Nebrasketballer

Well he is listed at 6'8", 220 lbs and Tummala is listed at 6'7", 215 lbs... Also, if McDermott is a "big pussy", then he is a "big pussy" that just has just become a repeat selection as an AP All-American. I would take a guy that you condider to be a "big pussy", if he can put up numbers for Nebraska that will lead to him to becoming a 2-time AP All-American selection. And yes McDermott had Echinique playing next to him which made "all the difference in the world". Echinique is listed at 6'9", 260 lbs as a senior. If Tummala has a guy like Smith (who is listed as 6'8", 250 lbs as a sophomore) playing next to him, then that should make "all the difference in the world". Especially because he has the ability to put on 10 lbs each season, which would have him playing at around 270 lbs his senior season. I'd take Dougie Buckets too, but that doesn't change my opinion that I consider him to be a bit of a pussy. Echenique is a very adept and aggressive rebounder -- much more so than Smith. The knock on Smith is that, despite having the body type to play the position, he's a bit soft and lacks an aggressive mindset. He'll need to turn up the intensity quite a bit to play for Tim Miles in my opinion. If not, he'll be sitting on the bench. I feel as though I'm having an extremely difficult time getting my point across in this thread. To summarize: 1) We need at least one true power player on the court most of the time who can defend the low post and aggressively battle for rebounds to the extent that Nebraska won't find itself at a rebounding deficit relative to opponents on a game by game basis. You've got to be able to rebound the basketball to win games, period. 2) Sai Tummala is more of a finesse player than a power player, and, while I like him a lot and want him on our roster very badly, I don't consider him to be a power player, but instead much more of a finesse player. We need talent and depth, period, so I'm fine with that, but my original post in this thread was in response to what I believe to be an opinion held by some here that Sai Tummala is a power player who helps solve our deficiency in that area, when I don't believe he does. Hoops, I'm with ya. Sai isn't total finesse but he's not going to bang like an Echinique does. At this stage of the game, late signing period and all, the pickins are slim. This happens to be what I think is a legit kid who could fit on our roster and do some things that current players don't do. As I go down the list of players, I just don't see a kid who has his shooting stroke except for maybe a couple of the freshmen coming in. Petteway? Not from what I'm hearing. Rivers? Nope. Shields? Nah. Pitchford? Apparently not. And judging by Sai's film and what folks are saying about Pitchford, it looks like Sai can post up better than Pitchford too. Biggs? No Parker? Are you kidding me? Gallegos? Uh, no. Competition level makes a difference, sure. But have you seen that guy's stroke? And the shots he's taken on the films I've seen have been contested shots. But, even if not, that's a pretty good % even unguarded. You forgot to put Vucetic on your list. What about him?

I agree 1000% and I think that this is the same formula that would allow Tummala to be productive at the 4 spot. Not saying that Tummala is the same as McDermott, but just using him as an example of how a player that is 6'8", 220 lbs (or 6'7", 215 lbs) can be successful at the 4 spot. Just using McDermott as an example of a player that is not a powerful bruiser, but uses his ball handling skills, quickness, post moves, 3-point shooting ability to stretch a defense and be successful at the 4 spot. Wouldn't they be better off if they could slot McDermott at the 3? Maybe. Probably. And I think the same could be the case with Nebraska and Tummala. And I hope that in a couple of seasons, Nebraska will be able to do that. But I think that in order to attract those types of players at the PF and C spots (that are not just big bodies, but also athletic enough to be a threat on the floor, not just a big body eating up minutes), Nebraska will have to produce some more wins on the court. I think that in order to get those players, Nebraska will have to make due and be creative with players that are not necessarily the protypical "power" post players, in order to win games now. I see it as a means to an end, or a transitional roster. I think that right now Nebraska is going to have to just put a product on the floor that fans/recruits can get excited about, which will help Miles sign the more prototypical PF/C types in the 2015 class. Again, I think it is something of a transitional roster. And I think that with the players that seem to be available, I haven't heard of any of the 6'10", 260 lbs guys left. I also would love to see Nebraska sign a grad transfer that is in the 6'10"-6'11", 260 lbs range. I don't dislike that type of player. I just think that Nebraska needs to make due with what's available to them, until they are in the position to start signing some of these types.

