Extremely Disappointed & Concerned

[Silverbacked1]

Just as long as we are not the Titanic.

[jimmykc]

Hey, 49er, quit calling us sissies!

[Norm Peterson]

At this point:

 

Watson

Petteway

White

Shields

Hammond

 

... Looks pretty darned good to me.  As I said before, I'm on board with Hammond.  He'll gain weight.  That's all he needs.  He didn't look deficient at all to me.  

And Morrow.  Don't forget Morrow.  And if the McVeigh kid is the kind of scorer Miles hints at, next year could be a case of "Terran who?"

[Norm Peterson]

Hello All,

 

It's been a few months since I last posted... life has gotten REALLY busy... but I've been lurking nonstop and want to say Dimes is doing a great job with the board and as always, I'm enjoying the conversation around here.

 

I wanted to sit down and put my thoughts "on paper" about the end of the 2015 season (I haven't posted since around the Creighton game) and in particular, on the VERY disappointing let down that has been the revolving door the last week (and probably will continue with Petteway departing).

 

First of all, last season... I thought it was just one of those years that.

 

A. The team chemistry was WAY off

 

and

 

B. The team just wasn't near as talented as the February and March run the year before had made us believe it was.

 

I liken it to the 2003 KC Royals... Two amazing stretches, including a 16-3 start and a run in August... but in the end, it was getting hot for awhile, a bit of smoke and mirrors and catching teams at the right time... The team was well under .500 the rest of that year and going into 2004, signed Juan Gonzalez, Benito Santiago, Brian Anderson, Curtis Leskanic, etc. and expected to compete. They thought they were GOOD from 2003, when in reality, it was fools gold. I think that's what happened here. It threw expectations off and then our entire team mentally collapsed, which created friction and issues.

 

Now, do I think we should have been as bad as we were? NO. I'd say we underachieved 3-4 games on the year (Incarnate Word, Creighton and 2-3 other Big 10 games).

 

HOWEVER, I certainly don't think we were better than a fringe NIT team, talent wise. How many other NCAA or NIT teams out of the Big 10 had David Rivers, Tai Webster, Benny Parker, Moses Abraham type players in their rotation? Answer: None.

 

Moving on... Miles GREATLY overachieved in year two... so he's good in my book with a bad year. Not mad or upset at all. It happens. His success created fools gold (and the players, duh).

 

But back to expectations...

 

I believe EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US expected 2015-2016 to be "THE ONE" - where we made the Sweet 16/Elite 8 run...

 

I mean, let's go back BEFORE the start of the 2014-2015 season.

Think of this, back when we had still had reason to believe Webster could be more than a role player at this level (which is all he'll be - nothing wrong with that, he's a good kid and we need those - but we needed him to be THE MAN. He hasn't and won't be).

 

But think of this a year ago.

 

PG - Parker (SR) Webster (JR) Watson (FR)

 

SG - Petteway (SR)

SF - White (SR)

 

PF - Shields (SR)

 

C - Pitchford (SR)

 

Off bench: Graduate transfer big or Hammond (SO), Tarin Smith (SO), Fuller (SO) and a bunch of highly talented young kids coming in.

 

Tell me we didn't believe 2015-2016 was THE YEAR. I mean, THE YEAR.

 

Now, as we sit here, I struggle to believe this team will be more talented than year one.

 

NOW, before I get into that, let's acknowledge our incoming recruiting class is LIGHT YEARS ahead of year one, and legitimately the best class since the early 90's.

 

However, we have yet to ink McVeigh, and if guys continue to flock out of the program as often as I go to the bathroom, whose to say he's a lock?

 

Still, we have three big time incoming kids coming in - two of which should play right away. I expect Watson to be similar to Tarin Smith in ability as a freshman and Morrow to be REALLY good, even right away. Jacobson, could use a redshirt year from what I hear - but won't have that chance. McVeigh, let's just hope he gets here.

