Team Chemistry

[NUdiehard]

The team this year is deeper and more talented than many years past, that I believe is true.  My question with this team (beyond the lack of a physical post presence other than Smith) is team chemistry.  I am not trying to say that the story on this has already been written.  Rather, it is the story that I am curious to follow as the season plays out.  I have attended the scrimmage, the exhibition and all three games so far.  It is always interesting to watch not only the skills and talent level of the new players, but also their personalities, demeanors and body language, as well as how they play together as a team.  Last year, we were very short-handed.  Everybody knew their role and where they fit in with the team.  It really wasn't that difficult because there were only 4 legitimate players (Shields, Ubel, Talley and Gallegos) and about 3 or 4 role players.  There was not problem about guys "getting their shots" because there were plenty of shot to divide between those 4 players (especially considering that Shields was a freshman who didn't even play early in the season b/c of injury and had to slowly work his way into the top rotation).  This year is different.  We have more options, and as a result we have more guys who think they should be "getting their shots". 

 

Many of us pointed this out with a few players after the first couple of games in regards to a couple of players.  However, I think it has gone to a whole new level with the introduction of Gallegos and Biggs to the lineup.  Just reading their quotes after the game was quite revealing of some mindsets of the players.  For instance, Gallegos said:

 

 

 

“In the first half, it seemed like a lot of players were just trying to get shots for themselves,” he said.

 

We NEVER heard anything like this last season.  It simply was never an issue. Even when Gallegos jacked up 13 3 pointres and missed them all, most people simply accepted that it was necessary b/c of our limited options.  But this year is different.  We have more options, and players now notice when someone gets "out of system" and tries to get their own.

 

Look at the box score for the game.  Biggs and Gallegos combined for 21 shots!  Shields and Pitchfor only shot 5 times each.  Petteway shot 7 times and only made 2 of them.  Now, look at Biggs quotes after the game:

 

“I didn't showcase my shot today,” Biggs said. “I just wanted to get to the rim. It's kind of hard to scout me because I can do a lot of things. I can do a lot more than I did tonight.”

   

 

Biggs thinks he can do more and he didn't even "showcase" his shot.  Does this mean he intends to shoot even more.  He obviously thinks very highly of his talent level:

 

 

On what him and Ray Gallegos said to each other before the game

“First game back. We have to showcase the good talent that we have. Go out there, play hard and have fun. Those are the only things we said to each other.”

 

So, Biggs mindset coming into the game was to "showcase" his talent. 

 

I don't want to make a bigger deal of this than it is at this point.  I realize those quotes do not necessary mean Biggs is selfish and only concerned about himself.  I am just saying that he is very confident and thinks he can score almost at will.  He also said he thinks he can get to the line 10-12 times a game (personally, I think Biggs is in for his rude awakening sooner than later.  He put up big numbers against a terrible team, things will not come so easy in the B1G where defenses are physical and scout well, but that is not my point here).

 

In the 2nd half, when NU got some baskets and started to make its run and pull away, I remember when SCSU called a timeout and all the NU players ran excitedly to the bench.  Well, all except Terran Petteway.  That dude looked like someone just killed his dog.  He had his dead down and was not happy.  My feeling at the time was that Petteway was not happy with his personal production at that stage in the game.  Granted, I am just reading body language and I could be completely wrong, but there certainly have been other indications that he likes to have his shots.  (As a side note, Petteway reminds me a lot of Standhardinger.  Standhardinger was ULTRA competitive in practice and games, and he always felt he could score the next bucket.  Thing is, I am not sure that Petteway is as skilled or talented as Christian-who was a legit 6'8"-but time will tell).

 

Shields should be getting more than 5 shots in EVERY SINGLE game we play this year.  Period. 

 

Pitchford may have his limitations, but shooting isn't one of them.  If he is in the game, his teammates should be looking to get him shots.  With that said, Pitchford seems to get frustrated easily and I am unclear if it is b/c of lack of shots or ticky tack foul calls or Miles on his butt for not being physical, but whatever it is he just seems to get frustrated and then loses his focus.

