Tai and Nick and a word of caution

[Norm Peterson]

Glad to see Nick have some moments last night.  I think many of us were worried about him and probably more than a few had somewhat written him off.  I admit I had my doubts.  Wasn't sure he had the athleticism to play at this level.  Still have some questions about that but good for Nick that he'd hung with it and is starting to get repaid with some playing time.

 

Y'know, Nick has been with this program for 1 1/2 years now. 

 

Same with Tai Webster.

 

They were part of the same recruiting class.

 

And I would submit that not only has Tai produced more over his time here but he also faced a bigger adjustment because American high school ball is much more like the college game we have here than high school ball in New Zealand.

 

And now that Nick is seeing minutes, some seem to be writing off Tai.  Just like we did with Nick up until now.

 

Listen:   Tai is still a superb athlete.  I think he's shown much better ability to attack with a ball in his hands and his lateral quickness allows him to be potentially a much better defender.  If you could combine Nick's shooting skills with Tai's athleticism, we'd have a hell of a ball player on our hands.

 

They're both young, though.  And it's too soon to write either one of them off and suggest either one of them transfer.  That hasn't seemed to be Coach Miles' style and that differentiates him from the past three coaches we've had here.

 

This team would overall be better if the players we already have could tweak their games a touch and elevate their play.  As many others have noted, Tai's problem seems to be mental, not physical.  Like he's lacking confidence in his game. 

 

But, like David Rivers and Benny Parker before him, there's still time for him to develop as a player and I would caution not writing him off just yet.

[hskr4life]

I agree... a few games on the bench or in the dog house can do wonders for someone with the right attitude.  I just hope Tai takes the message the right way.

[bobcat402]

Glad to see Nick have some moments last night.  I think many of us were worried about him and probably more than a few had somewhat written him off.  I admit I had my doubts.  Wasn't sure he had the athleticism to play at this level.  Still have some questions about that but good for Nick that he'd hung with it and is starting to get repaid with some playing time.

 

Y'know, Nick has been with this program for 1 1/2 years now. 

 

Same with Tai Webster.

 

They were part of the same recruiting class.

 

And I would submit that not only has Tai produced more over his time here but he also faced a bigger adjustment because American high school ball is much more like the college game we have here than high school ball in New Zealand.

 

And now that Nick is seeing minutes, some seem to be writing off Tai.  Just like we did with Nick up until now.

 

Listen:   Tai is still a superb athlete.  I think he's shown much better ability to attack with a ball in his hands and his lateral quickness allows him to be potentially a much better defender.  If you could combine Nick's shooting skills with Tai's athleticism, we'd have a hell of a ball player on our hands.

 

They're both young, though.  And it's too soon to write either one of them off and suggest either one of them transfer.  That hasn't seemed to be Coach Miles' style and that differentiates him from the past three coaches we've had here.

 

This team would overall be better if the players we already have could tweak their games a touch and elevate their play.  As many others have noted, Tai's problem seems to be mental, not physical.  Like he's lacking confidence in his game. 

 

But, like David Rivers and Benny Parker before him, there's still time for him to develop as a player and I would caution not writing him off just yet.

i agree 100%, its not easy to find, secure and get commitments from 6'3'' to 6'4'' 210lbs+ combo guards, ours likes to defend, can rebound, is tenacious and when he has confidence which i think will improve next year once Terran leaves is something we need to hold onto. for those that want him to leave,its not gonna be an easy adjustment to find that player on our bench, have faith in Tai just like we had faith in Benny, David, and even up to a certain point Ubel. I think Tai will find his way.

[Silverbacked1]

Tai needs to take both David and Benny to lunch today and have a long heart to heart about being in this spot and how to get through it. It will be either a plus or minus that his dad is a coach. Could be quick to pull the trigger to go some place else or could be like, you get one airplane ticket home a year, how are you going to use it.

I think it would be nice if Tai could have gotten home for the holidays. I would think that maybe mom and dad got to Hawaii to see him, since that is like only a 20 hour flight.

Remember when Maric got that time at home? That made a huge difference in his game.

[hhcmatt]

If last year didn't prove that Nebraska Basketball is endless possible unlikely positive outcomes, I'm not sure what's going to turn your frown upside down.

[TheKamdyMan]

You won't ever hear me mention a player should transfer. If they choose to do so I hope it works out for them. I think there's a reason you get 13 scholarships and only have 5 at a time. Every team in america has a player or two that for their level of success may not ever live up to potential or make it on the floor. It happens. We just need to let them figure out their game and either continue to try and improve their game and blossom, be a good teammate and good practice player during their time here, or move on to find a place where they can flourish. We all want every player to be the best but all we should really ask is that they give it their best on and off the court and the let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

[Handy Johnson]

I'm sure Tai also realizes unless his play improves, we have PLENTY of guys who will take his minutes next year...

