Jumping the Gun

[Norm Peterson]

OK, I'm jumping the gun a bit but what the heck, right?

 

OK, suppose next year we have a starting lineup that features:

 

PG  Webster

SG  Gallegos

SF  Petteway

PF  Shields

PF  Smith

 

We might then have a second five that looks like:

 

PG  Parker/Biggs

SG  Hawkins

SF  Fuller

PF  Rivers

PF  Pitchford

 

Just for sake of argument, let's say it looked that way.  Change it around if you like.  Is it a giant step ahead of where we were last year, talent-wise?  Perhaps not a giant step.  BUT ... I think it could make an immediate impact in some areas.

 

To the extent that RPI gives any consideration to margin of victory/defeat (and I know Kenpom does but his service isn't the official rpi) I would expect this to be a team that doesn't quit.  You'll have backup players who will feel like they can challenge for starting minutes.  You'll have starters who have to look over their shoulders, knowing they could get beat out.

 

And what that all means is that, when the second five comes in, especially in non-conference games early in the season, I would think we'd have little if any drop-off.  I expect a second five who want to prove themselves.  No let up.  No let downs.  And no letting inferior teams back into the game.  Putting opponents away.

 

And the upshot of all that, at least early in the season, is ... RUNZAS!!!

[Jadler]

Giant step ahead talent-wise I'd agree with, but I do feel the lack of experience is going to show come January. 

_Pleaselet me^{be wrong.}

[hhcmatt]

I'd say not including Sai in the lineup was a considerable show of restraint.

 

We are easily ahead of last year in terms of talent if for no other reason we have more than 8 players.

If Miles can figure out how to manage our lack of height and if we have one superstar in that group, we will go places.

[nustudent]

OK, I'm jumping the gun a bit but what the heck, right?

 

OK, suppose next year we have a starting lineup that features:

 

PG  Webster

SG  Gallegos

SF  Petteway

PF  Shields

PF  Smith

 

We might then have a second five that looks like:

 

PG  Parker/Biggs

SG  Hawkins

SF  Fuller

PF  Rivers

PF  Pitchford

 

Just for sake of argument, let's say it looked that way.  Change it around if you like.  Is it a giant step ahead of where we were last year, talent-wise?  Perhaps not a giant step.  BUT ... I think it could make an immediate impact in some areas.

 

To the extent that RPI gives any consideration to margin of victory/defeat (and I know Kenpom does but his service isn't the official rpi) I would expect this to be a team that doesn't quit.  You'll have backup players who will feel like they can challenge for starting minutes.  You'll have starters who have to look over their shoulders, knowing they could get beat out.

 

And what that all means is that, when the second five comes in, especially in non-conference games early in the season, I would think we'd have little if any drop-off.  I expect a second five who want to prove themselves.  No let up.  No let downs.  And no letting inferior teams back into the game.  Putting opponents away.

 

And the upshot of all that, at least early in the season, is ... RUNZAS!!!

A giant step talent wise over last year.

 

Now...it may not be a giant step record wise based on scheduling and experience, etc but it's a massive improvement in talent.

[49r]

Norm, I couldn't help but notice you didn't have Peltz included in your roster plans.  I think this is a significant oversight!

 

#NeBROsketball

 

[FredsSlacks]

Depth and talent should not be a concern next year. Experience and size will be a concern.

[Fromthebench]

Pitchford could be our best player next year.

Peltz might redshirt.

[Huskerpapa]

I hope we have enough shots to go around...

[GATA]

In my mind, I think this might be the most ideal starting lineup, providing legit Big Ten size and athleticism:

 

PG: Tai Webster (based on hope, but I wouldn't be surprised if he came off the bench)

SG: Terran Petteway (plays a similar role to Talley as almost a point forward)

SF: Shavon Shields (expecting a nice bump in consistency next year)

PF: Leslee Smith (provides some beef and extra rebounding)

C: Walter Pitchford (spaces the floor and adds size)

 

6th man: Gallegos (provides instant offense off the bench)

 

7-9 (no particular order)

David Rivers (third "big")

Deverell Biggs (extra ball handler, pest defensively)

Nick Fuller (SF/PF tweener)

 

Spot minutes:

Benny Parker

Sergej Vucetic

Nate Hawkins

[Huskerpapa]

I will be absoultely shocked if Gallegos does not start the season in the starting line up.  If that were to occur, that would tell me that we will have a stud or two that are difference makers.