I agree 1000% and I think that this is the same formula that would allow Tummala to be productive at the 4 spot. Not saying that Tummala is the same as McDermott, but just using him as an example of how a player that is 6'8", 220 lbs (or 6'7", 215 lbs) can be successful at the 4 spot. Just using McDermott as an example of a player that is not a powerful bruiser, but uses his ball handling skills, quickness, post moves, 3-point shooting ability to stretch a defense and be successful at the 4 spot.

Free Content article from Rivals: http://nebraska.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1490475

Good call

I agree 100%. Smith is 'N', so now it's all about Tummala. Also, I wouldn't count out the possibility of a grad transfer who is a bruiser for the Center spot. Like when Oriakhi transfered to Missouri for this season.

#BOOM

Well he is listed at 6'8", 220 lbs and Tummala is listed at 6'7", 215 lbs... Also, if McDermott is a "big pussy", then he is a "big pussy" that just has just become a repeat selection as an AP All-American. I would take a guy that you condider to be a "big pussy", if he can put up numbers for Nebraska that will lead to him to becoming a 2-time AP All-American selection. And yes McDermott had Echinique playing next to him which made "all the difference in the world". Echinique is listed at 6'9", 260 lbs as a senior. If Tummala has a guy like Smith (who is listed as 6'8", 250 lbs as a sophomore) playing next to him, then that should make "all the difference in the world". Especially because he has the ability to put on 10 lbs each season, which would have him playing at around 270 lbs his senior season.

Matching up with Zeller: Syracuse just knocked off Indiana in the NCAA tourney. They have 1 player on their roster that is taller than 6'9". That is their Center and he is 6'10", 215 lbs. Not your prototypical bruiser in the paint. Pitchford is 6'10", 230 lbs. Matching up with Mbakwe: Florida just knocked off Minnesota in the NCAA tourney. Florida has 7 players on their roster listed as either Forward or Center. They are listed as 6'8", 205 lbs / 6'10", 228 lbs / 6'10", 238 lbs / 6'6", 208 lbs / 6'6", 191 lbs / 6'9", 249 lbs. These sizes would resemble Nebraska's if they are able to sign Tummala and Smith in addition to Pitchford already being on the roster. Ole Miss knocked Wisconsin out of the NCAA tourney. Their tallest player is 6'9" and their Center is only 6'8". I'm not saying that Nebraska shouldn't go after the guys that are 6'10"-7'0" 250-270 lbs, because I think that they should. But I also believe that there is more than 1 type of player that can help Nebraska win games. It will take Nebraksa winning some games in order to be able to attract recruits that have that type of size and also have the skill level to make them useful on the court.

Sai has displayed much better post up moves than Shields has. Sai has also shown the ability to shoot the turnaround hook shot, which allows him to us his body to create space between the ball and the defender. Again, Doug McDermott is 6'8", 220 lbs, played the 4 Spot and has just become a repeat selection on the AP All-American team. McDermott played next to a Center (Echenique) that is 6'9", 260 lbs. The two post players that Tummala would likely be playing next to would be Smith (currently 6'8", 250 lbs) and Pitchford (currently 6'10", 230 lbs). It would not be out of the realm of possibility for both Smith and Pitchford to put on 10-15 lbs before next season.

