Fullbacksympathy

I thought they were taking advantage of what the defense gave them in driving to the rim, but the three guys I was most interested in didn't disappoint from 3: White -- 2/5 McVeigh -- 1/2 Shields -- 1/2 I think White is, by all accounts, a sharp shooter. As for bigs, I'm really interested in seeing Jacobson more once his face heals up. I also think Hammond will be serviceable.

I think this squad is noticably better on offense. The ball was moving a lot, which has clearly been an emphasis in coaching. I think Watson, Morrow, and Jacobson are all the real deal. I'm thrilled to say I can put McVeigh in that camp as well. He has great confidence and court awareness to go along with excellent fundamentals. Jacobson didn't get a lot of minutes, but I'm really impressed with his physicality. I think he can be a legitimate 5. So: Watson/Parker Tai/Evelyn White/McVeigh Shields/Morrow/Fuller Hammond/Jacobson I think it's going to look something like this, and I'm excited because that resembles a basketball team. It's not a ton of star power, but we have the ability to match up pretty well with anyone, and there are enough shooters sprinkled in there to stretch the floor. If we can get this squad to defend (I think we can), I think they'll surprise some people this year.

There couldn't possibly be a better player for Watson to practice against than Parker to toughen up his game. BP is probably the best on-ball perimeter defender in the B1G, and he's a maniac on the court. What a great mentor to have for a young talent.

Meh: https://nebraska.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1792289 I think things are looking up.

If we have shooters (and it seems we do), we should be able to switch things up against packed in zones. Watson Evelyn White/McVeigh Shields/Jacobson Hammond/Morrow ... could be the 8-deep one night, but that lineup might have trouble against man (reserves). Watson/Parker White/Webster Shields Morrow Hammond/Jacobson ... could be more effective against man.. it just depends on the night. I think Morrow gets a ton of minutes this year. Beyond that, I think we'll have to have a "3 and D" player on the court at all times to be effective. Hopefully someone besides White will be that dude.

Based on seeing no games, I can only make a top 5 prediction. How we sub will probably be based on matchups. I'm guessing we'll rotate 10 guys this year, but some will sit entire games depending on who we play. It's a luxury compared to what we've been used to. That said, I'm guessing within a month or two the top five will be: Watson White Shields Morrow Hammond Offensively, having 3 scoring options out there in Watson, White, and Shields will change things a lot. Morrow is a great finisher, and if you look back, I've been a pretty strong Hammond supporter as I think the kid has nice skills on both ends. We'll have Evelyn, Fuller, McVeigh, and Jacobson on the bench, all of whom have solid three point range. Benny is Benny, and I'm really hoping we can use him as a sparkplug off the bench again. He's so effective there. I am eternally unsure of what to do with Tai unless he gets his shot back (good kid though--has really improved his fitness and defense). Generally speaking, I think we'll be a better team because our personnel is pretty diverse from 1-4.

I fully support anything that can help the operational costs at PBA, including selling alcohol. The deal they gave UNL has really hurt their chances of being solvent, particularly when the full payments begin in 2019. UNL should pony up a lot more money to be a tenant now that they have a ton of money from the BIG sharing if they care about the well-being of the city. If they don't, it's going to fall back on taxpayers. That said, I'm not sure UNL feels responsible for taxpayers since they simply took a deal that was offered. Tough call. Alcohol sales going to PBA operations might be a way for UNL to compromise without having to pony up any cash.

White, Morrow, Jacobson, Watson... in that order.

If I had to guess, I bet this kid contributes on the court before it's all said and done.

I'm pretty impressed by Jack's offensive ability. He kind of reminds of Christian Standhardinger--less athleticism but more fundamentals and skill. He can get some good looks off the dribble when he pulls up. Pretty skilled for 6'8". Defensively, I think Molinari turns him into a serviceable one. He already plays pretty good positional help D, just doesn't have great technique in his stance and anticipation. Defense can be taught. Offense is a way bigger challenge to teach. He's long and has a better frame than I thought. He could definitely develop into a stretch 4. I'm not sure learning to guard 2-3 is even necessary for him.

Not worried. We have the money to hire great coaches. Miles knows a lot of people. The only thing that matters to me, really, is a talent upgrade, and we're flourishing phenomenally in that area. The only reputation being hurt by the move is Burno's, IMO.

Still eligible? Did he hire an agent?