[GATA]

I will be absoultely shocked if Gallegos does not start the season in the starting line up.  If that were to occur, that would tell me that we will have a stud or two that are difference makers.

 

Yeah, I struggled with how to use him. In my mind, he simply was a bulk shooter. With the amount of extra firepower we'll have in the starting 5 next season, I thought he would be served best by acting as a designated gunner off the bench.

 

But if he can become more efficient, there's definitely a spot for him in my lineup.

[Norm Peterson]

GATA, I think you might switch spots with Pitchford and Smith. Pitch is taller but more finesse and face up type player. That probably leaves Smith to play more of that five role.

My point doesn't have as much to do with how you line them up, though, as it does with what having quality depth will do for the team. The backups will come in hungry and wanting to show what they can do.

And I hope that means we will be delivering knockout blows to lesser teams and posting larger margins of victory against the lesser foes we face. And hopefully, that helps our RPI.

[GATA]

 

 

GATA, I think you might switch spots with Pitchford and Smith. Pitch is taller but more finesse and face up type player. That probably leaves Smith to play more of that five role.

My point doesn't have as much to do with how you line them up, though, as it does with what having quality depth will do for the team. The backups will come in hungry and wanting to show what they can do.

And I hope that means we will be delivering knockout blows to lesser teams and posting larger margins of victory against the lesser foes we face. And hopefully, that helps our RPI.

 

You could definitely flip them around. I only put Pitchford at center because of his length, and I thought I read Miles refer to him as a center at one point. He certainly wouldn't be a traditional center.

[AuroranHusker]

1: Webster / Biggs / Parker / Peltz (RS?)

2: Petteway / Gallegos / Hawkins

3: Shields / Rivers / Fuller

4: Pitchford / Tummala*

5: Smith / Vucetic

[Milk]

I am gonna go with

 

PG- Biggs/Parker

SG- Gallegos/Webster

SF- Petteway/Fuller

PF- Shields/Rivers

C- Pitchford/Smith

 

I go with Biggs as a starter since he has practiced for a year under Miles system

[AuroranHusker]

There has also been a mention or two from Coach Miles that Petteway could be an option at the point on occasion... I like the variety of options that NU seems to be building at multiple positions. Lots of mix & match potential using interchangeable, athletic players.

[nebrasketball10]

I agree Rey starts at the beginning of the season. But if our newcomers are anywhere near as good as we're all hoping, he better not be starting by the end if it.

[meerkat68901]

Pitchford could be our best player next year.

Peltz might redshirt.

I would be ecstatic if that were the case.  I got to watch one practice this year, and Pitchford was a BIG step down from Ubel.  It was early in the year and not a very big sample size, but he looked like he had a lot of work to do.  Like I said, I hope you're right.  We will need all the help we can get inside.

[trickey]

I agree Rey starts at the beginning of the season. But if our newcomers are anywhere near as good as we're all hoping, he better not be starting by the end if it.

That is only if he continues to shoot with the consistence he did this year....But What If he benefits by the presence of multiple options and a new found ability to be open without running the perfect screen?

I think Rey can find a substantial increase in his accuracy...yet, if he still could not start then we would all be thrilled with what would be happening on the court.

[basketballjones]

Smith huh... I think you guys are reaching and hoping awfully hard there...

[MandRHusker]

Pitchford could be our best player next year.

Peltz might redshirt.

I would be ecstatic if that were the case.  I got to watch one practice this year, and Pitchford was a BIG step down from Ubel.  It was early in the year and not a very big sample size, but he looked like he had a lot of work to do.  Like I said, I hope you're right.  We will need all the help we can get inside.