 

I guess my point is that for the first time in a long time, we may have a team that has to worry about things like team chemistry and getting guys to buy in to the team concept.  There is only one basketball and only so many possession per game.  Everyone cannot get 10-15 shots every game.  How will this team adjust to that reality.  How will each individual player accept their role.  We know guys like Rivers and Parker will defer.  But what about the rest.  That leaves 7 other guys who all think they are the best man to get buckets. 

 

In the end, I am not complaining.  I would much rather have this "problem" than last years "problem".  Having too many scorers should not be a bad thing.  But it is something worth keeping an eye on.  A breakdown of team chemistry can have a big impact if it gets out of control.

[Hooper]

You bring up some legitimate concerns, but I'm not worried about this for a couple of reasons. One is that the guys on the team legitimately seem to get along and like each other. Also, Deverell sat out an entire year and the first two games. It's understandable that he's hungry for the ball and wants to take shots. There's a lot of pent-up frustration there.

 

Another reason I'm not worried is that Miles has already addressed this publicly and cited it as a concern, which he attributed to a lack of discipline. I suspect that guys who've been put on notice about not playing within the team concept will start to get negative reinforcement in the form of fewer minutes if the behavior continues. 

[Silverbacked1]

This is why Tim and company make the big bucks.

[FredsSlacks]

The selfishness may just be due to the fact that we have been playing some bad competition so far.

 

We will learn a lot about this team this weekend when we play 3 quality teams in 4 days.

[HB]

Good post, Diehard.  Agree the story hasn't been written yet, but body language and demonstrative things, even more than any media quotes, suggest some things are going on and will need to be addresssed.    In college, coaches can and will address it with playing time.  The team concept and maturity will need to be advanced with this group.   Hopefully MIles and staff will have success addressing it.  But it's not a given--some teams just don't ever get the chemistry; others solve those probelms.  For you old timers, after a great year in 1977, we returned 4 starters, losing only the least talented starter.  And we were a mess the entire '78-79 season.  Even Bobby Moore's shot against KU didn't get us back on track.

[TheKamdyMan]

I really think it has a lot to do with it being the beginning of the season with a lot of guys that havent played in awhile or are new.  Biggs, Pitchford, and petteway all spent a year having to watch from the bench while everyone else played.  that has to be very tough to swallow.  Then you have Webster who was "the Man" everyone hes played and counted on to score which over time is just an adjustment when you have plenty of other talented guys around you that are just as capable.  I dont see any other selfish play from the rest of the squad.  

[hugh42]

As Kamdy said, it's early and guys are still learning to play together with different lineups.  I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the team deferred a bit to Gallegos and Biggs to try and get them acclimated quicker considering the challenge the team will face in the upcoming tourney.  Regarding Petteway, he's got a scorers mindset so it is understandable he looks for his shot.  From what I've seen of him so far, he just needs to make better decisions in terms of shot selection.  It's worth noting that Petteway was tied for the lead in assists on Sunday with 3, so some of the 'black hole' talk seems to be unfounded.  I'm confident the guys will get the chemistry thing figured out as the season goes along.

[Norm Peterson]

First, NUdiehard, I think you worry too much. It's very early in the season. Guys still figuring out their roles. That process took a small step back Sunday with the introduction of a couple of new guys to the lineup who are obviously going to command some PT. And so what happened the first two games of people settling in and figuring out their roles kind of starts all over in game three. But having all those added weapons is not a bad thing. Let's wait and revisit this 10 games from now. If they still seem disjointed and seem like a bunch of individuals looking to take "their" shots, then we can worry. Unless they remain unbeaten during that stretch. Hard to complain about your team winning by more than 20.

Second, hugh, I wonder when Petteway got his assists. 2nd half of the 2nd game and 1st have of the 3rd game was when it seemed to me that Petteway was just trying to do it all and do it out of system. Ray's comments, quoted by NUdiehard above, seem to echo that. Second half, Petteway settled in and started distributing. He had a really nice dish to Smith for the jam and it was a thing of beauty. If he gets to the point where he's not worried about how much he scores, he'll probably score more because he'll probably take better shots. Do what Shields does and let the game come to him. And, actually, maybe Shields could stand to be a little more assertive trying to find his offense. But I don't think people are overstating what they saw out of Petteway. I think people are actually being kinda nice about it.

