hhcmatt

Penn St. Info

Head Coach: Micah Shrewsberry
Location: University Park, PA
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Nittany Lions
Mascot: The Nittany Lion
Point Spread: Penn St by 8.5
Typical Rotation Depth: 8
KenPom rank: 45
A couple of Famous Alumni: Tim Frazier, Lamar Stevens
Other:  
Nebraska dropped their Jan matchup at Penn St 76-65 with Bandoumel suffering a college career ending knee injury 7 minutes into the game. Derrick Walker paced Nebraska with 20 while Andrew Funk poured in 23 for Penn St.  For the last two games Penn St has been starting little used veteran post players 6'7" 235# Jr Caleb Dorsey and 6'8" 244# Sr Michael Henn. They add some size to a Penn St squad that plays small lineups Despite playing a handful of freshman Penn St has what KenPom considers to be the oldest roster in D-1 thanks to bringing in several grad transfers  
KenPom Analysis: Penn St is a team of extremes, their short team excelling at outside shooting and not turning over the ball. The Nittany Lions need to shoot well as they're not making it to the line nor grabbing offensive rebounds. On the other end, the Lions' defense is about trying to force bad shots as opposed to pressure.
 

 
 
Player to watch: G Jalen Pickett
Pickett has been a force in the conference and is in the running for CPOTY. He currently leads the team in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. The beefy guard will work his way inside the arc and will spray balls out to shooters if the defense manages to keep him from shooting
 
Player to watch: F Seth Lundy
Penn St's 2nd leading scorer and rebounder is shooting 43% from 3
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 22 Jalen Pickett
6-4  209  Sr 11 Camren Wynter
6-2  200  Sr 10 Andrew Funk
6-5  200  Sr 1 Seth Lundy
6-6  220  Sr 3 Kebba Njie
6-10  237  Fr 23.6
   
Others to watch
Bucknell transfer Andrew Funk is shooting 40.4% from 3 Drexel Transfer Camren Winter is another secondary scorer and is shooting 37.3% from 3 Freshman center Njie is a rim protector but is foul prone; not much of an offensive threat relative to his teammates Veteran guard Myles Dread clocks in at 6'4" 235#. Dread can operate as Penn St's small ball center and is shooting 39.4% from 3 Freshman PG Kanye Clary and wing Evan Mahaffey are in the rotation  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
Bench
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Probable
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11 - Ankle
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6 - Out for the Year
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4 - Out for the Year
 
Redshirting 
2   Ramel Lloyd Jr.  G 6-6
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
 
Hoiberg Presser
Discussing the need to limit turnovers and fouls
 
Walker Presser
 
 
The Skinny: 
In some ways this Penn St team is exactly what the doctor ordered: they're near the bottom in D-1 in generating turnovers or FT attempts. Expect Nebraska to turn around in those areas simply because of the opponent.
 
Pickett had a so-so game against Nebraska in their first matchup thanks to 7 turnovers. Simply keeping him in check would go a long way today. Minus the last 12 minutes vs Illinios, Nebraska has been shooting the ball well the last few games. Probably need that to carry over in this one. 
 
Here is a stat for you: Penn St hasn't won a road game in 2023. Let's hope the trend continues.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 66 - Penn St 64

Purdue Info

Head Coach: Matt Painter
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Boilermakers
Mascot: Boilermaker Special, Purdue Pete
Rotation Depth: 9
Last Game: Beat Penn State
KenPom: 6
Line: Purdue by 14.5
A couple of Famous Alumni: Glenn Robinson, Robbie Hummel
Other:  
In their first matchup, Nebraska took Purdue to the brink before ultimately falling in OT 65-62 Juwan Gary is out for this game; Look for Wilhelm Breidenbach or Denim Dawson to start Mason Gillis didn't play in the first matchup. The 6'6" 230# forward is an elite rebounder who while capable of shooting well from outside has struggled this season.  
KenPom Analysis:  Purdue is a methodical offensive team which means that Nebraska can hunt for offensive rebounds without as much fear of being hurt in transition.  Purdue isn't a team likely to exploit Nebraska's turnover issues.
 

 
Player to watch: Fletcher Loyer
Foster Loyer's little brother has been a day 1 starter for the Boilermakers and is leading the team in 3pt attempts while hitting 37% of them.
 