I had the same experience. I saw Pitchford early in the season and he looked athletic but ineffective. I saw a second scrimmage late in the season and he looked vastly improved. Had a beautiful turn around jumper from 10 on Ubel and a simultaneous rebound/one handed dunk. Like you, it was a small sample size but Pitchford appeared to have made tremendous progress through the year. 

[Creighton Fan]

To the extent that RPI gives any consideration to margin of victory/defeat (and I know Kenpom does but his service isn't the official rpi) I would expect this to be a team that doesn't quit.  You'll have backup players who will feel like they can challenge for starting minutes.  You'll have starters who have to look over their shoulders, knowing they could get beat out.

To the best of my knowledge, RPI does not give any consideration to margin of victory at all.  A one point win is treated the same as a 50 point win.

[nebrasketball10]

I agree Rey starts at the beginning of the season. But if our newcomers are anywhere near as good as we're all hoping, he better not be starting by the end if it.

That is only if he continues to shoot with the consistence he did this year....But What If he benefits by the presence of multiple options and a new found ability to be open without running the perfect screen?

I think Rey can find a substantial increase in his accuracy...yet, if he still could not start then we would all be thrilled with what would be happening on the court.

 

If he shows substantial improvement - who knows. I don't see it. The guy only shot like 66% from the FT line. But the real improvement needs to come in other areas of his game. Even if he shoots upper 30%s with others creating for him - a guy who can't create his own shot and is a pretty good shooter when others create for him is a role player on a good team.

[TheGov21]

Here is my prediction of the starting lineup for game one....

 

PG:  Webster

SG:  Rey

SF:  Sheilds

PF:  Rivers

PF  Pichford

 

Analysis:  I think it's a toss up between Webster and Biggs at the point.  I wanted to give Biggs the slight edge but who knows maybe he starts the season on a game or two suspension.  This lineup gives the Huskers three slashers in Webster, Sheilds, and Rivers and two shooters in Rey and Pichford.

 

Bench

G:  Biggs

G/F:  Pettaway

F:  Fuller

F:  Smith

 

This is what I'm predicting to be the main rotation.  Biggs can be the combo guard that gives Rey and Webster breaks.  Fuller would play both the 3 and the 4 and provide another shooter.  Smith is going to be the muscle to rebound, set screens and defend. 

 

Spot Players

G: Peltz

G: Hawkins

F: Tyrance

 

Peltz will play some as a backup PG, Hawkins will play some to provide more scoring and Tyrance will play a similar role that he did this past season.  Come in in dire situations to play defense, eat up fouls, and give hustle.  Parker I think redshirts to work on strength and overall game.

 

Possible starting lineup at the end of the season

 

PG:  Webster

SG:  Rey

SF:  Shields

PF:  Pichford

C:  Smith

[GATA]

Here is my prediction of the starting lineup for game one....

 

PG:  Webster

SG:  Rey

SF:  Sheilds

PF:  Pettaway

PF  Pichford

 

Analysis:  I think it's a toss up between Webster and Biggs at the point.  I wanted to give Biggs the slight edge but who knows maybe he starts the season on a game or two suspension.  This lineup gives the Huskers three slashers in Webster, Sheilds, and Pettaway and two shooters in Rey and Pichford.

 

Bench

G:  Biggs

F:  Fuller

F:  Smith

 

This is what I'm predicting to be the main rotation.  Biggs can be the combo guard that gives Rey and Webster breaks.  Fuller would play both the 3 and the 4 and provide another shooter.  Smith is going to be the muscle to rebound, set screens and defend. 

 

Spot Players

G: Peltz

G: Hawkins

F: Tyrance

 

Peltz will play some as a backup PG, Hawkins will play some to provide more scoring and Tyrance will play a similar role that he did this past season.  Come in in dire situations to play defense, eat up fouls, and give hustle.

 

Possible starting lineup at the end of the season

 

PG:  Webster

SG:  Rey

SF:  Shields

PF:  Pichford

C:  Smith

 

No Parker and no Rivers? If Peltz and Tyrance are getting any playing time next year, something went very wrong.