Husker Hoops Penitent

Thanks for the great feedback, Husker fans. I see valid points re: Cross and Stevenson.

On a fairly slow (NU) basketball night I want to submit my (likely) starting five for next year. Mack Banton Allen Stevenson Cross I think Cross is special. One of my fav. Husker freshmen I have seen. His skill set is rare and I think he blossoms next year. He has elements of former O.S.U. great Byron Houston- thorn in NUs side... had all those years ago. He is really smart; has excellent ball-handling skills and a deft touch. Frankly, I think he should be starting now, though I know nothing compared to Coach. I really hope coach impresses upon young Cross how important his role is going forward. Just looking at the list of contributors next year is formidable as well: Thorbjarnarson Ouedraogo Easley Burke Mayen Walker Green I don't see Arop returning, by the way. If he doesn't see appreciable minutes on a struggling team this season what chance is there next year with the significant upgrade in talent? Now, here's hoping we land stellar lead guard Carter Whitt, provided he reclassifies for next season, and some prime-time front court stud, be he from the grad-transfer route or any other way.

After 120+ years of staggering futility NU finally has its first great coach. I think twenty years from now he will be seen as Devaney was to football.

I followed those teams so closely and will struggle to abide with the disappointment at the end of the season. I maintain had Ramos not be tossed by an overly-egoistic, yet capricious Nee that team has a shot at the final four. There were other great coaches who said similar things. I also recall Tarkanian saying he had never seen a more talented team from 1-13 when NU spanked Fresno St. on the road in the N.I.T. That they were even in the N.I.T. was a disgrace.... Anyway, that is in the past. Now we have a coach who I think will lead NU to the promised land.

hhcdave, that is one of the best posts I've ever read. Thank you! (Let's just hope Coach H. was sincere about this being his forever job, or some such words.)

Of all the above scenarios- and I think they are well-founded- the one I hope doesn't happen (selfishly) is Mack jumping to the pros. He needs to lead the team to some wins in the tourney which will show scouts he is viable at the next level as a floor leader.

Would be a perfect addition. Someone who can learn under the master (Mack) provided he returns to Lincoln for his Jr. year. Lock him up, Coach A.!

IU: 77 NU: 66

I'm not sure he is the best Juco player in the country. Mack certainly was close to that level as well.

Great post, Mr. Red. I'm curious which players you think might not return. I have heard rumors Throbjarnarson might graduate and leave to play pro ball overseas. Of the others I think Arop will likely depart for a school where he plays a more prominent role. Who does that leave who likely won't see much playing time? Strangely if Green doesn't play again I don't see him staying although he would have to sit out a year (right?)

I don't understand the complete abandonment of Green. I admit I know very little compared to Coach but it still seems odd. If this lack of playing time continues I don't expect to see him on the roster next season. Perhaps that is what the staff is doing in order to get a better player? I'm always interested in roster upgrades.

NW: 68 NU: 59 Hope I'm wrong.

I have him slotted in as a certain starter next year.

I hope I am wrong but I am worried Garza may set the individual scoring record for a single game.

I'd say Carter Whitt, Hunter Sallis and one of the big men they appear to have strong interest from: Anselem, Clemence, Breidenbach, Mading, Tchikou or someone else ranked in the Top 50-100 and this team is poised to make a big noise under Hoiberg.

UI-101 NU-78

As it stands I would think the starting five for next year are Mack, Allen, Banton, Stevenson and Walker. I think Arop transfers.

I think the last scholarship (hopefully) goes to Whitt- provided he classifies for '20. If not, then I have no idea who is most likely to sign.

Cautiously, very excited about the Ouedraogo's future after seeing today's effort and performance. If he can work as hard as he seems to be then he likely has a very productive future ahead. Every Big Ten team seems to needs one fellow like him if they have championship aspirations. I know today's opponent is not on par with conference teams but fourteen rebounds against any Div. 1 team is noteworthy. The coaches are doing a nice job bringing him along.

Yes sir, thrasher31! This is a dream scenario coach A might be able to make a reality (stay away, OSU!)!

Whitt is really, really good. He has an awareness and understanding of the game that is rare. He is so fluid and unhurried. I agree with Coach Bennett (Virg.) who says he makes the best passes of any high school player this year. It seems his interest in NU is high. I sure hope coach Abdelmassih can land him.

I truly appreciate the contributions by the faithful here. My opinion is Green is a good young man, and suffering like all of us. I think his best play is to come. By the way, I love Easley's game- always have. It seems every great team has a guy similar in skills and attitude to Easley, and that is where this program is headed under Coach Hoiberg. I am enjoying the building process as we go. The destination will be all the sweeter....

Yes, strange because Green has, and can be a very good defender. I hope the staff re-awakens him and helps him regain his enthusiasm for the game. We do need a couple of options down low or nothing will ever be achieved regardless of the quality and depth being stockpiled on the wings. I love Hoiberg's philosophy and look forward to seeing who rounds out the roster in the next year.

Though I am no expert I am not sure how significant Ouedraogo's role will be in future years, especially with the recruiting prowess this staff seems to possess.

Thx. 49r, I must confess that as a battered, long-suffering Husker fan I sometimes (okay, often) lose sight of nuances and humor. It is a failing of mine.... I just hope Hoiberg continues in his singular vision to raise NU to consistent national prominence. That said, the perception that he is steely and unwavering in his commitment to put together the absolute best collection of basketball players- no more of having a roster of mere athletes- will necessitate evaluating the roster each season. It is my thought that even though he likes eight man rotations he has never said he considers scholarship players eleven through thirteen throwaways, especially with the natural attrition in today's game. Quite the opposite- having high-quality depth is essential in weathering inevitable injuries and the like. I don't think Arop will be in uniform next season unless something drastically changes despite hearing about his athletic prowess. If he plays no minutes on a very likely historically bad team it is unlikely he will ever contribute much. Obviously I could be wrong but he was a Miles recruit and save Green, Thorbjarnarson and Burke Jr. everyone else was encouraged to find other opportunities. It just seems scholarships are too precious to have someone occupy one who doesn't play. Would like to know if my thoughts seem reasonable.