Nebraska Basketball: 10-man rotation next season (maybe even 11-man rotation?)

[Dicemanhusker]

That's exactly right. His motion offense is best run with combo/hybrid guards & forwards that can get us into the offense, shoot, and have good length (which particularly helps defensively & on the glass). One rim protector can be mixed in, but ideally he is of the athletic variety (Smith). Guys like Parker & Vooch are match-up guys first & depth guys next (who's playing time fluctuates accordingly). Biggs is as well to some degree (although he's a WINNER with great hands, feet, and hops).

[Dicemanhusker]

That's exactly right. His motion offense is best run with combo/hybrid guards & forwards that can get us into the offense, shoot, and have good length (which particularly helps defensively & on the glass). One rim protector can be mixed in, but ideally he is of the athletic variety (Smith). Guys like Parker & Vooch are match-up guys first & depth guys next (who's playing time fluctuates accordingly). Biggs is as well to some degree (although he's a WINNER with great hands, feet, and hops).

[Dicemanhusker]

Sorry guys. I'll work out the old man posting hiccups!

[Silverbacked1]

It's cool Diceman, I just thought you realllly wanted to prove your point.

[hhcmatt]

I think the redshirt decision would give us a very good insight into how the coaches view the stage of the rebuilding effort. If they expect to make a run at any kind of postseason then it's all hands on deck. We will be the type of program that recruits guys to play right away. Soon our bigger concern will be how long players will stay. It's hard to wrap our minds around it, but the Zags comparison just isn't going to be apples to apples for us. They are very good, however they "enter the party" in a whole different way than we will have to going forward. Doc's plan of 5th year seniors was shooting for the gut. Miles is shooting for the eyes & beyond. Big time programs (that aren't in some stage of rebuilding) simply don't waste a year of eligibility on a guy that can help even in specific match up situations IMO.

 

I'd agree the Zags are a bit on the extreme side.  They play in a different league and have the luxury of a coach for life.

Wisconsin doesn't redshirt more than anyone but they roll out an experienced lineup year after year.  Only six freshmen have ever started a game in the Bo Ryan era. (12 years)  Doc's plan of 5th year seniors needed to come in year one...not as the idea of the month in year 3 or 4.  That possibly was the bigger issue than recruiting.

[Dicemanhusker]

I think the Wisconsin example is a good one. That's probably a good comparison point for now. I see Coach Miles playing his frosh yet working them into their roles (while the vets lead the rotation - at least initially). Several have made the point that it will be a rotation perspective with a primary focus on match ups. I agree with this stance. I've always liked to find a core group of rotation guys to run my motion. There's usually a few core starters, several spot starters/heavy rotation guys (depending on match ups), and strictly match up/heavy depth guys after that (like Parker & Vooch). This of course remains very dynamic throughout the season. I have no doubt that ours will as well.

[hugh42]

I have no confidence in vouch or smith.

To start the year shields and ray will be big contributors. After that I think fuller, Biggs, and pettaway will play some serious minutes. Other than that I think any other predictions are guesses.

 

Aren't all predictions guesses?

[Nebrasketballer]

https://twitter.com/HuskerExtraBR/status/354697830071406592

https://twitter.com/HuskerExtraBR/status/354729134951378945

[Nebrasketballer]

https://twitter.com/HuskerExtraBR/status/354726037411733504

[49r]

I like those Rosenthal tweets.  Especially the parts about the Shields kid!  

[Nebrasketballer]

https://twitter.com/HuskerExtraBR/status/354726037411733504

This tweet by Rosenthal points out one of the main reasons that I think Smith has a good chance to start next season.  In addition to this excerpt from the Scout.com article about Pitchford (originally posted by huskercwg in post #1 of the "Walter" thread):

 

"Pitchford might be one of the most athletic players the Huskers have brought into the program in a long time. The best way to characterize Pitchford would be a stretch-four. However, because of the lack of size in the Nebraska front-court, Pitchford will most likely be the starting center. The ability to play small forward, power forward, or center will allow Coach Miles to play with many different line up combinations. A player that Pitchford's game would most compare to is Kevin Durant, of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pitchford loves to step out behind the three-point line and can also create off the dribble. We are not saying he's as talented as Durant, not even close, but the style of his game compares to what Durant does so well."

 

I think that because Pitchford will be more athletic, rather than a bruiser at the starting Center position, the athleticism, agility, and strength of Smith would be a great compliment at the starting 4-spot.

 

The tweets about Shields make me think that he could possibly see some time at the 4-Spot as well, but I think he will still likely see most of his playing time at the 3-Spot.  With his increased height, weight, and strength, he will become even more of a matchup nightmare for opposing SF's trying to guard him, especially when it comes to rebounding.

[Huskerpapa]

It will be a very interesting season.  Coach Miles can roll out a variety of line-ups.  We have a players that can play a number of positions.  It will be fun.

[MandRHusker]

I saw film of Leslie playing juco ball last season. He looked very nimble for a man of his size, almost like a stalkier version of Jete. It sounds as if he may be only 6'7" but all of 250 lbs. We do need some bulk inside, just wish he was a little taller.

