basketballjones

He's a player, I think, that we've been missing for years. YEARS I TELL YOU!

I'm so friggin excited for this season and I just needed to type this somewhere.

NU 90 63 9 10

Wilhelm was only in the game on 3 of the clips in the first 1:30 of that video? 1. was a terrible call where he was completely up-right. 2. was a 3 where he was nowhere near the play. 3. was a ball screen where he hard hedged and no one bumped the cutter. In the second half of that video I only saw 4 more clips where he was in also... 1. He kept the dude in front and forced him into a spinning turn around jumper that he hit. 2. 3pt shot from the ball screen where he did his job with the role man. 3. Verge got caught trailing and lazy, his guy face cut him and got a lay up, Wilhelm was just in the area. 4. Only one where I'd say he played poor defense and got caught too low (cutter from top of key where Wilhelm was hanging out covering up the backside, but he was way too low). Edit: I've decided Wilhelm is my favorite player to ever play the game so I am admitting I will defend him with pure bias until the end of time.

Didn't even suit up. Not sure.

And I think that's exactly what Mike is saying. He's speaking to those who don't understand.

You new here? jk

Yeah I about threw my toddler when Wilhelm did the side step, between the legs, step back 3. Yep. He’s going to be the odd man out eventually unless he stops forcing things and playing outside of himself.

Mikes tweet is totally fair. I think he’s assuming people around here are expecting to see Texas Kevin Durant right from the start, cause they just don’t have experience with this. And it could take him a while to really find his grove.

He played 6 more minutes than the next highest minute getter on our team and it was clear they were focused on “getting him going.” Especially later when he was almost the lead guard out there. There’s no “criticism” happening here. He’s definitely figuring things out right now, and what he can and can’t do. That’s not criticism it’s fact. The really nice thing about him, is even while he’s kind of feeling things out a bit and needs time - he’s never a negative asset out there. As in he’s not forcing anything or turning it over. He’s being cautious but smart.

Agree. He’s a bit tentative, figuring things out. Definitely not used to not having the ball in his hands all game. Seems kind of surprised when he gets to the rim and there’s big, strong athletes awaiting him. And he’ll be 100% fine. All the tools and size are there. Also “cursed” with being so athletic and fluid that it doesn’t look like he’s trying - as he’s just blowing by someone in transition. My only knock on his game that isn’t experience related is the release/jump point of his 3pt shot. Pretty low.

You don't know Bertram? https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bertram-buzzy-caruthers/8242

Buzzy was about ready to come out of his commentator role last night and drop the hammer on some guys on the floor. That was a very nice insight to see what they're focusing on and what they see. I loved when they screwed up the first play - and he immediately was like, "Coach Hoiberg is not going to be happy about that. He looks calm, but executing the first play is one of his priorities always."

I don't see Walker getting just shoved to the side. He does too much and is too good around the basket with Verge's passes. I'm big on Walker.

Line-up I would like to see out of pure curiousity... 1. Verge 2. Trey 3. Bryce 4. Keon 5. Wilhelm

This is a 10/10, spot on post. Your first two thoughts will be the most important dynamic of the entire season. Coach Hoiberg is going to earn his money this year.

I don't think Verge is as elite in like one or two areas as Mack was - but I think Verge is so much more sound in a lot of other areas, including being pretty dang good at the areas Mack was better at.

They’re going to have to. Trey is our best defender and most explosive guy off the bounce vs a bad close out. He can also hit shots. But transition starts with Verge and ball screens are for Verge.

So fun to see the guys back, playing in front of a crowd, and taking care of business. I’m going to say one thing that’s gonna piss people off and I’m gonna say one thing I’m 100% right on and if you disagree I think you’re wrong. I hope… we’ll put it this way… everyone on this team knows once practice starts and the games are going - all your NIL bs is done. Your pods and promotions are not a focus. And this season isn’t about 1 or 2 players. It’s about the whole team. I’ll leave it at that. Second thing that I’ll be a little more black and white about: Verge is our point guard Trey is not. Hope that decision is made soon.

In this market - that might not be true. This is, however, very true.

Never mind. Bought a $9.99/month school pass for bball. They're broadcasting the game tonight. Cheaper than a divorce I suppose.

I was going to go - but wife is making me go look at a house tonight. Anyone know any good divorce lawyers?

Non Con - agreed Conf - 10-10 Big 10 Tourney - 2-1 Total - 21-13 In tourney

For the record... y'all will be finding me very critical of Coach Hoiberg and crew if this team is not positioned for the tourney in some way. If we're not even in the bubble conversation by early conference play I'll be a little disappointed. This is an NCAA tournament roster. There are FAR less talented or experienced teams historically that make the tourney. Our issue, and has been recently when I thought we were good enough, is just the name on the front of the jersey and the stigma that goes with it.