ShortDust

I like it a lot as they talked basketball the whole time. Welch is normally a huge koolaid drinker, but he knows what he's talking about and bock is his counterpart that chimes in with great information. I'm glad there is finally a show longer than just Matt and Kent's 10-15 mins.

We've played 6 games (against mixed competition).  This doesn't take into account feel, running the offense, decision-making, etc.  I've watched every game, but my goal here is to try to look at it through a statistical lens first.  The players are not listed in any particular order, by the way. 
 
Here's how I see the key components individually:

1. Terran Petteway, Jr.
2014-2015: 34.7 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 41.7 FG%, 34.9 3FG%, 2.5 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 4.2 TOPG
2013-2014: 31.7 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 42.6 FG%, 32.7 3FG%, 1.6 APG, 4.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.8 TOPG
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/terran-petteway Notes: This year he's averaging more points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals and turnovers than last year.  His shooting percentage is essentially the same.  He has his lapses like any player, but I feel like he is doing a better job defensively.  He has been doing a better job of getting to the rim for strong finishes...It feels like he's got about a dozen dunks already in 6 games.  The increase in turnovers is bad.  He has had 4 or more turnovers in 4 of our 6 games.  Hopefully with stronger PG play, he'll be able to handle the ball less and have fewer of these.  For as frustrating as he can be to watch, he is a stat-stuffer and an all-conference player.
  2. Shavon Shields, Jr. 2014-2015: 34.7 MPG, 20.0 PPG, 60.6 FG%, 43.8 3FG%, 1.8 APG, 7.3 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.5 TOPG 2013-2014: 32.5 MPG, 12.8 PPG, 44.3 FG%, 31.6 3FG%, 1.6 APG, 5.8 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 TOPG
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/shavon-shields Notes: Shavon is massively-improved offensive player.  He's shooting lights-out.  His scoring average has improved from 8.6 to 12.8 to now 20.0.  He's also 86.8% from the FT line this year.  If he averages 20 & 7 for the season he will need to be an all-conference player.  He is the smooth and controlled operator, in contrast to Petteway's spastic and explosive style.  Both are tough matchups.  His mastery of the mid-range jumper makes him a nightmare to defend.
  3. Benny Parker, Jr. 2014-2015: 28.5 MPG, 6.7 PPG, 35.7 FG%, 28.6 3FG%, 2.3 APG, 1.8 RPG, 0.0 BPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.7 TOPG 2013-2014: 14.9 MPG, 2.4 PPG, 47.8 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 0.9 APG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/benny-parker Notes: Benny has earned the starting job this year and as a result his minutes have doubled.  He's not really a scorer, but we don't ask him to be.  We ask him to handle the ball with minimal turnovers, and thus far he's done that (under 2/game).  His steals are top-100 nationally, and I would expect that number to actually go up.  He is shooting 75.0% from the FT line, which is absolutely what you want in your PG who handles the ball the most.  Benny has always been a guy whose strengths don't show up on the stats sheet and this is no exception, but I would say that he is improved over last year.
 
