More Rivers, Biggs, and Parker... Less -

[basketballjones]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

[basketballjones]

And some thoughts from the game -

Wow great win. Good to see Shields step up his game with 18 and 9. But my lord Petteway and Biggs - 14 TOs between the two of you? Take care of the ball young men. And enough with the crappy body language every time something goes wrong.

Leslee Smith is a beast.

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

[tcp]

I think Ray is pretty much committed to being a situational player for us. When we absolutely have to have a guard that can catch fire from 3, he needs to be in the lineup. When we don't, well, not so much. So the answer to this unasked question is, "it depends on who we're playing".

[royalfan]

Completely disagree on Parker especially.  Gallegos so much better than him it is mindboggling.  You have to have guys that are a threat to do something on the court.  We are getting creamed with Parker out there.  Cannot believe people(including Miles) think he should be playing so much.  I don't think he should be playing at all. 

[HuskerBB]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

 

You can say Rey did nothing in the first half - but at the beginning of the game OSU made him the focus of their defense with Craft chasing him all over.  That is what opened up those driving opportunities for Webster and Biggs.  Later shifted Craft from Gallegos to Biggs and Webster and we probably should have done a better job then going to Rey.   Overall though even if he is not scoring other teams are aware of Rey and know that he is the one player on our team that they have to keep from getting open looks off screens.

[royalfan]

 

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

 

You can say Rey did nothing in the first half - but at the beginning of the game OSU made him the focus of their defense with Craft chasing him all over.  That is what opened up those driving opportunities for Webster and Biggs.  Later shifted Craft from Gallegos to Biggs and Webster and we probably should have done a better job then going to Rey.   Overall though even if he is not scoring other teams are aware of Rey and know that he is the one player on our team that they have to keep from getting open looks off screens.

 

Bingo. 

[hal9000]

I want to see the best lineup in the game, each and every game.  And I think from game to game it's going to be a little different, depending on who's having a good night and making plays. 

[basketballjones]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

You can say Rey did nothing in the first half - but at the beginning of the game OSU made him the focus of their defense with Craft chasing him all over. That is what opened up those driving opportunities for Webster and Biggs. Later shifted Craft from Gallegos to Biggs and Webster and we probably should have done a better job then going to Rey. Overall though even if he is not scoring other teams are aware of Rey and know that he is the one player on our team that they have to keep from getting open looks off screens.

And we're 1-4 in the B1G - literally every team has done that to us and tonight is the first time it's worked as a disadvantage to the other team.

We won tonight because we got what we actually need from Shields for once - and OSU was as cold and stupid as they've been all year.

[Huskerpapa]

Note, the starting line-up seems to be set...but the rotation is evolving and the players who were in the game the last five minutes were quite interesting.  Congratulations to David Rivers who battled his way back...not only into the rotation, but into the rotation, playing significant minutes AND playing that last five minutes.  We went small, and David battled.  I was shocked when I saw that he was credited with only 2 rebounds.  I thought he had many more than that.

[colhusker]

cwg I  would have thought he had more than two rebounds too.  I think the kid needs to play more.

[Section_316]

How about the play where rivers switched & contested a Ross 3 pt shot than somehow snagged the rebound before it even hit the ground probably 20 feet away. Hope Miles shows that in film. Pure effort!

[bball23]

 

 

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

You can say Rey did nothing in the first half - but at the beginning of the game OSU made him the focus of their defense with Craft chasing him all over. That is what opened up those driving opportunities for Webster and Biggs. Later shifted Craft from Gallegos to Biggs and Webster and we probably should have done a better job then going to Rey. Overall though even if he is not scoring other teams are aware of Rey and know that he is the one player on our team that they have to keep from getting open looks off screens.

And we're 1-4 in the B1G - literally every team has done that to us and tonight is the first time it's worked as a disadvantage to the other team.

We won tonight because we got what we actually need from Shields for once - and OSU was as cold and stupid as they've been all year.

 

You hit the nail on the head on ONE part of this statement.  We got what we needed from Shields and won.  That has nothing to do with Ray.  Ray opens up so many things for this team offensively because teams chase that man around like a chicken with its head cut off.  He is still such a threat and draws a LOT of attention from other teams.  Had we made a simply layup against Michigan we are 2-3 doing what we have been doing.  Ray still needs to get minutes.  He can wear down opposing defenses and can take so much attention away from our other guys. 

[HB]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

 

Just have to respectfully disagree.  And I suspect every coach in the league would rather game plan Parker than Gallegos.  Ray is the only fairly consistent threat from 3, especially among the guards.  Petteway is the next best.  Then Shavon, but it is getting very inconsistent by now.  And you don't want Biggs and Webster shooting many right now.  Having to guard Ray out there helps the offense. 

