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Natalie is the heart and soul of Nebraska women's basketball. If she transfers, which appears likely, she will be missed not only for her talent, but even more for her leadership. She is a player that never gives up. We have been blessed to have her at Nebraska. Thanks to Natalie (and her family) for the past two years. We would definitely like to see her finish her college playing days here.

Sorry, not about a post about a Lithuanian big man with a 7ft wingspan and 22' range. Haymarket Hardwood brethren, I have been promising or, at minimum, eluding to an X's and O's post for some time now. Well, here's my very raw attempt at including video and gifs into a post. Topic, Lithuania/Gonzaga Ball Screen Continuity offense - aka - what we have ran the past few seasons as a base, revolving offense. *Big-time Disclaimer - I do not do these to get into arguments or criticize anyone. So if anyone takes these as a criticism of Coach Miles, his staff, players, or anything of that nature - just stop typing your reply. I will openly discuss what I think are some weaknesses of this offense, and the strengths. But this is more informational and just a hobby of mine. Also, we actually went away from this towards the end of the year in a lot of regards (much to my enjoyment). But it's an interesting study at least. Do any of these look familiar to you? That would be what we have ran quite a bit the past few years to just get the ball moving and players moving. It worked really well when TP could hit shots at the end of the shot clock, and when Walt P. was making 3's at a 40% clip. Some people call it Lithuania Ball Screen Continuity, others call it Gonzaga Ball Screen Continuity. Coaches steal all the time... so who knows who actually invented it. The basics of this offense are this: In theory, a 3 out 2 in offense. Or, at minimum, a 3 guard or wing, 2 "post" offense. The point guard will initiate offense by doing one of these three things: Dribbling out a wing to create a triangle on the other side of the lane, so he can start the ball screening action. Passing to a wing, and corner cutting to the ball side Passing to a wing, and corner cutting to the opposite side of the paint The first big will typically get the action started by setting a ball screen for a guard/wing The opposite post, Pops up the lane to get the reversal pass after the ball screen That post then does 1 of 2 things: Looks at the higher of the two wings and backdoors him out OR Starts dribbling at the higher of the two wings and dribbles him out (both backdoors) The post with the ball tries to hit the backdoor, but more than li Again, we went away from this offense towards the end of last year, for reasons that I will describe below (we just did not have the personnel to do so). Hence, sort of why I am making this post now, as opposed to during the season - as I don't want to look like I am being critical of Coach. He knows what he's doing. Oh yeah, and btw, you have to be able to hit open 3's if you want any offense to be successful (no kidding, right?). Why have we had such struggle scoring at times the past couple years? Well, because of this .gif right here (in my opinion): You'll notice basically nothing is open going to the hoop. First, after a school has seen your action a few times - they never get beat on that backdoor, they sag off, and they stay in the paint for a count as the backdoor player clears the lane to the other side. Second, and arguably more detrimental, is the action of the opposite big "popping" to the opposite lane side of the top of the key. If your big is not comfortable shooting that shot on the pop - his defender just sags in the lane and helps defend the driver. When Walt P was doing this, you had to honor him. Then, you also had to honor him after he received the reversal pass and began to hand-off/ball-screen to the wing. Because after he did that, he frequently "drifted" out to the corner instead of rolling to the hoop. You had to honor his shot from the corner because he hit it at a very high rate. Structurally, this offense isn't "wrong," at all. But your personnel is what makes an offense "wrong." For instance, this offense is great if you have a few things: Versatile Bigs that can shoot a - because if that big can shoot after he pops, you put his defender in a very tough position. Do I help the drive of the guy using ball screen? Or do I stick tight to my guy? On the ball screen, if they can shoot, they are very effective at "drifting" to the corner instead of rolling to the hoop. Super aggressive guards that can turn the corner on the ball screen and get to the rim. Guys who can back-cut, get to the opposite corner, and then knock down the corner 3. Think about how many open 3's Benny Parker got in the corner? Our inability to hit that shot means the guy who is defending him on the back-cut gets to sit in the paint for a long time and check off the roll man. What do I prefer (if you do not have versatile bigs)? Just a slight adjustment - you keep the post down in the paint, opposite of the ball screen. As described here: Unfortunately, I could not find a good film that would show this offense revolve from side to side. But basically what happens is that the higher of the two wings on the opposite side (backside triangle), will get the reversal pass, look inside to the duck-in one more time, then swing it to the corner who v-cuts to get open. Then he cuts to the opposite corner - creating another backside triangle with the opposite post and the guard who came off the first ball screen. Here's a super crude drawing I through up (did not have my iPad/Computer that has the correct software - click on it to make it bigger) - A lot of people call this "20 Series" Ball Screen Continuity: Hopefully some of you enjoyed this "breakdown." As I learn how to make .gifs and utilize screenshots better, I'll try to do some more stuff (especially if I can get my hands on Husker specific film). baketballjones