4. Walter Pitchford, Jr. 2014-2015: 22.2 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 33.3 FG%, 31.0 3FG%, 0.8 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 TOPG 2013-2014: 23.2 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 47.3 FG%, 41.0 3FG%, 0.5 APG, 4.7 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 0.5 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/walter-pitchford-v Notes:  Walter obviously struggled to open the year.  I think he is caught in an identity crisis.  It is disappointing that our only regular player over 6-9 barely out-rebounds Benny Parker.  The stats are worse across the board from a year ago, but be aware that in his last two games he is 8-13 from 3-point range, and has averaged 12.5 PPG.  One common theme that you notice on his game log is the amount of fouls.  He is averaging 3.5 fouls/game, up from 2.5 a year ago playing the same minutes.  I don't know if that's a result of having to play defense as a 5 w/o Leslee Smith, or frustration, or just bad luck....but the net result isn't good.  I do think as his shot continues to come back he'll regain his confidence and be back to the occasionally dynamic player he was a year ago.  We need him to do better on the glass, however.
  5. David Rivers, Sr. 2014-2015: 26.7 MPG, 6.2 PPG, 60.9 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 0.7 APG, 4.7 RPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.3 SPG, 0.5 TOPG 2013-2014: 20.0 MPG, 3.0 PPG, 47.4 FG%, 33.3 3FG%, 0.4 APG, 2.9 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/david-rivers Notes: David has stepped up nicely as a senior to fill a void in situational scoring.  He plays good defense, doesn't get into foul trouble (hasn't had more than 3 fouls in a game yet) and has stepped up his rebounding as well.  He's a great role player, and one of the glue pieces that hold the team together.  He is improved from a year ago in all facets.
  6. Tai Webster, So. 2014-2015: 22.5 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 41.7 FG%, 15.8 3FG%, 2.0 APG, 2.0 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.3 TOPG 2013-2014: 22.8 MPG, 3.9 PPG, 30.4 FG%, 17.1 3FG%, 2.0 APG, 2.1 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/tai-webster Notes: You might have to squint to see them, but taken as a whole there are signs of improvement from Webster.  His secondary stats have essentially held steady, as have his minutes...yet scoring is up, as is his overall FG%.  This is despite him shooting slightly worse from 3-pt range this year.  That tells me he's taking better shots more often.  His FT rate is holding steady from last year at around 62%...which is obviously not ideal if you are a PG.  I think the transition to a bench 2-guard is going to be a good thing for him, as he is at his best when driving to the basket and creating on offense.  He is not a PG.  He needs to significantly improve his outside shooting...the mechanics look better this year as does the confidence...he just needs more shots to drop and he can be fine.  He'll never be a Gallegos though...so he will need to focus on getting to the rim, and playing good perimeter defense.
 
7. Moses Abraham, Sr. 2014-2015: 15.2 MPG, 2.7 PPG, 58.3 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 0.2 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 0.0 SPG, 1.2 TOPG 2013-2014: 13.1 MPG, 1.9 PPG, 56.4 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 0.3 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.2 SPG, 0.5 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/moses-abraham
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/georgetown/moses-ayegba Notes: Moses is essentially the same guy he was at Georgetown, with the exception of a dramatically improved rebounding.  Given his minutes, those rebounding numbers are good.  I would like to see his blocked shots increase, but I think that's the best he's done in his career so that might be all we'll get.  I think he is getting more and more comfortable playing with the team.  He is not an offensive player by any means, but I don't think that's what we are asking from him.  To this point, this is not a Tim Miles reclamation project on the level of Petteway or Pitchford...but if he could sneak up to 5 & 7 a night (with increased minutes), that would be enough.  We do miss Leslee Smith however.  Thus far I am underwhelmed by his athleticism.  He is not an explosive athlete.
  8. Tarin Smith, Fr. 2014-2015: 13.5 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 43.8 FG%, 66.7 3FG%, 1.3 APG, 1.2 RPG, 0.0 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 TOPG http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/tarin-smith Notes: The stat line does not at all capture the potential here.  He takes great care of the ball, seems to have a good basketball IQ.  I believe he has the ability to eventually be a scoring option for us.  He hasn't been asked to do that much, but he has the appropriate skill set.  Six games into his college career, I like his potential.  He averaged 16 minutes/game in our first 4 games, but only 9 minutes/game in our last two.  I don't know why that is.  Regardless, he is a guy right now that I trust more than Webster, and I would like to see him get even more minutes per game.
  9. Leslee Smith, Sr. 2014-2015: DNP (INJ) 2013-2014: 16.8 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 51.9 FG%, 0.0 3FG%, 0.4 APG, 4.8 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 TOPG
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/nebraska/leslee-smith Notes: It might be surprising to some, but if you compare Abraham's stat line to Smith's a year ago, they are pretty comparable.  Smith is the slightly better offensive player, while Abraham is the better rebounder and defensive player.  The point is, don't have a false sense that Leslee is this double-double machine that will arrive in January and set the world on fire.  Likewise, don't be too critical of Abraham...thus far he's doing his job.  That said, we need Leslee for depth, badly.   Overall:  If you look at the individual pieces, statistically you can make the argument that 5 of our 6 returning (active) players are improved from a year ago.  Abraham is improved since his time at Georgetown as well.  Tarin Smith is a true freshman.  The question of course is if this has resulted in us being a better team.  While we haven't played a great schedule to date, our offensive efficiency has gone from 94.6 (2012-13) to 102.2 (2013-14) to 103.7.  We are shooting 46.3% from the field after shooting 42.7% a year ago.  The most obvious problems are turnovers (15.0/game, up from 10.2 last year), and rebounding differential.

