap over his Rutgers production. Lost in all that is Nick Janowski, who I've been really high on and still think can have a role, especially if he comes in this summer and establishes himself as a shooter. We're also still trying to land Essiegan. Also, no one has seen Ahron Ulis shoot a basketball since having Fred Hoiberg coach him for 12 months. I do not think it's unreasonable to think he can match Jamarques' numbers (36-101, 35.6%) while doing everything else at the PG spot better.

 

Fred Hoiberg is not going to have a roster short on shooters. 

Edited April 17 by GhostOfJoeMcCray

[Swan88]

According to Washut on visits:

• Payne's visit is off; and
• Hausen from Villanova will probably be visiting.

[Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty]

2 hours ago, GhostOfJoeMcCray said:

 

Allick was 8-22 from 3. He attempted less than 1 three per game and on average made one 3 pointer every 4 games played. 

 

Rienk Mast was 42-122.

Andrew Morgan was 12-33. 

Igor Milicic was 56-149. 

 

IMO, we need 2 of these 3 above and we'll be fine, and then Kyle will do things on the court none of our other bigs could do last year. 

 

I expect Brice to carry a much bigger shooting load with Keisei gone, and Griffiths will make a huge leap over his Rutgers production. Lost in all that is Nick Janowski, who I've been really high on and still think can have a role, especially if he comes in this summer and establishes himself as a shooter. We're also still trying to land Essiegan. Also, no one has seen Ahron Ulis shoot a basketball since having Fred Hoiberg coach him for 12 months. I do not think it's unreasonable to think he can match Jamarques' numbers (36-101, 35.6%) while doing everything else at the PG spot better.

 

Fred Hoiberg is not going to have a roster short on shooters. 

He still pulled defenders out of the lane because they knew he could shoot. Kyle’s defender wouldn’t have to set foot outside the lane.

 

I’m not saying the additions are bad or that I don’t want Kyle. I’m just refuting the comment from another poster that said we’re not moving away from what Fred does offensively. A guy like Kyle or Payne would absolutely change the offensive game plan, for better or worse.

[hskr4life]

1 hour ago, Swan88 said:

According to Washut on visits:

• Payne's visit is off; and
• Hausen from Villanova will probably be visiting.

Did it hint on Payne not visiting meaning good things with Kyle or just that we/he is no longer interested?

[Art Vandalay]

16 minutes ago, Cookie Miller Wasn't Dirty said:

He still pulled defenders out of the lane because they knew he could shoot. Kyle’s defender wouldn’t have to set foot outside the lane.

 

I’m not saying the additions are bad or that I don’t want Kyle. I’m just refuting the comment from another poster that said we’re not moving away from what Fred does offensively. A guy like Kyle or Payne would absolutely change the offensive game plan, for better or worse.

Fred has had guys like him before. Still spread the floor with Kyle setting screens, pick’s roll etc. I’m not worried about that plus they really did not guard JA outside, they let him shoot and he did a good job of not firing them up like crazy and picked his spots well.