Interesting, I didn't see any names of dudes from Butler on that list. So odd for a program with such a rich, mahogany-scented tradition like those guys.

Why Wait?

Why can't you? I have a to-scale picture of Jordy watching the Blue Angels flying over the capital

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/butler/butler-insider/2016/04/14/butler-out-running-eron-gordon/83064930/ Mentioned Missouri, Marquette and Seton Hall in that article. I'd suspect that those are 3 schools who have an immediate need for a SG. Missouri after all the transfers has an immediate need for an entire team.

The preceding post: Brett Baker • 15 hours ago I won't take exception with Tom's description of Miles & the job at hand, other than to say this reads very much like the critical analysis of teenager that's been dumped for someone else. What I will take exception with is his description of Nebraska fans and what we value. While football is the unquestioned heavyweight champ when it comes to the state's obsessions & loyalties, it's not the only act in town & fans respond accordingly. Nebraska & Creighton basketball games are among the most well attended in the NCAA. In 2015 both schools finished in the top 10 for attendance. Husker fans care immensely about Nebraska basketball. The dollars put into the program and spent by the fans are an easy measure of that. They back Miles & are excited about this coaching addition. Beyond that, when basketball ends the talk is about baseball. While Darin Erstad is working to match the success enjoyed by Dave Van Horn's squads in the 2000's, the team's popularity has never wavered. Hawks Field is always packed. Proof of the dedication of the Nebraska fan to baseball can be seen in the Big Ten's decision to keep the conference baseball tournament in Omaha for the foreseeable future. Why? Because in 2014 Nebraskans smashed Big Ten tournament attendance records every day. For four days running. I haven't even mentioned our national championship volleyball team. The one that's sold out for three decades, despite moving from a 4,000 seat venue to an 8,000 seat arena. On top of that virtually every imaginable NCAA volleyball Final Four attendance record is owned by the C-Link in Omaha. So say what you will about Coach Miles and the basketball program, but if you're going to compare Nebraska to Notre Dame you need to check yourself. As I recall the ND faithful were more than happy to sellout their squad and allow Huskers to turn Notre Dame Stadium into a defacto home game for the Big Red in 2000. And know this, Coach Lewis will receive as much, if not more, love and appreciation during his time on the Big Red's bench than anywhere his career is likely to take him. Lastly, listen to yourself. It's not your life or your career. So stop feeling jilted or, more to the point, baffled. GBR!

Patience grasshopper... No inside here, but maybe let the new coach have his day and Jordy here this weekend?!? Jordy was in Lincoln last weekend. Was meaning a commitment. Okay, guess we'll wait & see. Quoth Tom Petty, "the waiting is the hardest part."

This is my reason for major optimism with Coach Lewis on the NU B1G train! Choo-choo!! ALL ABOARD.

This is a really cool photo of the Blue Angels flying over the Capitol building: https://twitter.com/CornhuskerPhoto/status/728016920939659266/photo/1

The last they spoke was the day of her hiring press conference? That's only a few days before Natalie asked for a transfer. Wouldn't emotions still be running high that day? What would it hurt if the coach kept in contact with her to see just where she stands periodically? Some kids are really shy the way it is especially in a situation like this and contacting the new staff may be very uncomfortable to them. I would think with someone of Natalie's stature, Coach Amy would at least show her some kind of interest in wanting her to continue playing here by keeping the communication between player and new coach open. I'll be very disappointed if what these two discussed on April 12th is what the coach deemed was the final say! Very troubling i'd be a bit careful here. nat may be shy, but, it wouldn't surprise me if she was very "matter of fact" with coach williams. i would bet nat was really ticked off---more than some may realize and she may have let coach williams know that. coach williams may have left the door open, but, i would be willing to bet she knew at that point no way nat was coming back. just my quick take.