 

My point is, right now, we are HOPING and BELIEVING this class is way more talented - but we heard the same thing about Tai Webster (and I hate to keep bringing him up). But the same stuff I hear about Watson, I heard about him.

 

In YEAR FOUR of Miles and THE YEAR, we are looking at this rotation as of right now:

 

PG - Benny Parker (SR)/Glynn Watson (FR)

 

SG - Tai Webster (JR)

 

SF - Andrew White (JR)

 

PF - Shavon Shields (SR)

 

C- Graduate Transfer/Jacob Hammond (SO) who couldn't get off the bench before Kye Kurkowski.

Throw the unknown of (possibly) Fuller and a few freshman, and this team doesn't look much better than Rutgers was this year, who ALSO had two really good players (and a bunch of nobodies). From the outside, that's exactly what our team looks like.

 

Guys, I'm EXTREMELY disappointed and concerned... here's why.

 

1. This will likely be the last year we see a complete sell out of the arena if we struggle (which I expect).

 

2. The newness of the building/practice facility will slowly wear off, as the arms race of college athletics continues.

 

3. If we have a 4-14 year, and we're 4 years in, with all the attrition and STILL no players going into the NBA (Petteway won't right away - no chance), how does Miles recruit? It's getting more difficult.

 

4. MOST IMPORTANTLY. The program hinges on THIS CLASS and NEXT YEARS CLASS. The good news is we have a guy I trust with all my heart (Miles) and a LOT of open scholarships... he has ONE MORE CHANCE to get this right (like this year should have been - THE YEAR).

 

However, if we whiff on one or both classes, and we're sitting in years 5-6 of Miles, and 5 years into the building with a declining fan base... no, itll never be like the 7,500 at The Bob. But even getting down to 10,000 will be a big difference...

 

IF that happens over the next two years... we are in deep trouble... and so is Miles.. and we risk going back to the "same old Nebraska" which we have gotten rid of after the Tournament appearance, new facilities and general national attention Miles has garnered us.

 

My point in this post is to say... I'm very concerned right now. And we need to put 50% of this on Miles. We all love him. We all think he's the guy. We all still believe he CAN and (likely) WILL get it done here.

 

But you'd be a fool to not realize how pivotal these two classes are and if he misses on these kids (like we have so many times), or has more attrition of KEY YOUNG PLAYERS (you CANNOT lose a Smith), we are in deep trouble and things could unravel.

 

the positive mojo is still there for now - shake it off as one bad year.

But that's the only reason we can still sell recruits. facilities. fans. and ONE BAD YEAR with immediate playing time.

 

Turn that into 2 and 3 bad years and well... it's back to "same old Nebraska."

 

P.S. can we stop recruiting guards from NYC? Last three have all bolted out - Tarin Smith, Jamel White, Mike Smith

Dave, I think you're overreacting.  I cannot up-arrow this for that reason.

 

I could type up a big response, but suffice it to say I think anyone with "grave concerns" is worrying too much about the recent departures.

[Fullbacksympathy]

 

At this point:

 

Watson

Petteway

White

Shields

Hammond

 

... Looks pretty darned good to me.  As I said before, I'm on board with Hammond.  He'll gain weight.  That's all he needs.  He didn't look deficient at all to me.  

And Morrow.  Don't forget Morrow.  And if the McVeigh kid is the kind of scorer Miles hints at, next year could be a case of "Terran who?"

 

 

Agreed on Morrow.  If TP is gone, I think he's a four year starter.  He'll log starter's minutes regardless.  Based on the film I watched of the others, I think Jacobson is going to be a sneaky good stretch 4--very fundamentally sound player with a good frame for a PF.  I wish I was more sold on McVeigh.  I watched some film.  He definitely has talent, but I'm worried about his strength levels in B10 play.  

[hal9000]

cwg, are you saying that being a Husker Hoops fan is a somewhat sisyphean task?

Wow, that's such an obscure word even the built in spell check thought it was a misspelling. 

 

Thanks for "word of the day" lesson 49r.