[HuskerCager]

I'll go ahead and add one more name... As long as Nick, Tai and Jake are working hard on and off the court and trying to make themselves better, I would like all 3 of them to be back here next year.

[bkamler]

It was evident that when Tai got in the game for garbage minutes against Rutgers that he played at a hectic pace to show the coaches that he wanted to get his mintues back. However, if my memory serves me right, he had three point blank shots/layups against Rutger reserves and he missed all three of them with one of them resulting in two free throws.

 

Tai looks very athletic and he has pretty good "ups" but I have never seen anyone who misses more layups then him. In contrast, Petteway has a knack for going to the rim like "bat out of hell" but then he lays the ball up softly to allow it to go in. Tai can seeminly drive to the bucket on about anyone but he also goes like a "bat out of hell" and then shoots it wildly at the same "bat out of hell" tempo resulting in wild shot attempts. To make matters worse, I can't remember the last time he dished off on a drive to the basket to an open teammate under the basket for a bucket.

 

I wish him well but unless he improves substantially as a scorer, he will ride the bench next year.

[The_Vault]

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

[The_Vault]

Also, when Miles said some players need to stop acting like they are 'too cool' I think he was referring to Tai. This benching will be a make or break moment for him.

[Norm Peterson]

Also, when Miles said some players need to stop acting like they are 'too cool' I think he was referring to Tai. This benching will be a make or break moment for him.

Did Miles tell you that?  Or why do you assume that's who Miles was talking about?  Just curious.

[Huskerpapa]

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

With all due respect vault, we must be watching two different players.  Tai is an exceptional athlete.  Go back and look at some of the championship video of him playing VB.  He has ups and he has excellent feet.  He also worked out most of the summer with TP.  Everything we heard is that he indeed worked his butt off.  He is also a successful player on the NZ national team...playing against (amongst others) the champion USA team. 

 

Now, the elephants in the room...the turnovers...the shots that aren't falling...the lack of confidence.  IF he can turn the corner on these issues, we will have a good one. 

 

Look, some players come in and can immediately adjust their games and can become superstars.  With others, it takes a bit of time and adjustment.  I like and have liked what I see out of Tai and am certainly willing to see if he can elevate his game.

[Norm Peterson]

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

Superb athletes never turn the ball over?  You sure about that?

 

By the way, he's played 263 minutes and has committed 25 turnovers, which is only 1 turnover every 10 minutes of playing time.  More than I'd want, but hardly "pretty much every time he touches the ball." 

 

Furthermore, he's not slow.  I don't know which player you think Tai is, but he's a solid athlete especially for his size.

[hskr4life]

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

 

Athlete refers to his athletic ability which I think everyone who watches sees that he has.  No one said Tai is a superb basketball player at the moment.  That is where the TO's, can't finish, ect. come into play.

[bobcat402]

 

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

Superb athletes never turn the ball over?  You sure about that?

 

By the way, he's played 263 minutes and has committed 25 turnovers, which is only 1 turnover every 10 minutes of playing time.  More than I'd want, but hardly "pretty much every time he touches the ball." 

 

Furthermore, he's not slow.  I don't know which player you think Tai is, but he's a solid athlete especially for his size.

 

SLOW?!?! dude cmon on Vault there are many words i would use to describe Tai's game slow is not one of them, and secondly Benny who we all loves, and Shavon do the same traveling motion, as do a lot of college basketball players. 

[Huskerpapa]

 

 

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

Superb athletes never turn the ball over?  You sure about that?

 

By the way, he's played 263 minutes and has committed 25 turnovers, which is only 1 turnover every 10 minutes of playing time.  More than I'd want, but hardly "pretty much every time he touches the ball." 

 

Furthermore, he's not slow.  I don't know which player you think Tai is, but he's a solid athlete especially for his size.

 

SLOW?!?! dude cmon on Vault there are many words i would use to describe Tai's game slow is not one of them, and secondly Benny who we all loves, and Shavon do the same traveling motion, as do a lot of college basketball players. 

 

...and if we are talking about missed lay-ups...umm, that is a team wide problem at this moment...EVERYONE needs to do a better job finishing at the hoop.

[huskerbaseball13]

 

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

 

Athlete refers to his athletic ability which I think everyone who watches sees that he has.  No one said Tai is a superb basketball player at the moment.  That is where the TO's, can't finish, ect. come into play.