Overall, this is a much more talented and athletic team compared to a year ago. That's a good thing. They're also younger and more impulsive and they'll have to grow out of that. If they do -- and if Pitchford learns a couple of Petteway's post-up moves -- we could be a darn good ball club and a really tough out for even the better teams in our league.

[Shuttlesworth]

It happens with young teams, but it appears we do lack some vocal leadership. For this reason, Miles and staff will have to do the "reeling in" part. In my opinion, the unquestioned go-to guy is Shavon. He absolutely needs more touches and the sooner his teammates realize this, the better. The good news is that we have room to grow and mature.

[trickey]

The team this year is deeper and more talented than many years past, that I believe is true.  My question with this team (beyond the lack of a physical post presence other than Smith) is team chemistry.  I am not trying to say that the story on this has already been written.  Rather, it is the story that I am curious to follow as the season plays out.  I have attended the scrimmage, the exhibition and all three games so far.  It is always interesting to watch not only the skills and talent level of the new players, but also their personalities, demeanors and body language, as well as how they play together as a team.  Last year, we were very short-handed.  Everybody knew their role and where they fit in with the team.  It really wasn't that difficult because there were only 4 legitimate players (Shields, Ubel, Talley and Gallegos) and about 3 or 4 role players.  There was not problem about guys "getting their shots" because there were plenty of shot to divide between those 4 players (especially considering that Shields was a freshman who didn't even play early in the season b/c of injury and had to slowly work his way into the top rotation).  This year is different.  We have more options, and as a result we have more guys who think they should be "getting their shots". 

 

Many of us pointed this out with a few players after the first couple of games in regards to a couple of players.  However, I think it has gone to a whole new level with the introduction of Gallegos and Biggs to the lineup.  Just reading their quotes after the game was quite revealing of some mindsets of the players.  For instance, Gallegos said:

 

 

 

“In the first half, it seemed like a lot of players were just trying to get shots for themselves,” he said.

 

We NEVER heard anything like this last season.  It simply was never an issue. Even when Gallegos jacked up 13 3 pointres and missed them all, most people simply accepted that it was necessary b/c of our limited options.  But this year is different.  We have more options, and players now notice when someone gets "out of system" and tries to get their own.

 

Look at the box score for the game.  Biggs and Gallegos combined for 21 shots!  Shields and Pitchfor only shot 5 times each.  Petteway shot 7 times and only made 2 of them.  Now, look at Biggs quotes after the game:

 

 

 

“I didn't showcase my shot today,” Biggs said. “I just wanted to get to the rim. It's kind of hard to scout me because I can do a lot of things. I can do a lot more than I did tonight.”
 

   

 

Biggs thinks he can do more and he didn't even "showcase" his shot.  Does this mean he intends to shoot even more.  He obviously thinks very highly of his talent level:

 

 

On what him and Ray Gallegos said to each other before the game

“First game back. We have to showcase the good talent that we have. Go out there, play hard and have fun. Those are the only things we said to each other.”

 

So, Biggs mindset coming into the game was to "showcase" his talent. 

 

I don't want to make a bigger deal of this than it is at this point.  I realize those quotes do not necessary mean Biggs is selfish and only concerned about himself.  I am just saying that he is very confident and thinks he can score almost at will.  He also said he thinks he can get to the line 10-12 times a game (personally, I think Biggs is in for his rude awakening sooner than later.  He put up big numbers against a terrible team, things will not come so easy in the B1G where defenses are physical and scout well, but that is not my point here).

 

In the 2nd half, when NU got some baskets and started to make its run and pull away, I remember when SCSU called a timeout and all the NU players ran excitedly to the bench.  Well, all except Terran Petteway.  That dude looked like someone just killed his dog.  He had his dead down and was not happy.  My feeling at the time was that Petteway was not happy with his personal production at that stage in the game.  Granted, I am just reading body language and I could be completely wrong, but there certainly have been other indications that he likes to have his shots.  (As a side note, Petteway reminds me a lot of Standhardinger.  Standhardinger was ULTRA competitive in practice and games, and he always felt he could score the next bucket.  Thing is, I am not sure that Petteway is as skilled or talented as Christian-who was a legit 6'8"-but time will tell).