[Red Don]

From everything I have seen, I believe Morrow, Watson, McVeigh, White, Jacobson, Pinder, Roby et al are all talented players who will take a program to the next level.  I certainly understand those that struggle seeing that future, especially given the meandering nature of our row boat; but again I believe the future is brighter than ever...despite this season and the resultant exodus of some players.

 

 

Agree 100%.  Several of these kids are major talent upgrades.  If Hammond lives up to his recruitment (and I think he will), we're going to be a complete team next year for the first time in Miles' tenure.  We weren't a complete team this year.  Having an elite shooter in White and a relentless inside presence in Morrow to go along with a true scoring threat at point in Watson will change things a lot.  I'm hoping TP sees this because he's going to have a ton of driving lanes and one on one scenarios with White spotting up.

 

YES!

[49r]

 

Dave, I think you're overreacting.  I cannot up-arrow this for that reason.

 

I could type up a big response, but suffice it to say I think anyone with "grave concerns" is worrying too much about the recent departures.

 

 

 

These are my exact thoughts as well.

[Red Don]

 

Hello All,

 

It's been a few months since I last posted... life has gotten REALLY busy... but I've been lurking nonstop and want to say Dimes is doing a great job with the board and as always, I'm enjoying the conversation around here.

 

I wanted to sit down and put my thoughts "on paper" about the end of the 2015 season (I haven't posted since around the Creighton game) and in particular, on the VERY disappointing let down that has been the revolving door the last week (and probably will continue with Petteway departing).

 

I could type up a big response, but suffice it to say I think anyone with "grave concerns" is worrying too much about the recent departures.

 

 

I'm just a Noob, so whatever I say deserves a grain of salt.

 

Rather than being so concerned about the departures themselves, I think Dave's concerns are more about what that may indicate about the health and direction of the program.  And Tim Miles may not be the right man for the job after all.

 

But given the history of success at his other stops along the way and the high-level of recruits we have coming in, count me 'concerned' (edit: that's with a lower case 'c'), But 'Optimistic."

[Huskerpapa]

cwg, are you saying that being a Husker Hoops fan is a somewhat sisyphean task?

Kinda sorta -- we have been rolling that stone up hill for a long time...one of these days we are going to reach that mountain top, and then...

[Norm Peterson]

 

 

Hello All,

 

It's been a few months since I last posted... life has gotten REALLY busy... but I've been lurking nonstop and want to say Dimes is doing a great job with the board and as always, I'm enjoying the conversation around here.

 

I wanted to sit down and put my thoughts "on paper" about the end of the 2015 season (I haven't posted since around the Creighton game) and in particular, on the VERY disappointing let down that has been the revolving door the last week (and probably will continue with Petteway departing).

 

I could type up a big response, but suffice it to say I think anyone with "grave concerns" is worrying too much about the recent departures.

 

 

I'm just a Noob, so whatever I say deserves a grain of salt.

 

Rather than being so concerned about the departures themselves, I think Dave's concerns are more about what that may indicate about the health and direction of the program.  And Tim Miles may not be the right man for the job after all.

 

But given the history of success at his other stops along the way and the high-level of recruits we have coming in, count me as 'concerned;' But 'Optimistic."

 

Check my new thread for my longer response.

[golfer3]

Losing Pitchford hurt because of depth.  Losing T Smith hurt because of the future,  bright guy with skills.  If we lose Watson or Morrow after next season, then the question becomes, whats the point of keeping Miles around?

[Huskerpapa]

Losing Pitchford hurt because of depth.  Losing T Smith hurt because of the future,  bright guy with skills.  If we lose Watson or Morrow after next season, then the question becomes, whats the point of keeping Miles around?

Hahahaha...this kind of made me spit out my soda.  How can we jump from losing Walt and TSmith to losing two ESPN top 70 recruits next year???  And if Tommy Armstrong and Maliek Collins transfer from the football team at years end, then Mike Riley needs to go as well.  Come on...

