Nebraska 2014-2015 (Could very dangerous team)

[Hoops_Legend]

Regardless what happens within the next 2-3 weeks next year could be the best Nebraska men's Basketball team in a long time.... 

 

Look who is coming back:

 

Pg: Tai Webster So. -OR- Benny Parker Jr.

Sg: Shavon Sheilds Jr.  13pts pg (Big Ten Honorable Mention)

Sf:  Terran Petteway Jr.  18pts pg (1st team All Big Ten, 2014 Scoring champion)

Sf/pf: Walter Pitchford Jr.  11pts pg (Leads the nation in 3pt goals for 6'10 and over players)

C: Leslie Smith Sr. (Possibly a freshmen Center)

 

i really think Tai Webster is going be amazingly better next year I truly believe that and with Benny Parker coming off the bench for defense this Nebraska team next year we have a fantastic Nucleus (Sheilds, Petteway, Pitchford) we could make a run at the Big Ten title (Maybe?). The reason I think we have that possibly is because of two things One: We have the BIG TEN COACH OF YEAR, Two: Who in this FREAKIN WORLD WOULD HAVE GUESSED THAT WE WOULD BE IN THIS POSITION 5 Weeks ago sitting at 1-5?????!!!! This tells me we are way better basketball team from coaches to players than I thought we were and all it took was dismissal of Biggs.

[nuled2dance]

Love to see Tai do the TP workout development program.....if he can do that. Get more fromnhawk/fuller and any sort of production from Hammond's or another signed etc....could be very difficult

[GoBigRed]

I'm expecting Fuller to be huge for us next year. Adding another shooter to the floor with Shields and Petteway could be lethal. Also I don't expect David Rivers to disappear. He will be big for us next year off the bench.

[kleitus]

We're going to be 9, possibly 10 deep next year -- and that's if we pretty much just go with what we have right now.  I agree we should be much improved.  Tai has talent and if petteway gets a hold of him he'll improve by leaps and bounds over the summer.  I REALLY hope he stays and improves and doesn't go back to new zealand.  Fuller will contribute.  I think hawkins will improve for the same reason that I think tai will improve.  Shavon could be another one that could take a major step forward next year now that i think about it.

 

Can hammond contribute?  Big question.  Can we get a senior big transfer?  Don't know ...

 

Point being?  This team has SERIOUS potential if they're willing to follow petteway's example.  Look at the top 5 or 6 teams in the B1G.  Only Michigan and Wisconsin are returning nearly as much as we are.  We've got a real shot to make NOISE next year.

[Norm Peterson]

We won't be flying under anyone's radar next year.  We won't be able to sneak up on anyone next year.  We need a couple more pieces to really be a threat.

 

You can criticize Ray for being a streaky shooter but his perimeter defense was outstanding and he rebounded well at the guard position because he has this tremendous vertical leaping ability.  And, when he's on as a shooter, there are few better.  We need someone with his kind of athleticism who can defend like he defends, or that could be a slight step back, actually.

 

And we still need a beast in the paint to snare rebounds, block shots, defend the rim and keep the opposing big out of the lane.

 

It would be nice if both Tai and Benny work on their offensive games over the off-season.  I want Tai to come in next year able to stroke it from deep and also pull up from mid-range.  Hopefully, having a year under his belt will make him feel more comfortable and have more confidence stepping on the floor from day 1 next year.

 

It would be nice if we had another guy who was a deep threat.  Fuller could be that guy.  Can Fuller hold his own well enough on the defensive end to command minutes?  Yet to be seen.  Sure hope so.  Hawkins could be that guy.  Can Hawkins develop more foot speed to take over Ray's spot as a defensive stopper (or at least defensive specialist) and occasional sniper? Yet to be seen.  Sure hope so.

 

Beyond that, the OP is absolutely right.  We return the best nucleus of players we've returned since Badgett, Strickland and Boone.  But this time around, we have Tim Miles as the coach and we don't have an attitude issue or a guy who doesn't really want to work.  We have solid citizens who have great work ethics and team, rather than individual, goals.

 

Future looks bright.  Gotta wear shades. 

[Cazzie22]

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

[49r]

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

 

Most schools, actually.  Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern.  (Northwestern!)  Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

 

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

 

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

[kleitus]

So did Kentucky this year... best class ever type class.

 

Generally speaking, young players still don't win.  Kentucky's run a few years ago is an anomaly.  It'll be a grind like always, but if we do the work, we're going to be better than this year.  There's no reason to think we should go down in the standings and a LOT to think we have a good chance to go higher.

[Norm Peterson]

 

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

 

Most schools, actually.  Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern.  (Northwestern!)  Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

 

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

 

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

 

So, 49r, where do you think we'll be when Kenpom comes out with his pre-season rankings this fall?

[hhcmatt]

I'm expecting Fuller to be huge for us next year. 

 

He's going to be the consistent 3pt shooter we all hoped Ray would be. Not sure if he's as athletic as Rivers, but he's at least the same height and probably stronger.

[hhcscott]

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season. I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

Most schools, actually. Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern. (Northwestern!) Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

The thing us, we will be in that sweet spot of a junior laden hungry team with a taste for more success rather than underachievers trying to regroup or freshmen trying to break in.

[a0t0w0]

"It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see."