I haven't seen Tummala listed at 6'6" anywhere. Everywhere that I have seen has him listed at 6'7", 215 lbs. http://rivals.yahoo.com/nebraska/basketball/recruiting/player-Sai-Tummala-150220 As far as the PF position, I just refer to him playing the PF (4) position, because that is what position is left over when you slot guys into the 1, 2, 3, and 5 spots. I don't think anyone would consider him to be the physical bruiser down low, but that doesn't mean that he can't play the 4 spot. Like I have referenced before, Doug McDermott is 6'8", 220 lbs. He plays that 4 spot, and he is not a bruiser down low. His ball handling, quickness, post moves, and shooting touch help to make up for him being an inch or two shorter and 10-15 lbs lighter than some people would like to see. I think people get too hung up on the "Power" part of Power Forward. I think maybe people should just think about it as Nebraska having 2 forwards. I think when people are concerned about his size, they are failing to also consider how much it can stress a bigger defender to have to come out and guard a guy like Tummala in space when he is at the 3-point line. That gives him the opportunity to either blow by the bigger defender and use his quickness to take it to the rack. It helps to take that defender out of the lane, which opens up the middle for the rest of Nebraska's players to get into the lane. It also takes that defender out of rebounding position down in the paint. And if the defender decides to not to come all the way out to cover him, then Tummala will hit the 3pointer 40% of the time.

Although I think that the best case scenario would be for Nebraska to sign Tummala, Smith, and a grad transfer to finish the 2013 class, I would also be very pleased if Nebraska was able to finish the 2013 class by signing Tummala, Smith, and Thomas instead.

I agree with this.

I agree with most of what you said in your post. I am definitely voting for BOTH. This is what I think the lineup would be if Nebraska was able to sign both Tummala and Smith: Starters: 1 - Biggs 2 - Petteway 3 - Shields 4 - Tummala 5 - Pitchford 1st off of the Bench 1 - Webster 2 - Gallegos 3 - Fuller 4 - Rivers 5 - Smith I think that Biggs would start the season at the PG spot, while Webster adjusts to the college game in the US and if the transition is smooth, then I could see Webster challenging for the starting spot by the time B1G play rolls around. If he somehow comes in ready to play from the beginning, then I would think that Webster would get the starting spot right away, but that would be asking alot considering some of the competition he has faced. If Nebraska is able to sign a grad transfer at the 5 spot (which I think is the best case scenario), then I think that Smith would slide over to the 4 spot off of the bench and then maybe Rivers and Fuller would split time coming off of the bench at the 3 spot. If Fuller comes in and can play at the level that most of us are hoping he can right away, then I think that Rivers could end up being the odd man out for consistent playing time in this scenario. I feel like Norm and I must have watched different video of Tummala than alot of others must have, because I , like Norm, am very impressed with Tummala's video and I think he is a steal if Nebraska can sign him. Especially considering that he will have 3 years of eligibility. I don't really see either Vucetic or Parker being any sort of factor in the rotation, regardless of if they remain on the roster or not.

Nice work

I would think it is a possibility, but I think the most advantageous road to take would be to take a grad transfer at the Center/Power Forward spot. This works out best for all parties. The player gets to play right away without sitting like a transfer would. Nebraska gets a player at a position of need that has years of Division 1 experience and it is only a 1 year scholarship, so it opens up another spot for Nebraska's 2014 class.

I would never say never. I wouldn't be shocked either way. I guess I haven't really heard a reason for why Nebraska cooled on him though. Not sure if it was grades or something like that

Not necessarily. They are only must gets if they are actually good enough to play and elevate the team. Miles has already shown that he is going to play the 6 to 8 best players on the team, regardless of position. If either Sai or Leslee cannot crack the top 8 or 9, then not signing them means almost nothing. Even if Smith plays a position of need at center, I think Miles has shown that he would rather play a better player and go small than play a bigger player who lacks the skill or strength. Heck, Miles refused to play Andre almost all of conference play even though he is a relatively skilled big man. I seriously doubt that Smith is more skilled than Andre. He may be better athlete, but is that enough to crack the top 8, I don't know. There was an article about a month ago in which Miles was interviewed about recruiting. I tried to find it but I can't even remember what publication it was in. Anyway, in the article, he talked about his recruiting philosophy and how he did not want to "reach" on any recruits simply because the team may be in need of another player at a certain position. In fact, he specifically mentioned how many teams will recruit and sign big men late in the spring signing period who are not of the talent level they normally recruit. (That is why you might see an Oklahoma State offer a guy like Shang Ping in the spring, for example. My example, not Miles). Miles said he was determined not to fall into this trap. He said that in a rebuilding project like NU, you can't waste any scholarships. Even suggested it would be better to hold on to the scholarship for the next recruiting cycle if necessary. To be honest, after reading that article, I was surprised to see that he offered Smith, and maybe even Sai. I am still giving Miles the benefit of the doubt, so I am trusting they see something in these guys, but only time will tell. Both Tummala and Smith would play next season if they signed. One would likely start.

