t4640

A few thoughts here from someone who generally observes reactions on this board but rarely comments. For long tenured Nebrasketball fans this is kicking into "the sky is falling" mode rather quickly. The team has some issues to sort out, for certain, but there is a base of talent and coaching to work with here that give me more confidence than in the past. The compare to '14-'15 is apples to oranges in opinion. The nucleus of that Miles team was in tact from the prior season. This year's team is pieced together from the portal (like many this day and age) and will hinge upon its ability for the potential of its talent to show itself. I think that can happen, but it's likely going to take more than two games for us to see it. The two teams we've faced so far haven't had top tier talent, but seeing them both up close; they played hard and scrapped defensively. They were a bit helter-skelter schematically and possibly the most important piece...They didn't lack for athletes. Those two teams played their asses off and that should be recognized. I think some of the perceived lack of effort here is the two teams you played ran around with their hair on fire. Our inability to hits shots consistently is an issue. Though the 3pt misses I think even out over time, I'm far more concerned about the growing trend of not finishing at and around the basket. Last year's team had plenty of early issues with hitting from outside consistently (2-22, anyone?). But the past two seasons 13 and 51 could settle everything down and get a bucket on the block when needed, or facilitate for someone else who could. I haven't seen that yet, but it looks like Berke and Morgan both have that type of potential as they get rooted in the offense. Berke, specifically has huge potential. Braxton is a worker and I expect there will be games where his ability to impact possessions on defense are lauded here. He will never be the centerpiece of an offense and I agree the game slows down significantly when we play through him. But these first two games are incredibly valuable reps for him to grow for when he has to do it later, because that day is coming. The same thing can be said for everyone else who's two games in (Rollie, Gavin, Connor and most of all Berke). You don't like the rotations? I'm guessing Fred doesn't either at times. They're figuring it out in these first three non-con games because when are they going to get a chance after that? The vitriol around Brice is surprising. Dude went for 27 and 5 out the gate then had an off night with everyone else on Saturday. He may not lead or carry himself like Sammy G or whomever you want him to be, but this team is going as far as he takes them. I have a pretty decent view of the floor and I don't see the "body language" issues. He's just playing ball and that's how he carries himself. He looks the same as he did last year when they were upsetting Purdue and Wisconsin from my vantage.