 

Shields should be getting more than 5 shots in EVERY SINGLE game we play this year.  Period. 

 

Pitchford may have his limitations, but shooting isn't one of them.  If he is in the game, his teammates should be looking to get him shots.  With that said, Pitchford seems to get frustrated easily and I am unclear if it is b/c of lack of shots or ticky tack foul calls or Miles on his butt for not being physical, but whatever it is he just seems to get frustrated and then loses his focus.

 

I guess my point is that for the first time in a long time, we may have a team that has to worry about things like team chemistry and getting guys to buy in to the team concept.  There is only one basketball and only so many possession per game.  Everyone cannot get 10-15 shots every game.  How will this team adjust to that reality.  How will each individual player accept their role.  We know guys like Rivers and Parker will defer.  But what about the rest.  That leaves 7 other guys who all think they are the best man to get buckets. 

 

In the end, I am not complaining.  I would much rather have this "problem" than last years "problem".  Having too many scorers should not be a bad thing.  But it is something worth keeping an eye on.  A breakdown of team chemistry can have a big impact if it gets out of control.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

I think you make an error if you believe Biggs was equating "his talents" with "his shots". When you hear Biggs' comments live...I believe he was referring to his talent as being able to drive the lane and either pass, shoot, or get fouled".     His box score included 10 shots and 17 points in 23 minutes. He had 3 assists including a drive to the basket with one of the prettiest assists to Ray in quite a while.

Showcasing "the talent" DB referred to was those drive and dish creations both he and Tia bring to the court.. Far from selfish...against the over-matched team, you would expect either of them to get and take those shots. As the competition gets better the kick-outs will increase because the better teams stop more layups. When DB states he did not showcase his shot, he was not shooting from the outside...he only took one attempt at a three (and made it),

DB and Tia both bring this part of the game we have been missing for way to long.

I don't think there was any hint of DB being selfish in his statements or play. I agree with you he has a ton of confidence...that's a good thing. An impressive debut!

However, you are spot on that turning up the competition this week will tell us much more. The shots may go down...and the assists up!

 

[Fullbacksympathy]

I'm glad we have guys who think they can score on anybody. 

 

That being said, it's pretty obvious to me that Shields will step up and take over a game when it's on the line.  He's our smartest, most talented, and most unselfish player, but he seems to have a knack for taking over when it's necessary.  I don't get the vibe that he cares about his stat line at all, and some of these guys clearly do.  The bottom line is, when the competition is higher, Shields will still be the only matchup nightmare for other BIG teams.  The other guys will have sparks and definitely be a challenge for opposing teams to handle, but I believe Shields, because of his free throw shooting and quickness, will have to become our go-to.

[hhcmatt]

I'm glad we have guys who think they can score on anybody. 

 

That being said, it's pretty obvious to me that Shields will step up and take over a game when it's on the line.  He's our smartest, most talented, and most unselfish player, but he seems to have a knack for taking over when it's necessary.  I don't get the vibe that he cares about his stat line at all, and some of these guys clearly do.  The bottom line is, when the competition is higher, Shields will still be the only matchup nightmare for other BIG teams.  The other guys will have sparks and definitely be a challenge for opposing teams to handle, but I believe Shields, because of his free throw shooting and quickness, will have to become our go-to.

 

Webster and Deverell have also shown the ability to take it to the hoop and draw contact.

[Fullbacksympathy]

Agreed Dimes but neither has shown the ability to shoot free throws consistently.  Shields is deadly to foul in the act.

[Cookie Belcher]

You are reading way too much into those quotes.

And I don't care who gets shots as long as we're winning.

[HB]

You are reading way too much into those quotes.

And I don't care who gets shots as long as we're winning.