After hearing his interview on Sports Nightly, I have to say I'm impressed with him. Good hire. Professionally, it is a P5 school giving him a nice bump in pay but also a chance to mold some very talented young players (Especially Watson). I like his experience running the offense for Butler the last 2 years too...

Tim Miles just re-tweeted this.

Can't believe that I have a chance to say something positive. He looks like a winner and does have bigger dreams than being a one and done assistant. I can tell Tim Miles sees someone who is used to preforming at a high level with little to no resources. Familiar territory for both. Compares also to the assistant who left, some on here allude to being the program. Time will tell but I finally have had the chance to feel good about the program. tux

The last they spoke was the day of her hiring press conference? That's only a few days before Natalie asked for a transfer. Wouldn't emotions still be running high that day? What would it hurt if the coach kept in contact with her to see just where she stands periodically? Some kids are really shy the way it is especially in a situation like this and contacting the new staff may be very uncomfortable to them. I would think with someone of Natalie's stature, Coach Amy would at least show her some kind of interest in wanting her to continue playing here by keeping the communication between player and new coach open. I'll be very disappointed if what these two discussed on April 12th is what the coach deemed was the final say!

"little comments by the hosts about why she didn't go after romeo harder, but, also added they don't know enough about the situation. one of the hosts stated he talked to someone who didn't think she will be able to succeed because of the staff she brought with her (ouch)." Think I'll wait and see on that one. That's a big leap in imagination, having not seen so much as a practice yet, let alone a recruiting class.

Lanigan's source has an axe to grind. Not the most trustworthy.

What makes you think Nat didn't want to wear the N? Norm unless she was asked to leave she choose not to at this point. Clearly at one point and time she did, that appears to have changed. I wish her no ill will what so ever. The coach she came to play for is gone, she had every right to find the best fit for her. That said, what she deemed (again unless she was asked to leave) best for her is to not wear the N anymore.I don't think you know that. And it's not what I'm hearing.I can tell you that a door was obviously left open for Cincore, and she's back. It may be that Nat backed the wrong horse. It might have been the case that Nat wasn't extended the same options as Cincore. I'd be willing to bet there's more to this than is being reported publicly.

The last they spoke was the day of her hiring press conference? That's only a few days before Natalie asked for a transfer. Wouldn't emotions still be running high that day? What would it hurt if the coach kept in contact with her to see just where she stands periodically? Some kids are really shy the way it is especially in a situation like this and contacting the new staff may be very uncomfortable to them. I would think with someone of Natalie's stature, Coach Amy would at least show her some kind of interest in wanting her to continue playing here by keeping the communication between player and new coach open. I'll be very disappointed if what these two discussed on April 12th is what the coach deemed was the final say! Very troubling i'd be a bit careful here. nat may be shy, but, it wouldn't surprise me if she was very "matter of fact" with coach williams. i would bet nat was really ticked off---more than some may realize and she may have let coach williams know that. coach williams may have left the door open, but, i would be willing to bet she knew at that point no way nat was coming back.just my quick take. That's a lot of maybes and might haves and willing to bets. Your suppositions might not be justified. How's that?

I guess I go back much longer than you dimes. In the 70's and early 80's many of our best players came out of Indiana...Steve Willis, Brian Banks, Carl McPipe, Jerry Shoecraft, Jack Moore, Eric Williams, just to name a few. I would have zero issues reestablishing that pipeline.

"Don't bring me down" was by ELO. "Don't let me down" was by the Beatles. Both are appropriate! Sorry Bug, could not resist.

Whatever the case, time to move on, wish her luck (unless some how she plays us) and cheer for the girls who want to wear the N.

That size is dwarfed by our expectations

Why can't you? I have a to-scale picture of Jordy watching the Blue Angels flying over the capital This image (to scale) would make Jordy approximately 360' tall. YES!