 

 

He is a good enough athlete to compete at this level I agree...I wouldn't call what he has superb though.  JMO.  He will get another chance to show what he has....I'm not so sure it has all to do with his confidence.  I think some just boils down to his ability. 

[bobcat402]

 

 

 

Someone explain to me how Tai is a superb athlete? He's slow, travels pretty much every time he touches the ball, can't finish layups. It's time people stop making excuses for the kid. He hasn't panned out at all yet and isn't going to unless he works his ass off.

Superb athletes never turn the ball over?  You sure about that?

 

By the way, he's played 263 minutes and has committed 25 turnovers, which is only 1 turnover every 10 minutes of playing time.  More than I'd want, but hardly "pretty much every time he touches the ball." 

 

Furthermore, he's not slow.  I don't know which player you think Tai is, but he's a solid athlete especially for his size.

 

SLOW?!?! dude cmon on Vault there are many words i would use to describe Tai's game slow is not one of them, and secondly Benny who we all loves, and Shavon do the same traveling motion, as do a lot of college basketball players. 

 

...and if we are talking about missed lay-ups...umm, that is a team wide problem at this moment...EVERYONE needs to do a better job finishing at the hoop.

 

its a country wide problem, and game wide problem, high school, pros, college, to many bad angle layups and not slowing down at the rim to get a good shot, or the use of a good pump fake.. but i digress

[hhcmatt]

He doesn't seem as explosive as last year...especially when he's trying to finish. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a bit dinged up.

[Minnesota_Husker]

Miles seems to be the type of guy, that you earn your playing time in practice. 

 

Tai is up against Tarin Smith who is a better player overall for some minutes.

 

Tai seems scared with the ball in his hands. We need to take a deep breath and know that with maturity, he will learn to handle the downs better. 

 

He shows moments where he moves fluidly and is an excellent dribbler, but then he gets cute and makes a mistake.

 

I have faith that in a year Tai will start to get more steady minutes and will start to at least take advantage of his role. He will never be the superstar we all hoped for, but he will be decent--offer Benny type minutes and support off the bench.

[HuskerBB]

Very good post Norm.   I don't think we have seen the last of Tai by a longshot.  I certainly hope we have not.   I think Miles is wanting to give Fuller a shot and that has taken minutes away from Tai.  But Fuller still has a ways to go to prove himself also.  He made some nice hustle plays last night - but also had a couple of monumental blunders.  (The one pass he threw away against he press break was like he was trying to throw it to Rutgers as there were not even any NU guys in the area.)   I am WAY more comfortable with Tai handling the ball against pressure defense than Nick - at least right now.

 

I certainly want both Nick and Tai to succeed here.  From what I have seen to date I am more comfortable overall with Tai on the floor than Nick - certainly that is true against the better more athletic teams.  But I would acknowledge that Nick has not really had a chance yet to prove himself and get comfortable in the rotation.  I think Miles is simply trying to give him that chance now. Remains to be seen if it works out well.

[huskerbaseball13]

Very good post Norm.   I don't think we have seen the last of Tai by a longshot.  I certainly hope we have not.   I think Miles is wanting to give Fuller a shot and that has taken minutes away from Tai.  But Fuller still has a ways to go to prove himself also.  He made some nice hustle plays last night - but also had a couple of monumental blunders.  (The one pass he threw away against he press break was like he was trying to throw it to Rutgers as there were not even any NU guys in the area.)   I am WAY more comfortable with Tai handling the ball against pressure defense than Nick - at least right now.

 

I certainly want both Nick and Tai to succeed here.  From what I have seen to date I am more comfortable overall with Tai on the floor than Nick - certainly that is true against the better more athletic teams.  But I would acknowledge that Nick has not really had a chance yet to prove himself and get comfortable in the rotation.  I think Miles is simply trying to give him that chance now. Remains to be seen if it works out well.

 

Why is that? In just 11 and 13 minutes vs Iowa and Rutgers Fuller produced more than Tai has in the past what...6 games?  Tai may be the better athlete of the two but in the short sample size I have seen Fuller appears to be the smarter basketball player right now.  And more importantly...someone who can put the ball in the hoop from time to time or at the very least, make the defender guard him. 

[The_Vault]

I'd like to hear one instance where showed above average athleticism. He doesn't beat anyone off the dribble. For example, the numerous times he drives baseline jumps in the air and turns the ball over. 

[The_Vault]

 

Also, when Miles said some players need to stop acting like they are 'too cool' I think he was referring to Tai. This benching will be a make or break moment for him.

Did Miles tell you that?  Or why do you assume that's who Miles was talking about?  Just curious.

 

I said I think. Just his demeanor on the court. It was either about him or walt.