Schedule next year: could we have a worse con record next year?

[Concrete]

We said the same thing last year about Lance Jeter and how are we going to replace him as he was the only one who could get to the rim when he wanted to.  Turns out Talley replaced him.  I'm not comparing the two players but just saying that players will find their role next year.  I think Biggs can handle the ball and get to the rim when needed and/or shoot the 3.  Beyond having 1 more big man, I really like how our team shapes up for next season (young or not).

Talley last year =/= talley this year.  Talley was very mediocre last year, and you could argue he was mediocre for about half of this season, too.  I have no doubt more than one newcomer next year will eventually be better than jeter, talley, etc. in the long run, but if it happens next year I'll be shocked.

[Cookie Belcher]

Some of you are overrating how good other B1G teams will be next year. Depending on who all goes pro, a bunch of teams will be much weaker next year.

Namely ... ?

Michigan State could be a lot weaker.

 

They lose Derrick Nix (Sr).  They could lose Gary Harris and Adreian Payne to the NBA.  Harris looks like it is likely he leaves, Payne has had a breakout season so it is possible.

 

If they lose both Payne and Nix, they will have a huge weakness inside.  Harris is their best shooter.  They could get decimated depending on who declares.

 

Michigan will lose Trey Burke to the NBA.  He is the heart and soul of their team and their offense has struggled greatly when he isn't in.  They do have a highly rated PG prospect coming in, but he most likely will still be a big downgrade.  Hardaway Jr and Glenn Robinson III were both possible NBA draft guys earlier in the season.  The season both have had make it more likely they return, but I could still see one or the other going pro.  They also lose Jordan Morgan who has been big for them inside this year and the time he missed due to injury coincided with their losing streak.  The rest of their youth should be better, though.

 

Indiana loses Jordan Hulls (Sr), Christian Watford (Sr), Derrick Elston (Sr), and then Zeller and Oladipo are possible lottery picks.  If they both go pro (less likely for Zeller now that some of his flaws have been exposed IMO), their team will be worse next year.  Even just losing Hulls, Watford, and Oladipo would be a big blow.

 

Wisconsin loses Jared Berggren, Mike Brusewitz, and Ryan Evans.  3 of their core players.  Bo Ryan always has his teams towards the top of the B1G so I know they will be decent, but they could struggle to match this year's squad.

 

Ohio State is a one man show on offense (DeShaun Thomas).  If he goes pro, they will struggle to find scoring next year.  I think it is likely Thomas returns to school for his senior year though as he is not super athletic.  If Thomas is back, Evan Ravenel is their only big loss so they should be okay.  Their 2013 recruiting class isn't special, though.

 

I am not saying Nebraska will finish above any of these teams next season, I don't think that will happen.  But the teams that are the elite of the conference this year should all take a step back next year.  This, I believe, will make the games against these teams games that Nebraska could actually win.  While this year, a game against any of the top 5 was basically considered an automatic loss, I think in 2014 the top of the conference will come down enough that Nebraska has a real chance to win against a lot of the teams I mentioned above.

[Handy Johnson]

I haven't seen enough of our Redshirts or incoming frosh to REALLY have a handle on what they'll bring. Usually 1 or 2 two surprise, a couple more are overhyped, and some fall through the cracks. That being said, the X factor is WHO will start in the post or play Center?  That could be the difference between 5 or 10 wins.