Player to watch: F Caleb Furst
Typically Painter has two giant posts who split time. This season he has a guy like 6'10" Furst  who can play alongside Edey at the 4 or operating as a center given his ability to shoot from outside.
 
Player to watch: C Zach Edey
Edey is in the running for national player of the year as he has been racking up double-doubles in the first halves of games.  He's also constantly a threat to foul out your starting and backup centers.
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 3 Braden Smith
6-0  180  Fr 2 Fletcher Loyer
6-4  185  Fr 25 Ethan Morton
6-7  215  Jr 1 Caleb Furst
6-10  230  So 15 Zach Edey
7-4  290  Jr 26.9
   
 
Others to watch
This is your standard Matt Painter team: It's 4 guys who can shoot 3s that work around a giant post player.   
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
 
Hoiberg Preser
 
The Skinny: 
Expect Nebraska to try more of the same on defense, swarming  Eddy and then chasing 3pt shooters. It's likely that Purdue hits more 3s at home than they did in Lincoln.
 
Offensively, Nebraska desperately needs some outside shooting and generally speaking you can get 3pt looks against the Boilermakers. Simply try and feed whomever starts to get hot to supplement Derrick and Sam.  I think the Huskers will score some points tonight as either they'll finally make some shots or else Purdue will get up enough that their defensive intensity wanes. 
 
Nebraska likely bounces back from their home whooping vs Illinois but that still doesn't mean they keep this game within 10 points.
 
Prediction: Purdue 75 - Nebraska 60 

Queens Info

 
Head Coach: Grant Leonard
Location: Charlotte, NC
Conference: ASUN
Full Name: Queens University of Charlotte
Nickname: Royals
Mascot: Rex the Royal
Shirt not to wear: Alex Gordon Jersey
Last time out: Beat East Tennessee St.
Line: Nebraska by 11 (don't think there is an actual line)
Typical Rotation Depth: 8+
KenPom rank: 188
A couple of Famous Alumni: No
Other:  
This is Queen's first year in D-1. Prior to this they were a D-II power, making the postseason the last 7 years. Queens is ineligible for post-season play until 2026-27 as part of their transition to D-1 The Royals are small at most positions, clocking in at 341th in KenPom's average height stat. Nebraska is 57th.  
This game is the 3rd in a tournament called the "Battle in the Vault". At 1, it's Concordia vs Oklahoma Wesleyan. At 4pm it's, 11-0 Mississippi St vs 8-3 Drake.  Nebraska vs Queens will start 30 minutes after the 4pm game, estimated time 6:30.
 
This isn't part of your season ticket package. You need to acquire tickets through Ticketmaster. https://www.ticketmaster.com/battle-in-the-vault-lincoln-nebraska-12-20-2022/event/06005D0B2A167DCD
 
KenPom Analysis:  Queens doesn't run the type of scheme that is likely to take advantage of Nebraska turning over the ball. This Royal team actively hunts offensive rebounds which will open Nebraska to transition points if they want them. Their FTA/FGA is fueled by Kenny Dye.
 

 
 
Player to watch: Kenny Dye
Highly experienced senior PG might be the best player on the court tonight. 3 level scorer, leads the team in scoring and assists.  Dye will also shadow the ball handler up the court on every possession like Bandomeul.
 
Player to watch: F Gavin Rains / BJ McLaurin
The Royals have a couple of undersized centers with very different games. Rains doesn't shoot 3s but can pass out of the post and is a rebounding machine, currently averging over 10 per 23 minutes of play. McLaurin has a nice outside stroke with his 46.2% 3pt shooting averaging allowing Queens to play 5 out.
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 15 Kenny Dye
6-0  190  Sr 5 AJ McKee
6-2  205  So 3 Kalib Mathews
6-4  185  So 2 Jay'Den Turner
6-5  205  Jr 23 BJ McLaurin
6-8  230  Jr 28.5
  2 15 Kenny Dye
6-0  190  Sr 5 AJ McKee
6-2  205  So 3 Kalib Mathews
6-4  185  So 2 Jay'Den Turner
6-5  205  Jr 4 Gavin Rains
6-7  230  Jr 10.6  
 
Others to watch
McKee is a beefy guard and the Queens second leading scorer Matthews has made over 50% of his 3s vs D-1 opponents Turner is an undersized rebounding glue guy 6'2" guard Chris Ashby is a 3pt specialist off the bench 6'5" guard Quan McCluney is a defender off the bench  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
 
 
The Skinny: 
Nebraska had their first letdown game of the season in KC as the Wildcats ate them alive in the first half.  Silver lining to a game like that is the Huskers likely won't overlook Queens tonight.
 