 

"Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny"

 

"Destiny is no matter of chance.  It is a matter of choice.  It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

 

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future."

 

"Control your own destiny or someone else will."

 

Most importantly for Nebrasketball fans-

 

"The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different."

[kldm64]

I'll worry and start analyzing next year after this season is over but for now, I'm going to just enjoy the ride and not start looking ahead already.  We've been in this position like NEVER so don't wait effort looking to next year and let just concentrate on this season.  We've got all off season to look forward but now is not the time.

[nebrasketball10]

I'm expecting Fuller to be huge for us next year.

He's going to be the consistent 3pt shooter we all hoped Ray would be. Not sure if he's as athletic as Rivers, but he's at least the same height and probably stronger.

According to Miles, he's got a long way to go with in ball defense and quickness. Similar to Hawkins in that regard.

[hhcmatt]

 

 

I'm expecting Fuller to be huge for us next year.

He's going to be the consistent 3pt shooter we all hoped Ray would be. Not sure if he's as athletic as Rivers, but he's at least the same height and probably stronger.

According to Miles, he's got a long way to go with in ball defense and quickness. Similar to Hawkins in that regard.

 

 

Hawkins can shoot as well...hopefully both can become major contributors

[jimmykc]

I also am quite optimistic about Fuller. We have to remember that the coach has to be critical of some aspect of his game or else not have redshirted him this year. I'm betting he will be a regular starter here at some point in his career.

[lanigan123]

7th or 8th next year will be where I think they are picked. We add Rutgers and Maryland.

[hhcmatt]

Every year some people pick Wisconsin to finish outside the top 4 in the conference.

For the last 10+ years the worst they've finished is tied for 4th.

[AuroranHusker]

Every year some people pick Wisconsin to finish outside the top 4 in the conference.

For the last 10+ years the worst they've finished is tied for 4th.

 

Bucky Badger has finished in the top 4 in all thirteen seasons under Bo Ryan. Longest streak in Big Ten since Purdue did it nearly 90 yrs ago! Damn impressive from Wisconsin to achieve that high level consistency!

[49r]

 

 

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

 

Most schools, actually.  Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern.  (Northwestern!)  Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

 

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

 

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

 

So, 49r, where do you think we'll be when Kenpom comes out with his pre-season rankings this fall?

 

 

Top 50, I'd imagine.  We return what?  95%-98% of our scoring from this year?

[AuroranHusker]

 

 

 

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

 

Most schools, actually.  Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern.  (Northwestern!)  Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

 

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

 

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

 

So, 49r, where do you think we'll be when Kenpom comes out with his pre-season rankings this fall?

 

 

Top 50, I'd imagine.  We return what?  95%-98% of our scoring from this year?

 

 

Gallegos averages 7 ppg & the team ~68... so 2014-15 scoring will be closer to 90% returning.

[49r]

 

 

 

 

Keep in mind that some schools have really, really good recruiting classes coming in (Ohio State) and let's just enjoy the rest of this season.  I'm hoping we get that NCAA Tourney win, but let's get Ohio State on Friday!

 

Most schools, actually.  Iowa is putting together a pretty good looking class, and from what I understand so is Northwestern.  (Northwestern!)  Maryland is bringing what I understand to be a top 25 class in as well.

 

Also keep in mind that Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota really underperformed this year and will be looking to have greatly improved seasons in 2014-15.

 

Finally, our schedule is going to pick up in difficulty next year, so we're going to have to work hard to match (or improve on) this year's record.

 

So, 49r, where do you think we'll be when Kenpom comes out with his pre-season rankings this fall?

 

 

Top 50, I'd imagine.  We return what?  95%-98% of our scoring from this year?

 

 

Gallegos averages 7 ppg & the team ~68... so 2014-15 scoring will be closer to 90% returning.

 

 

Seems like less, doesn't it?  

[Norm Peterson]

Still.  Ninety percent is a big number when you're talking about returning scoring.  That might not be such a big deal if you were talking 90% of the scoring returning from a team currently in the 300s.  But a team in the top 50 that returns 90% of its scoring ... will we be ranked pre-season next year?  Seems like we should be, right?

[uneblinstu]

Still.  Ninety percent is a big number when you're talking about returning scoring.  That might not be such a big deal if you were talking 90% of the scoring returning from a team currently in the 300s.  But a team in the top 50 that returns 90% of its scoring ... will we be ranked pre-season next year?  Seems like we should be, right?

I think a lot of that will depend on how the next two to three weeks go. If we lose on Friday then in the first round, then we might not, but if we get to the semis of the BTT and win a game or two in the big tournament, then I'd imagine we will be.

 

Random tangent, I'll be curious to see who they pair us with in the B1G/ACC challenge.

[49r]

 

Still.  Ninety percent is a big number when you're talking about returning scoring.  That might not be such a big deal if you were talking 90% of the scoring returning from a team currently in the 300s.  But a team in the top 50 that returns 90% of its scoring ... will we be ranked pre-season next year?  Seems like we should be, right?

I think a lot of that will depend on how the next two to three weeks go. If we lose on Friday then in the first round, then we might not, but if we get to the semis of the BTT and win a game or two in the big tournament, then I'd imagine we will be.

 

Random tangent, I'll be curious to see who they pair us with in the B1G/ACC challenge.

 

 

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