That said, I believe that a lot of our success a year ago was smoke & mirrors.  There wasn't a whole lot of overwhelmingly great stats associated with the team a year ago...they just won.  Sometimes in spite of themselves.  I think it is possible this year that we could have a much better team statistically and individually, yet have a worse W-L record.
 RDK  

I think you have to just go with the flow on this one. No sense messing with the signature GOT IT! But you could always lead into the call with:
GET IT, WALT (as the ball is in the air) followed by GOT IT! and then possibly WALTER P! PERFECTA ON THE TRIFECTA!
That's the best I got. Or we could just let Kent go to work like he always does.

My personal favorite is Walter P. for 3. But that is what the announcer says I think.

Today is the start of something special guys, I can feel it today! GBR

We do have a lot coming back next year.  About the only thing we don't have coming back is a legitimate center.  That is why I would take a healthy Leslee back in a heartbeat.  He may not be all-conference, but he is big enough, strong enough, mature enough, experienced enough and talented enough to play and play effectively in the B1G.  If he doesn't come back (which by all accounts he will not), I can almost guarantee that next year we are going to be saying "I wish we had Leslee for just one more year"  just like we are all saying right now "I wish Leslee had not gotten hurt and that he could play all year".  How is it any different next year than this year in that regard. 
 
There is a very good chance that Terran will not return next year.  That would leave an open scholarship.  In fact, I bet Miles is almost counting on it.  This will be evidenced by the fact that he will continue to recruit for the spring signing period and I would bet that he will obtain at least one verbal commit before the end of the season (thus, before TP makes his final decision about returning).  If he does, are you going to be saying that Miles shouldn't have obtained a verbal commitment b/c we don't know if TP is leaving and we don't have anyone that could/should be subject to attrition?
 
All I am saying is that I doubt that even Miles is going to be able to go out and find a legit big man that can come in NEXT year and be as good or better than Leslee.  And if he cannot, then I would rather have Leslee next year and let the future years sort themselves out.  He has already signed 3 quality freshman for 2015.  That is plenty to keep the youth movement in place.  What we need next year is an experienced and legit big man and Leslee fits that bill.
 
In the end, all this discussion doesn't matter b/c by all reports Miles doesn't think Leslee would qualify for a 6th year even if he applied (although that surprises me considering his history of injury).  I am just speaking in hypothetical and IMO I would take Leslee next year over an open scholarship without hesitation whatsoever.

Well put or normy! I'm glad this site came about as I had no where to discuss hoops. I don't remember how I came about it, but very glad I did. I even got my wife to get an account as she wondered why I'm on this site so much thanks to everyone that makes this possible.

Well put or normy! I'm glad this site came about as I had no where to discuss hoops. I don't remember how I came about it, but very glad I did. I even got my wife to get an account as she wondered why I'm on this site so much thanks to everyone that makes this possible.

Well put or normy! I'm glad this site came about as I had no where to discuss hoops. I don't remember how I came about it, but very glad I did. I even got my wife to get an account as she wondered why I'm on this site so much thanks to everyone that makes this possible.

I post here because my wife blocked access to all my porn sites.....

OK, my story.
 
I started out, maybe 15-20 years ago, as a lurker on HuskerMax.  Didn't join because I didn't want to pay for it, frankly.
 
Then, I found HuskersIllustrated (when it was still the Rivals site) and joined the free board.  This was about the time Keith Brumbaugh, the 5-star left-handed PF from Florida, was taking a visit to us under Barry Collier.  He was an '04 recruit, meaning it was '03 that he came for his visit.  And that's when I joined what is now HuskersOnline.  Half or more of my posts were on the basketball side and I was a regular fixture over there for a time. 
 
I've said a few times that I don't post over there anymore but that I still lurk.  I don't think I've ever told anyone why I don't post over there anymore, but as I was lurking there today, I saw a thread about the "secret scrimmage" and, in looking at that thread, someone wondered why the thread was posted on the general discussion board and not on the hoops board.  And, in response to that, someone else said the hoops board had basically died a few years ago because a moderator over there had run everyone off who wanted to talk about hoops.
 
I'm not trying to advertise for Rivals by starting this thread, but I can categorically say that explanation is total BS and 100% wrong.  And seeing who said it pissed me off just enough to start this thread.
 
I've been doxed twice in my life while posting on various message boards and both times it was on the Rivals Nebraska site. 
 