Queens is an interesting teams as it's a bunch of high level tweener type of players who perform at a high level; they return almost the entire squad of a team that went 30-4 last year.  It all starts and ends with PG Kenny Dye who will hound the ball up the court on every possession.  The Royals will push pace but also are patient enough to work the ball around in the half court. Their entire team will hunt for offensive rebounds so we'll see how much pace this slow Nebraska team will want to push tonight; it's awful tempting to try and get easy buckets for an offense that has struggled to score most of the year.
 
Can't stress enough that this is a game that Nebraska can lose and that Queens, winners of 3 away games this season, won't be intimidated at all by this half filled area. Fortunately it's a team that isn't naturally suited to exploit Nebraska's weaknesses and with any luck we won't spend the next week cursing this game.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 78 - Queens 70

Queens Info

 
Head Coach: Grant Leonard
Location: Charlotte, NC
Conference: ASUN
Full Name: Queens University of Charlotte
Nickname: Royals
Mascot: Rex the Royal
Shirt not to wear: Alex Gordon Jersey
Last time out: Beat East Tennessee St.
Line: Nebraska by 11 (don't think there is an actual line)
Typical Rotation Depth: 8+
KenPom rank: 188
A couple of Famous Alumni: No
Other:  
This is Queen's first year in D-1. Prior to this they were a D-II power, making the postseason the last 7 years. Queens is ineligible for post-season play until 2026-27 as part of their transition to D-1 The Royals are small at most positions, clocking in at 341th in KenPom's average height stat. Nebraska is 57th.  
This game is the 3rd in a tournament called the "Battle in the Vault". At 1, it's Concordia vs Oklahoma Wesleyan. At 4pm it's, 11-0 Mississippi St vs 8-3 Drake.  Nebraska vs Queens will start 30 minutes after the 4pm game, estimated time 6:30.
 
This isn't part of your season ticket package. You need to acquire tickets through Ticketmaster. https://www.ticketmaster.com/battle-in-the-vault-lincoln-nebraska-12-20-2022/event/06005D0B2A167DCD
 
KenPom Analysis:  Queens doesn't run the type of scheme that is likely to take advantage of Nebraska turning over the ball. This Royal team actively hunts offensive rebounds which will open Nebraska to transition points if they want them. Their FTA/FGA is fueled by Kenny Dye.
 

 
 
Player to watch: Kenny Dye
Highly experienced senior PG might be the best player on the court tonight. 3 level scorer, leads the team in scoring and assists.  Dye will also shadow the ball handler up the court on every possession like Bandomeul.
 
Player to watch: F Gavin Rains / BJ McLaurin
The Royals have a couple of undersized centers with very different games. Rains doesn't shoot 3s but can pass out of the post and is a rebounding machine, currently averging over 10 per 23 minutes of play. McLaurin has a nice outside stroke with his 46.2% 3pt shooting averaging allowing Queens to play 5 out.
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 15 Kenny Dye
6-0  190  Sr 5 AJ McKee
6-2  205  So 3 Kalib Mathews
6-4  185  So 2 Jay'Den Turner
6-5  205  Jr 23 BJ McLaurin
6-8  230  Jr 28.5
  2 15 Kenny Dye
6-0  190  Sr 5 AJ McKee
6-2  205  So 3 Kalib Mathews
6-4  185  So 2 Jay'Den Turner
6-5  205  Jr 4 Gavin Rains
6-7  230  Jr 10.6  
 
Others to watch
McKee is a beefy guard and the Queens second leading scorer Matthews has made over 50% of his 3s vs D-1 opponents Turner is an undersized rebounding glue guy 6'2" guard Chris Ashby is a 3pt specialist off the bench 6'5" guard Quan McCluney is a defender off the bench  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
 
 
The Skinny: 
Nebraska had their first letdown game of the season in KC as the Wildcats ate them alive in the first half.  Silver lining to a game like that is the Huskers likely won't overlook Queens tonight.
 