Why can't you? I have a to-scale picture of Jordy watching the Blue Angels flying over the capital This exact picture should be our new licence plate.

coach williams interview: 12 out of the first 16 days were spent on the road---reaching out to some of the best players in the country (and will continue, of course) stated she also spent quite a bit of time getting to know the players. challenges: catch-up on players and recruits; believes recruiting is all about relationship building. awareness of the circumstances within the program when interviewed: just had conversations about moving the program forward. starting with a clean slate. didn't really want to know too much about the past. stated players buying in is not a worry and feels very comfortable. her personality: feels confident of what she brings to the table to move forward. confident staff can find the strengths of players. has had discussions with all present players and incoming recruits. wants players that want to be at nebraska. said it was not difficult to get players to remain ( i will add, except one). asked what she expects first season: answer, remains to be seen. style: will have to adjust somewhat to the roster. has had top 10-15 scoring classes and excited to implement that at nebraska. expectations of players: good work ethic and willingness to "get after it". balance about being tough and demanding: need to add understanding and sensitivity the end. little comments by the hosts about why she didn't go after romeo harder, but, also added they don't know enough about the situation. one of the hosts stated he talked to someone who didn't think she will be able to succeed because of the staff she brought with her (ouch).

Why can't you? I have a to-scale picture of Jordy watching the Blue Angels flying over the capital I'm a little concerned though. Do his knees bend properly?

Although there are a few question marks, Nebraska fans should stay optimistic about the upcoming basketball season. Tim Miles has a great roster, a solid recruiting class, and with the addition of Lewis, he'll have a chance to take his team to the post-season for the first time since 2014. Cornhusker nation, get ready. Nebrasketball is on its way back. This paragraph is encouraging.

I assume that made him drop his chimichanga?

And Lewis wanted to coach in the Big Ten. He said that specifically.

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/butler/butler-insider/2016/04/14/butler-out-running-eron-gordon/83064930/ Mentioned Missouri, Marquette and Seton Hall in that article. I'd suspect that those are 3 schools who have an immediate need for a SG. Missouri after all the transfers has an immediate need for an entire team. This is the first guy I would call if Andrew does decide to go pro.

After listening to Lewis' presser he seems like a guy who puts a lot of thought into anything he does. Besides, everyone knows that with the exception of this site that all comment sections are complete crap.

We're in business! Lewis Presser http://www.huskers.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=5352601

We have given up three runs or less in 7 of our last 8 games. If we can keep that up I like our chances.

Assume you just graduated from college. You can go out and make six figures or more in the real world. You can take care of yourself and your family for years. You are being told you can make it in the professional world. What do you do? Granted being an athlete is different. But the shelf life of an athlete is much shorter than that of a doctor or a lawyer. So do you come back for one more year of studies and being a part time player; or do you follow your heart and start your career? I am not convinced he is staying or going. I have no clue what is in his heart. But to say he is coming back to work on his game (part time) versus making it a full-time commitment rings a bit hollow to me. I believe, if he comes back, he will do so because of a commitment to his family and the Husker team and fan base. That sounds somewhat silly, but if he wants to simply improve his game, he is better able to do that by committing to the game on a full-time basis.

Well, Rico Gathers from Baylor basketball did get drafted in the 6th round by the Dallas Cowboys.I think Gathers could be a steal, but I feel like this could at least make a run of it in somebodies camp if they had a open mind and some patience Gathers hadn't played football in 8 or 9 years, either! I think that's one of the easier spots to transition to with what NFL offenses are asking tight ends to do in the NFL now But, it's still nearly a decade since he last played football, at all. Would be an amazing story if Gathers made it, and made it big.

The man obviously has great taste I thought it kind of a cool thing to admit that the Burno/Beckner deal burned out after six Burnos... maybe just maybe, this Michael Lewis guy could be great.

Patience grasshopper... No inside here, but maybe let the new coach have his day and Jordy here this weekend?!?

More surprised than you were about taking one from Georgetown? Or Florida? What about a D-I head coach leaving his job to take an assistant position at NU? Nope. Was pretty surprised by those also. And similarly excited. I can handle putting my own foot in my own mouth, if you could not imply thoughts for me also - I'd really appreciate that.

I don't agree with Future 150. Just in general.

There are SO. MANY. Ryan Andersons in this world.

More surprised than you were about taking one from Georgetown? Or Florida? What about a D-I head coach leaving his job to take an assistant position at NU?

I am going to say this though. If we are going to run and run and run, Jess is going to have to get in better shape, she is toooo slow and her endurance is questionable.There were times this year that she could have played better but was too tired to do so at a high level. And jess may have to loose the better than the rest of the team as well.Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I sincerely hope Lewis is more excited about it than 'exited.'

Nothing to earth shattering shared there by that writer. Frankly, it was my initial reaction as well. At minimum, I was pretty surprised to take an assistant from Butler. Very happy about it, however.

Can he just commit so i can stop checking this everyday..