I disagree that the teams were deeper then. They weren't nearly as athletic or talented defensively, in my opinion, but they were more skilled in offensive fundamentals, particularly spot up shooting. If LBJ pulls this series off with that dilapidated lineup, however, I think he should be including in any GOAT conversation. For comparison's sake: '95-'96 Bulls is most people's pick for GOAT team based on the 72-10 record. Let's look at the rosters vs. the Cavs healthy starting lineup: PG -- Steve Kerr vs. Kyrie Irving SG -- Michael Jordan vs. Iman Shumpert SF -- Scottie Pippen vs. Lebron James PF -- Dennis Rodman vs. Kevin Love C -- Luc Longley vs. Timofey Mozgov I personally think that starting lineup is a tossup. Coming off the bench for Chicago is Tony Kukoc, Ron Harper, Jason Caffey, BIll Wennington. Coming off the bench for Cleveland is Delly, JR Smith, Tristan Thompson, and sometimes Mike Miller. I don't see how there is any distinguishable difference between these squads on paper, and the Cavs are a very average "championship caliber" team. There are more NBA-caliber athletes now than there were then, so there are more teams. It doesn't necessarily translate to skill (and most GMs are awful these days when putting together a team of role players) though.

Regardless, I have zero problem with this kid. No tweets that I'm aware of, just taking advantage of his opportunities to make a sound decision.

Sorry can't help myself. He can handle the ball and be a "point-forward" such as Paul Pressey did but he does not have the mindset to play point guard for extended periods. He might be able to play an average 5 today but if so that speaks more about the lack of quality centers than it does about Lebron's ability. The centers of the 70's-00's would have killed him. Lebron is a fabulous player and take him for what he is. I don't think either is the GOAT but great players. Regardless picture Lebron trying to guard Jabbar, Moses, Gilmore, Ewing, Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan and Shaq, or even the Cartwrights, Mornings, Smits, or Daugherty. A possession or two caught on a switch maybe. Take an entire game and they all wear him out. I don't entirely disagree that he'd have trouble handling the centers with these crazy skillsets, but also consider his ability to outrun all of those centers and stretch the floor against any of those guys. Also: Jabbar = 225 lbs Malone = 215 lbs Gilmore = 240 lbs Ewing = 240 lbs Hakeem = 250 lbs Robinson = 236 lbs Duncan = 256 lbs Shaq = 325 lbs Lebron = 265 at "4" weight... I think we forget the only person on that list that would body him up is Shaq. Here's a video of Lebron killing Gasol who, by the way, weighs 254--40 lbs more than Malone, 10lbs less than Lebron (who is also at 5% body fat). He couldn't make Lebron move an inch. I think Lebron's weight is often forgotten in these arguments. Defense matters in the GOAT discussion, IMO. I know you love Magic, but he had some serious defensive liabilities against quicker guards and slow help defense when he was guarding shooters (John Paxon). Lebron is easily a Rodman-level defender with similar height and way more strength. Like I said, I wouldn't call him GOAT yet, but he's the only guy in my generation that I'd say is talented enough to pull it off.

I grew up watching Jordan. Lebron is the 2nd best player I've ever seen, and will close in on MJ if he gets more rings in Cleveland. I say this because he can play positions 1-5 effectively on both ends of the court, which is insane. As for The Decision, it was a hugely dumb move from a PR standpoint, but he's also the first person to turn a free agency decision into $6 million for charity, this in addition to already being among the leagues most charitable players. I really like Golden State as well. I think they're the favorites. Should be a great matchup.

Well deserved.

Wow. Gargantuan ceiling.

He reminds me of Paul Milsap. Similar skillset. Nice looking jumper that will probably increase in range over time, and a D1 ready frame.

We'd be formidable with this kid next season. I'd full court press them both and take whoever wants to commit first.

I think talent and winning. Like I said before, this is an upgrade. Well done by Miles.

Why is it so incredible? 1. Go from an average assistant in Harriman to an assistant from a top 10 program. 2. Might bring a 4* PF with him who is immediately ready to play. 3. Furthering of the Chicago pipeline. I'm not sure I would call Harriman an "average" assistant. He was much better than average in my opinion I haven't seen any evidence of above average as a recruiter... and, honestly, that's #1, 2, and 3 in what matters from most assistants. I didn't dislike him, I just think international ties are a last resort. Those commits tend to be super risky. Pinder? Vucetic? If McVeigh pans out, I'll be the first to give him props. I just never saw anything that made me think it was a big loss. I'll take USA connects over foreign ones all day.

Why is it so incredible? 1. Go from an average assistant in Harriman to an assistant from a top 10 program. 2. Might bring a 4* PF with him who is immediately ready to play. 3. Furthering of the Chicago pipeline.

Freak athlete. Great defensive body and mean finisher. Would be a great addition.

I watched some film of Dickerson. He's a really solid prospect--definitely power 5 level, but I wouldn't put him in the "elite" category. Because of that, I'd guess we have a pretty good shot at him at this stage assuming he has a good relationship with Burno. I think he's going to be a solid 4-year big anywhere he goes because his body is ready immediately, which is really ideal for us.