I,obviously, would have liked for Nebraska to land Atewe in the 2013 class. That desire was based more on the current lack of legit post players on Nebraska's roster, than it was on being blown away by Atewe's film. The truth is that he is very raw and would've needed 1-2 years to develop into a legit B1G post player. Atewe does have a solid physical frame to work with though and his chances of development are much more realistic than developing Vucetic. At this point, Nebraska finding a way to land Leslee Smith and Sai Tummala is huge. Both players are more physically ready to come in and contribute right away. Both have experience playing with and against Division 1 college basketball talent. Atewe does not. Smith would be a Jr, so his scholarship would open up for the 2015 class, which as I have said multiple times on this board is, in my opinion, Nebraska's chance to sign a legit homerun class, with 5-6 available scholarships. A homerun class not just by Nebraska's standards, but by the standards of Nebraska's peers as well. The players that Nebraska has returning, in addition to the players that Nebraska will add to the roster in the 2013 class, will set the foundadion of winning in the new facilities, which will allow Nebraska to attract a homerun class in 2015. Signing Smith and Tummala would go a long way towards helping Nebraska set that foundation. Another possibility for Nebraska to potentially still sign 3 more players to finish this 2013 class is to add a grad transfer.as the 3rd. I really think this would be a solid move by Nebraska. It would bring in a player that is physically ready to play from day 1. It would also only be a 1-year scholarship, so it would leave Nebraska with 2 available scholarships for the 2014 class. Again, I'm not trying to play it off like Atewe is a bad player, because Nebraska didn't land him. I just think that Nebraska is in a unique position with facilities that everyone says are the best in the nation when they see them. Nebraska is in the conference that is considered by many to be the best conference in college basketball. Nebraska has hired a coach that has a history of taking basketball programs from the bottom of the barrel and building them into a winner. The only thing missing from the equation is a product on the floor that can consistently win games. If Nebraska can snag Tummala and Smith, who look to be physically ready to play from day 1, then they should be able to attract a higher level of recruit. Nebraska has already put together a 2013 class of very solid freshmen players. I think that getting Tummala and Smith, who look to be able to contribute right away, will go a long way towards Miles rebuilding another program into a winner.

Even if Norm "The Dream" decides he wants one of those ships? Norm's talked about his impressive girth and other physical attributes. At the rate we're going through big man recruits, I'd sit by the phone if I were Norm. Lets never include the words "impressive girth" in the recruiting section again. hahaha

Getting Leslee Smith and Sai Tummala is huge now. Nebraska needs to get at least 2 of the 3 they were going after.

A better example might be Spencer Hawes. 7'1 245. Same with him. I got nervous for Vucetic the few times I saw him run down the court without the ball even. Can you imagine him trying to take the ball coast to coast? Yikes!

Haha. Maybe he will have a signing ceremony with hats of Nebraska, Auburn, and Charlotte on the table. Then he will mix them around really fast. If Tim Miles can correctly guess which hat has the Runza underneath, then Nebraska gets his commit.

Dude if Vucetic was even half as athletic as Tyson Chandler, then yes, he could probably find his way onto the court at 7'1", 250 lbs. His game is completely different though. http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2012/11/tyson-chandler-dunks-on-the-brooklyn-nets-video/

Yee