 

I think the original point was not whether the fans cared who gets shots, but whether certain players did.  Which could lead to chemistry issues, which ultimately could affect wins and losses.  I agree people read too much into quotes, but the original  discussion centered on some visable things happening in games suggesting some early chemistry issues. I've seen them first hand during games.  Miles has directly verified those sightings and concerns by speaking of youth and inexperience causing players to be less team focused than they need to be.  Hopefully the staff and team leaders can improve the situation, and I think they will, but I wouldn't deny that there have been some issues. 

[Donkey]

Chalk this entire discussion up to growing pains and emotional development.  Outside of Gallegos and Rivers, everyone is in their first or second year at Nebraska.  It is very rare for a team of youngsters to gel quickly, which is why the 2011/2012 Kentucky team was so incredible.   I would only worry if/when Miles seems unable to correct the issue.

[royalfan]

As long as we learn to move the ball, share it well all the options are a good thing.  It allows Miles the ability to freelance from a set rotation more as he will be able to ride the hot hand.  Last year we just had to have our shooters keep shooting, no matter how they were shooting that night.  Now if a guy is off he can hopefully be replaced with someone who has it that night.  We need to learn to be unselfish though and try to identify who those hot hands are each night.  And ride them. 

[a0t0w0]

My biggest concern for team chemistry lies with the 3pt shot.  With Ray and Walt showing they can hit it consistently and guys like Shields, and Petteway showing they have the ability to (jury is out on Biggs, Webster and Hawkins) I'm wondering what happens when one runs cold.  I don't think you can ask Ray or Walt to stop taking those shots, but this team can't afford to waste possessions on bad 3pt attempts.  I think that's damaging to team chemistry.  It's easier to look at 3pt shooters as ball hogs when they aren't hitting. 

 

I think we have a lot of guys who are confident in themselves.  That's not a bad thing.  But does a young team hold that same confidence in each other? 

 

Rivers was a glue guy last year.  He seemed to get himself in position to take smart shots.  I can remember plenty of times when he took head scratchers, but he stepped up in B1G play.  I don't think we can afford to have him play 19 minutes and not get a single attempt in.  We need consistent play out Rivers and Shields to keep this team together through shooting slumps. 

[Norm Peterson]

 

You are reading way too much into those quotes.

And I don't care who gets shots as long as we're winning.

 

I think the original point was not whether the fans cared who gets shots, but whether certain players did.  Which could lead to chemistry issues, which ultimately could affect wins and losses.  I agree people read too much into quotes, but the original  discussion centered on some visable things happening in games suggesting some early chemistry issues. I've seen them first hand during games.  Miles has directly verified those sightings and concerns by speaking of youth and inexperience causing players to be less team focused than they need to be.  Hopefully the staff and team leaders can improve the situation, and I think they will, but I wouldn't deny that there have been some issues. 

 

My impression was that the OP was speaking more about having more capable scores this year who want the ball and want to be able to take shots and there aren't enough shots to go around and so something is going to have to give.  Will we have some problems there with guys not wanting to give up their touches, their shot opportunities, if it turns out someone else is more efficient?  I think that will level itself out as guys get adjusted to each other.

 

I think what HB is talking about is different and maybe more worrisome.  Well, no, not maybe.  Definitely more worrisome.  If we have some headcases or guys with attitude problems, that can affect a team in a very negative way.  One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, right?  If we have a problem with some incompatible personalities and some guys who are quitters or have a negative mindset or are if you have guys with strong personalities who are not team players, you can have some problems. 

 

That can hurt everyone's performance.  And that's not simply an issue of getting settled in so that people get used to their role.

[Norm Peterson]

There's some research out there about dead weight in the work place.  People who weigh everyone else down.  I'm going to try to get my hands on it, but I know there are some studies that talk about how companies are better off identifying the bad apples and getting rid of them because they can ruin everyone's productivity.  I wish I could explain the notion better.  I think it came out of Gallup. 

 

Anyone help me out here?

[Norm Peterson]

Actually, a quick google search indicates plenty of resources on "toxic" employees and a lot of resources seem to suggest you're better off getting rid of them.  It would be truly sad if that terminology applies to any of the guys on our team.  But there might be a couple of potential candidates.  This probably bares watching.