basketballjones

I mean, I don't know about that? He might just need a fresh start somewhere and an altered role? I have no idea.

This is accurate. Not really sure he fits with what we do. He's basically just become a ball mover, somewhat slasher, and defensive stopper. Basically a more polished version of Denim Dawson.

With what they lose and what they bring in, I feel he's going to be in a weird position. I'd suggest he leaves and comes to Nebraska. Zero bias involved here.

You've hit the nail on the head - and that is why I have recently advocated for not setting your sights/building a team on being a top 3/4 team in the league - but aiming to always finish in that 4-7 range. Typically guarantees you a trip to the tourney, and in my opinion, makes you a more versatile team. You're right though - a team built to win the big 10 is not a team built to have success in the tourney.

Who could forget

Exorcise your demons, publicly, Norm. It's the only way to cleanse your soul.

You know - the whole "in our system" point is well taken. That's a good point. When thinking of this team and recruits, it is important to think about who is able and willing to decisively close-out on rotations and not think about rules. Probably why Denim didn't work as well as he should have - he's a very good individual defender. But our defense almost assumes you're gonna get beat as an individual. Nelson definitely brings length and some rim protection - but he's not a banger. However, that's just my from my limited viewing.

Interesting prospect. His video shows a lot of what we love about Tominaga, but at 6'3", 6'4". And that was before my brain connected they're both lefties. He's definitely got some "violence" to his game too, wouldn't call him athletic, but he's very decisive and violent in his actions. But being a Wisconsin kid, with a Wisconsin offer - and the "FU attitude" he had on display in some of those clips - I can't see him anywhere else but there. Looks born to play there.

We've offered Tonje, supposedly. Called immediately when he hit the portal.

Good-bye Derrick Jr., we hardly knew thee.

Final Four. Ha - but for real, that line-up better hit a lot of shots because they're not getting a rebound or stopping much. Too small and thin. Not sure Traudt/Nelson are dudes who should be on the court at the same time, kind of the same player, swing/euro 4/5's. You'd need a banger to play with one of them in my opinion.

But #1 in our hearts

Only thing worth discussing for next few months.

As my dad used to say, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." So I understand there's lots of ways to build a NCAA Tournament Team - but from watching the last few NCAA Tournaments - what would you guys say are the general needs a team has got to have to get there and have some success? And this could be broken up by different levels/types of teams. For instance, if you're going to make noise as a mid-major, you absolutely gotta have __________________ and _______________? But I'm more curious to see what everyone think a team like us needs (assuming we'll never have the 5-star, NBA Lottery guys). Some things I have noticed, that teams like K-State, Tennessee, Missouri, etc... (P6 teams who aren't top tier): - Gotta have some DAWGS at guard. Dudes that can absolutely get after you defensively. - Seems to help to have some dudes who look like they have a permanent address in the weight room. - Helps to be old, whether that's through transfers or not. - Have to be able to handle incredible physicality. - Shot makers. Not sure you have to have "pure shooters," but at least guys who can hit tough shots in the lane and tough shots at the end of shot clocks. Thoughts?

Very much do want. But probably a Wisconsin lean.

I mean this sincerely - It's gotta be really tough when you've played basketball your whole life, been the man, even had some success here - and then after some time the analytics just show your team is worse when you're on the court and better when others are playing.

Every bucket was like a knife to the gut. He's like a perfect combination between James Palmer and Terran Petteway.

I knew there was a reason I liked you.

Same. I used to be a huge UNC fan and a bunch of my buddies were Duke fans. We were just talking the other night how neither of us really care at all about those teams or that rivalry anymore. One and Done's, "5-stars only" mentality, and now immediate transfers - all those have basically ruined the enjoyment of college basketball at that level and specifically that rivalry. I literally only liked this year's nebrasketball team because of how hard they played and specifically because of Sam Griesel. But I sorely miss the days of knowing who the majority of your team was coming back and watching true juniors and seniors play.

8

Ding ding we have a winner

I’m very superstitious. NDSU kid is my guess and things look good with keeping KT around. His ultimate dream is the NBA - I think there’s zero chance of that - but there absolutely isn’t a path from Japan pro league to NBA, but who knows with another incredible college season. And then we’re well in on 100 decent bigs so I’m not really worried about that. And just a pure hunch, we get 1 of the 3 Chucky/Sallis/Traudt.

I’ll tell ya what - if we get who I’m hearing we’re gonna get in the transfer portal - and keep who we’re all hoping we keep - we’re very close.

While he’s only listed at 6’6”, that’s effectively what Juwan Gary is. But we definitely need some more size and athleticism that’s for sure. Point taken.

Something feels icky with in conference transfers. Only way I’d be comfortable with it is if a coach was fired.