[GoBigRed]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

You can say Rey did nothing in the first half - but at the beginning of the game OSU made him the focus of their defense with Craft chasing him all over. That is what opened up those driving opportunities for Webster and Biggs. Later shifted Craft from Gallegos to Biggs and Webster and we probably should have done a better job then going to Rey. Overall though even if he is not scoring other teams are aware of Rey and know that he is the one player on our team that they have to keep from getting open looks off screens.

And we're 1-4 in the B1G - literally every team has done that to us and tonight is the first time it's worked as a disadvantage to the other team.

We won tonight because we got what we actually need from Shields for once - and OSU was as cold and stupid as they've been all year.

You hit the nail on the head on ONE part of this statement. We got what we needed from Shields and won. That has nothing to do with Ray. Ray opens up so many things for this team offensively because teams chase that man around like a chicken with its head cut off. He is still such a threat and draws a LOT of attention from other teams. Had we made a simply layup against Michigan we are 2-3 doing what we have been doing. Ray still needs to get minutes. He can wear down opposing defenses and can take so much attention away from our other guys.

Yep. Ohio State was sagging off Webster and Shields, all but asking them to shoot 3s. They followed Ray out wherever he went. He stretches the defense and makes them get out of their comfort zone.

[basketballjones]

Gallegos.

Sorry HHC. I know it's blasphemy to say - but for every night he goes wild from three there's 5 where he does nothing and can't guard anywhere but on ball, and gives up O Rebounds.

I've said my piece. But I've been preaching this all year to my friends and tonight sealed it for me. Hope he proves me wrong, but he's too inconsistent and too unpredictable!

Just have to respectfully disagree. And I suspect every coach in the league would rather game plan Parker than Gallegos. Ray is the only fairly consistent threat from 3, especially among the guards. Petteway is the next best. Then Shavon, but it is getting very inconsistent by now. And you don't want Biggs and Webster shooting many right now. Having to guard Ray out there helps the offense.

For the record - I'm not saying Parker for Rey. I'm saying take a few of his minutes away and spread the wealth to guys who do more and have an impact on the game even if they're not scoring.

Yes, I agree with the posters who say Rey opens things up a bit for people - but all teams do that, and typically that player doesn't go 1-2 from the field. I don't see any other production from Rey if he's not scoring. He becomes non existent.

[Huskerpapa]

Ray is also a good defender...for what it is worth.

[doc1394]

Ray is also a good defender...for what it is worth.

Agreed. Vastly improved

[kldm64]

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

 

I'd be interested to know what little things (no pun intended) that you think Parker does that doesn't show up on the stat sheet?  He's not a great shooter, he can't be used to double team, he constantly gets beat off the dribble by the guy he is guarding, etc....  I'm not saying he doesn't put forth any effort as I know he's paying as hard as can but just curious what things you think he does that don't show up on the stat sheet?

[HB]

 

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

 

I'd be interested to know what little things (no pun intended) that you think Parker does that doesn't show up on the stat sheet?  He's not a great shooter, he can't be used to double team, he constantly gets beat off the dribble by the guy he is guarding, etc....  I'm not saying he doesn't put forth any effort as I know he's paying as hard as can but just curious what things you think he does that don't show up on the stat sheet?

 

 

I don't agree that he "constantly gets beat off the dribble".  Benny is a pretty decent onball defender.

[hskr4life]

 

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

 

I'd be interested to know what little things (no pun intended) that you think Parker does that doesn't show up on the stat sheet?  He's not a great shooter, he can't be used to double team, he constantly gets beat off the dribble by the guy he is guarding, etc....  I'm not saying he doesn't put forth any effort as I know he's paying as hard as can but just curious what things you think he does that don't show up on the stat sheet?

 

 

Benny is one of the better defenders on ball that we have IMO.

[Rome4Lyfe]

"Benny is one of the better defenders on ball that we have IMO."

 

I agree, Benny is a good defender along with Rivers.  They are the Blue Collar "Dirty Work" players this teams needs!  They don't need to shoot the ball 10 times a game to get their "Stats"  like a few of the other guys are!  Every team needs some garbage men, that hustle and make the little plays and that is it, and these are ours!! 

[hskr4life]

"Benny is one of the better defenders on ball that we have IMO."

 

I agree, Benny is a good defender along with Rivers.  They are the Blue Collar "Dirty Work" players this teams needs!  They don't need to shoot the ball 10 times a game to get their "Stats"  like a few of the other guys are!  Every team needs some garbage men, that hustle and make the little plays and that is it, and these are ours!! 

 

Yep... their lack of offense is made up for by other players this year, and that is why these guys are like the glue for the team.  Something that is usually unnoticed, but holds it together.  Like the Dirty Work reference. 