[trickey]

 

https://twitter.com/HuskerExtraBR/status/354726037411733504'>

 

I think that because Pitchford will be more athletic, rather than a bruiser at the starting Center position, the athleticism, agility, and strength of Smith would be a great compliment at the starting 4-spot.

 

 

 

I would prefer to have Smith at the 5 and WP at the four. The power inside and the match-up problem at the 4.

[bobcat402]

judging by the size we have this year on the frontline (did i just say that about a Nebrasketball team?) i would love to see a memphis grizzlies style, grit and grind approach dont get me wrong we can fly but ive always felt to win in the big ten you have to out bull teams and i think with a bigger shavon, a bigger pritchford, and fuller being decent size, and smith being all that was advertised, and possibly some help of a grad transfer? and maybe even Sergj making an appearance i feel like its possible this year

[Dicemanhusker]

It will be a very interesting season. Coach Miles can roll out a variety of line-ups. We have a players that can play a number of positions. It will be fun.

Agreed - we will be long & versatile. It should be an exciting season to watch us compete & maybe take another step forward.

[Donkey]

Shields adding another inch and getting additional weight is very good.  This last season, I felt Shields showed glimpses of a PF game but lacked the height and weight to really run with it.  If he can keep his speed and coordination, Shields could be a good match up against some of the slower big guys out there.  Picture a lineup of:

 

G: Gallegos

G: Fuller

G: Petteway

F: Shields

F: Smith

 

That group could probably run up and down the court with anyone.  Maybe even take out Fuller; insert Crawford.  Leave Shields and Smith in the post.  Let Crawford play out along the perimeter.

 

Maybe I am just thinking too much.

[ajb5856]

Shields adding another inch and getting additional weight is very good. This last season, I felt Shields showed glimpses of a PF game but lacked the height and weight to really run with it. If he can keep his speed and coordination, Shields could be a good match up against some of the slower big guys out there. Picture a lineup of:

G: Gallegos

G: Fuller

G: Petteway

F: Shields

F: Smith

That group could probably run up and down the court with anyone. Maybe even take out Fuller; insert Crawford. Leave Shields and Smith in the post. Let Crawford play out along the perimeter.

Maybe I am just thinking too much.

Who's this Crawford recruit we picked up?

[TheKamdyMan]

Shields adding another inch and getting additional weight is very good.  This last season, I felt Shields showed glimpses of a PF game but lacked the height and weight to really run with it.  If he can keep his speed and coordination, Shields could be a good match up against some of the slower big guys out there.  Picture a lineup of:

 

G: Gallegos

G: Fuller

G: Petteway

F: Shields

F: Smith

 

That group could probably run up and down the court with anyone.  Maybe even take out Fuller; insert Crawford.  Leave Shields and Smith in the post.  Let Crawford play out along the perimeter.

 

Maybe I am just thinking too much.

 

when did we get Jamal Crawford? LOL

 

Assuming you meant Pitchford.

[Dicemanhusker]

Shields adding another inch and getting additional weight is very good. This last season, I felt Shields showed glimpses of a PF game but lacked the height and weight to really run with it. If he can keep his speed and coordination, Shields could be a good match up against some of the slower big guys out there. Picture a lineup of:

G: Gallegos

G: Fuller

G: Petteway

F: Shields

F: Smith

That group could probably run up and down the court with anyone. Maybe even take out Fuller; insert Crawford. Leave Shields and Smith in the post. Let Crawford play out along the perimeter.

Maybe I am just thinking too much.

when did we get Jamal Crawford? LOL

Assuming you meant Pitchford.

Kinda makes you long for round ball season to get here when you think about it!

[bobcat402]

JAMAL CRAWFORD NOT ONLY HAS ELGIBLITY LEFT, BUT IS COMING TO NU!!!!! ahhhhh!!!!! lol, all jokes aside i feel like Pritchford needs to be starting not coming off the bench.

[ajb5856]

First Jamal Crawford and now this Pritchford guy. New recruits every other minute! I'll assume when you talk of this Pritchford that you actually mean Walter Pitchford.

[hhcmatt]

Last year we had maybe 3-4 different starting lineups

I wouldn't be surprised if we had that many after our first 5 games

[bobcat402]

First Jamal Crawford and now this Pritchford guy. New recruits every other minute! I'll assume when you talk of this Pritchford that you actually mean Walter Pitchford.

yes, i have no idea why but i want to say pritchford insted of Pitchford.  lol no clue why just everytime i type his name i say pritchford and have to catch myself this time i didnt.

[Nebrasketballer]

Shields adding another inch and getting additional weight is very good.  This last season, I felt Shields showed glimpses of a PF game but lacked the height and weight to really run with it.  If he can keep his speed and coordination, Shields could be a good match up against some of the slower big guys out there.  Picture a lineup of:

 

G: Gallegos

G: Fuller

G: Petteway

F: Shields

F: Smith

 

That group could probably run up and down the court with anyone.  Maybe even take out Fuller; insert Crawford.  Leave Shields and Smith in the post.  Let Crawford play out along the perimeter.

 

Maybe I am just thinking too much.

There is no possible way that Pitchford doesn't start next season.  In fact, he is probably 1 of only 3 players that is a lock to start.  Pitchford, Petteway, and Shields...