[HuskerFever]

Losing Pitchford hurt because of depth.  Losing T Smith hurt because of the future,  bright guy with skills.  If we lose Watson or Morrow after next season, then the question becomes, whats the point of keeping Miles around?

 

How about you save that thought for if that time ever comes. There's no reason to dwell on something he hasn't done. As Miles has said "don't put that on me."

[Swan88]

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

[hhcmatt]

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

 

I guess part of having an abundance of posts as opposed to consolidating them all is that posts sink to the bottom a lot faster.

We'll give it a few days and see how things go. It's been a tough season and people are blowing off smoke. I'm being not paid to keep a level head about things and trying to do so

[trickey]

 

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

 

I guess part of having an abundance of posts as opposed to consolidating them all is that posts sink to the bottom a lot faster.

We'll give it a few days and see how things go. It's been a tough season and people are blowing off smoke. I'm being not paid to keep a level head about things and trying to do so

 

 

Wow...how much are you not being paid?

[AuroranHusker]

 

 

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

 

I guess part of having an abundance of posts as opposed to consolidating them all is that posts sink to the bottom a lot faster.

We'll give it a few days and see how things go. It's been a tough season and people are blowing off smoke. I'm being not paid to keep a level head about things and trying to do so

 

 

Wow...how much are you not being paid?

 

 

 

He's paid in an abundance of adulation. Basically, 'up' arrows are where its at.

[BjoeHusker]

There are two guys (currently on roster) who do not get along. One is a starter, the other is a transfer. The starter has a problem with the transfer because the transfer dominated him on practice.

[Silverbacked1]

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

I guess part of having an abundance of posts as opposed to consolidating them all is that posts sink to the bottom a lot faster.

We'll give it a few days and see how things go. It's been a tough season and people are blowing off smoke. I'm being not paid to keep a level head about things and trying to do so

Wow...how much are you not being paid?

Sources have told me he does not get somewhere in the 7 figure range. Yeah really not that much. One could not do a lot with that kind of not salary.

[hhcmatt]

But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

 

P.S. I've read some of the stuff at those places in the parts you don't have to pay for. I hope the paid basketball content is markedly better

[hskr4life]

There are two guys (currently on roster) who do not get along. One is a starter, the other is a transfer. The starter has a problem with the transfer because the transfer dominated him on practice.

 

Yeah... all that practice time in front of the coaches... and not a single one saw this total domination going on.  I mean lets face it... everyone knows who you are talking about cause we only have one transfer and one starter this could have been were it 100% correct.

[49r]

 

 

 

Any chance we can lock this thread and move on? Can't abide, (a) the "poor, poor me" title and substance of some posts, or ( b ) "get rid of Miles" crap. But at least we aren't paying good money to read such stuff.

I guess part of having an abundance of posts as opposed to consolidating them all is that posts sink to the bottom a lot faster.

We'll give it a few days and see how things go. It's been a tough season and people are blowing off smoke. I'm being not paid to keep a level head about things and trying to do so

Wow...how much are you not being paid?

Sources have told me he does not get somewhere in the 7 figure range. Yeah really not that much. One could not do a lot with that kind of not salary.

 

 

We might have to extend his contract and possibly raise the salary he doesn't get paid just to keep other message boards (like Texas or Alabama) from not paying him a lot more to moderate there!

[Silverbacked1]

So then Dave is going to come out with the not dreaded vote of confidence press conference?

[Red Don]

 

There are two guys (currently on roster) who do not get along. One is a starter, the other is a transfer. The starter has a problem with the transfer because the transfer dominated him on practice.

 

Yeah... all that practice time in front of the coaches... and not a single one saw this total domination going on.  I mean lets face it... everyone knows who you are talking about cause we only have one transfer and one starter this could have been were it 100% correct.

 

 

Maybe they'll get along swimmingly once they're playing on the same side! 

 

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/C5F361DF1C1139442467222249472_32233fb1955.0.1.4103955363424297008.mp4?versionId=d6se7BNemffBRm4W_DSE6cGBB1APy5h0