[nebrasketball10]

 

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

 

I'd be interested to know what little things (no pun intended) that you think Parker does that doesn't show up on the stat sheet?  He's not a great shooter, he can't be used to double team, he constantly gets beat off the dribble by the guy he is guarding, etc....  I'm not saying he doesn't put forth any effort as I know he's paying as hard as can but just curious what things you think he does that don't show up on the stat sheet?

 

 

On-ball defense and ball handling. I would put him above Ray in both areas. I'm not a fan of Parker, by any means.

 

As for Ray, I agree with whoever said he is a situational player. He should continue to start or be one of the first off of the bench, but if he's not getting/hitting shots, once the other team begins to lose focus on him, he does nothing for us. He is an average defender (above average for our team, I suppose), a poor rebounder, a poor ball handler, and is no threat to drive.

 

What bothered me about him last night is that after about four minutes he did a LOT of standing on offense.

[bobcat402]

 

 

Rivers and Parker play their hearts out and always do little things that don't show up on the stat sheet.

 

I'd be interested to know what little things (no pun intended) that you think Parker does that doesn't show up on the stat sheet?  He's not a great shooter, he can't be used to double team, he constantly gets beat off the dribble by the guy he is guarding, etc....  I'm not saying he doesn't put forth any effort as I know he's paying as hard as can but just curious what things you think he does that don't show up on the stat sheet?

 

 

On-ball defense and ball handling. I would put him above Ray in both areas. I'm not a fan of Parker, by any means.

 

As for Ray, I agree with whoever said he is a situational player. He should continue to start or be one of the first off of the bench, but if he's not getting/hitting shots, once the other team begins to lose focus on him, he does nothing for us. He is an average defender (above average for our team, I suppose), a poor rebounder, a poor ball handler, and is no threat to drive.

 

What bothered me about him last night is that after about four minutes he did a LOT of standing on offense.

 

im with this sentiment, if Ray isn't doing anything, and lets say Petteway, or Shields,. or pitch is shooting well, it makes more sense to lessen those min, and give them to Parker, Rivers, and in some extent Peltz who all contribute much more when it comes to ball handling, and rebounding. But the good thing with Ray is your going to know, fairly soon if he is feeling it or not.

[Ron Mexico]

I believe we are starting to get a clearer picture of of our rotation:

Pettaway 35+ min   He's our best player right now although if Shavon can continue to play like he did against OSU he might get challenged for that title.

Shields 35+ min      What a difference a week makes! It's taken him awhile to get used to is teammates and he's had to fight through a knee injury. We would have beaten both Mich and Purdue.

Biggs 25+ min   He does so many things well offensively. He has no fear and brings a lot of fire and passion both positively and negatively. He does pout when things aren't going his way and he tends to get caught up in negative emotions which causes him to lose focus during the game. Miles has a lot of work in front of him to get him  right mind set.

Webster 25+ min     You can see that he is starting to get his confidence. His size at the guard position creates a lot of mismatches.

*All 4 of these guys need to do a better job of taking care of the ball.

Smith 20+ min         I'd like to see him get more minutes. If he has bad knees he doesn't show it on the court. He does so many things. He had 3 steals. He uses his body well and has good hands. He has great energy on & off the court.

Gallegos 15+ min    As many of have mentioned when he is on the court he draws a lot of attention. 

Pitchford 15+ min    I'd like to see him on the court with Smith a bit more. He needs to find his stroke.

Rivers 5+                 I like what I saw from him against OSU.

Parker 5+                Situational only when we need someone to handle the ball. I expect nothing from him in the scoring department. He's one of our better on ball defenders.

My Starting Lineup:

Pettaway

Sheilds

Smith

Webster

Biggs

Bench: Pitchford, Gallegos, Rivers, Parker

 

We had some issues at the start of the 2nd half that could have cost us the game. We were playing very tentative and were not taking care of the ball...a bad combination. I'm not sure if this is because Tim told them to slow down or our players were more tentative trying to hold onto the lead. However, we did something that we haven't done this year and that was we didn't fall apart. Also, we appear to be playing more in sync. Most of our TO's were the result of OSU playing inspired defense in the 2nd half. To much standing around with arms down in the zone. We are a better defensive team when we play man-to-man. OSU just appeared to be playing very flat as if they didn't want to be there or they thought they could just show up and win either way, as well as we played, OSU played like a team in a slump. We better not get to cocky about this victory. We could easily lose to PSU on the road.

 

3 of our next 5 are on the road where we have a chance to go 3-2.  After that 5 of the remaining 8 are at home where we have a very good chance to go 4-4. Win one in the Big Tourney and we would get a home game in the NIT. We've been in every game this year except for our road game against OSU. All of this starts with a win on the road against PSU. With our remaining schedule we could win all of our remaining home games.