The first time it happened was over on the hoops board and it was done by Adam Barnes.  Some of you may have wondered why I don't seem to care for the guy and that is why.  I have no idea how he learned of my identity.  I was told by someone else that there was a mod over there who would divulge IP addresses to people he was friends with who would then have others look up those IP addresses to find out who they belonged to.  Maybe that's how Adam got my real name, I don't know.  But he used it in a discussion he and I were having in a thread where I had the audacity to disagree with him on something.  Imagine my shock seeing my actual, real name, that I had never disclosed to him and never given anyone permission to divulge or share publicly, pasted in a response by him to a quoted post of mine. 
 
That's when I first joined HHC.
 
But I still kept posting over on Rivals because there remained people over there who weren't yet posting over here and sometimes there was discussion that happened there first.  And, being Rivals, you could occasionally engage with fans from opposing teams when they'd come to the Husker Rivals board or when you'd go to theirs.  So, I kept posting over at Rivals.
 
The second time I was doxed was about 3 years ago.  Two members over there whom I'd met at a tailgate years earlier and who, therefore, knew who I was, started to dox me.  It happened in a thread in which a mod whom I knew to be a friend of theirs was actively posting, so I knew the mod had seen what they were doing and not only didn't delete it but let it continue.  I've totally lost all respect for that mod, by the way.  But, because the mod didn't do anything about it (and was their friend) I took screen shots of the posts and sent an e-mail to Mike Matya with the screen shots along with not only Rivals' privacy policy rules that they had violated, but also Yahoo's privacy rules that they had violated.  The thread now pinned at the top of the Rivals board about strict prohibition on divulging private info is there because I had to complain to Matya about them doxing me.
 
At that point, I left Rivals.  I changed my account password to something I would never remember and changed the e-mail address in my Rivals profile to something that was nonsense so that I couldn't get a recovery e-mail in the event I was tempted to ever post there again.  And I left.  It takes at least two people to have a conversation and, from that point forward, any discussion that would have otherwise moved forward with a reply from me tended to die on the vine.  Take away a volume contributor and a significant amount of discussion ends up just not happening.  And so it was with the Rivals hoops board.  If you don't have people over there willing to contribute to a thread, you wind up with a lot of single-post threads that go nowhere.  And go take a look at that board and that's what you'll find -- a lot of one post threads.
 
And, so, today, while I was lurking on the Rivals main board, I see a post by one of the guys who started to dox me back then suggesting that the reason the hoops board is dead over there now is because of the behavior of a mod who now posts here.  Au contraire, mon frère.  That board is dead because good posters who were willing to engage in decent conversation got tired of dealing with the bullcrap.  And it seems like a lot of the posters I used to see posting over there post primarily here now.  Just the good ones, though.  Fortunately, the a-holes seem to have stayed over there for the most part.  And I just hope it stays that way.
 
Thanks for letting me vent.
 
P.S.  Doxing someone on a message board is about the lowest thing ever and should result in immediate banning.

Illballerz.com is a website dedicated to following illinois basketball. They ranked Roby the second best in 2016 for the state. They have Ben Coupet a Simeon teammate of Morrow #1 and Benson is #6.

Another connection is that he plays on the same club team as Pinder.

Another connection is that he plays on the same club team as Pinder.

Not sure what are you talking about...
You do know that he wasn't serious, don't you?

It's called joking

This is MY fantasy, Norm, you can have your own (even sprinkle it with hot volleyball moms for all I care).

I noticed that the Big East has a team that's ranked.  That's really nice for them.  Big ol' shot in the arm for their league, probably, to see the Villanueva School is listed -- almost in the top 10!  Wow!  Way to go, guys.  Just one spot behind that school from the Missouri Valley, Wichita State.
 
So, good for the Big East.  That's really, really neat.  (Polite applause for the Big East, please.)

Always nice to troll the people that supported you for 4 years and support his dad.

Nah, I've been to Hawaii before.  Sipping Mai Tais on a beach while watching beautiful women prancing about nearly naked on a sun-drenched beach just isn't my cup of tea.  I'm more of a beer guy.

I am in the camp that it's pretty freaking sweet to see Nebraska in the top third in the preseason poll!

The 29th is the open scrimmage.. Exhibition is early November. Idk if white will play in nov, but he will in scrimmage on the 29th.

Anyone else hyped up to see Andrew White play on Oct 29th? Just over 2 weeks away!

Always love your insight! Awesome post kamdy