Queens is an interesting teams as it's a bunch of high level tweener type of players who perform at a high level; they return almost the entire squad of a team that went 30-4 last year.  It all starts and ends with PG Kenny Dye who will hound the ball up the court on every possession.  The Royals will push pace but also are patient enough to work the ball around in the half court. Their entire team will hunt for offensive rebounds so we'll see how much pace this slow Nebraska team will want to push tonight; it's awful tempting to try and get easy buckets for an offense that has struggled to score most of the year.
 
Can't stress enough that this is a game that Nebraska can lose and that Queens, winners of 3 away games this season, won't be intimidated at all by this half filled area. Fortunately it's a team that isn't naturally suited to exploit Nebraska's weaknesses and with any luck we won't spend the next week cursing this game.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 78 - Queens 70

Kansas St Info

 
Head Coach: Jerome Tang
Location: Manhattan, KS
Conference: Big 12
Nickname: Wildcats
Mascot: Willie the Wildcat
Shirt not to wear: Purple, Thundercat
Last time out: Beat Incarnate Word
Line: Kansas St by 3
Typical Rotation Depth: 7+
KenPom rank: 69
A couple of Famous Alumni: Bob Boozer, Mitch Richmond
Other:  
This is the 2nd game in a 3 game series with KSU. Nebraska lost the first game last year at home 67-58. KSU will host in 2023. Derrick Walker grew up in KC  
KenPom Analysis:  Kansas St is generating a lot of turnovers with their length and aggression, which should generate some FTs for Nebraska. On the flipside, the Wildcats can get sloppy with the ball.
 
 

 
 
Player to watch: Keyonte Johnson
Johnson is known for suffering from a heart condition at Florida while on the court in the first game of the season in 2021. The former SEC pre-season player of the years is one of the few WIldcats shooting at a high percentage.
 
Player to watch: PG Markquis Nowell
The diminutive PG is one of the conference's best assist men and KSU's 2nd leading scorer.
 
Player to watch: F Nae'Qwan Tomlin
Tomlin is noticeable on court as the lanky forward can jump out of the gym and can handle the ball a bit. Not a great shooter.
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 1 Markquis Nowell
5-8  160  Sr 5 Cam Carter
6-3  190  So 11 Keyontae Johnson
6-6  230  Sr 3 David N'Guessan
6-9  215  Jr 35 Nae'Qwan Tomlin
6-10  210  Jr 20.9
   
 
Others to watch
Cam Carter and Desi Sills are glue-guy guards; Sills the backup PG Dutch forward David N'Guessan has good touch and is a rim defender  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
 
Hoiberg/Walker Presser
 
Expect Nebraska to bail on offensive rebounds to minimize transition baskets.
Hoiberg notes that Keisei plays off Derrick well; Derrick is able to find him in the offense.
Derrick excited to play in KC, has 30-40 people coming to see him.
 
 
The Skinny: 
Bruce Weber made a Final 4 with Kansas St in 2019 but 3 sub .500 seasons later the Wildcats went in a different direction by hiring longtime Baylor/Scott Drew assistant Jerome Tang.  Prior to the K-State job, Tang had been an assistant the entire time Drew had been there, starting in 2003. Thus, if you've watched Baylor play in the last decade you understand they type of style that Tang will deploy in Manhattan.  Expect the Wildcats to fly to the ball on defense with athleticism, transition whenever possible,  and for them to aggressively crash the offensive boards. 
 
Nebraska will likely follow the Creighton game plan in terms of giving up offensive rebounds to limit transition points for a K-State offense that will struggle in the half court. Defensively teams are attacking this K-State team in the paint, which lines up with what Nebraska wants to do offensively.
 
This should be an intense defensive battle with points at a premium.  The winner tonight will be the team that can do the little things like winning 50-50 balls or making FTs.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 63 - Kansas St 60

Creighton Info

 
Head Coach: Greg McDermott
Location: Omaha, NE
Conference: Big East
Nickname: Blue Jays
Mascot: Billy Blue Jay
Last time out: Lost to Texas
Opening Line: Creighton by 14.5
Famous Alumni: Bob Gibson, Porter Moser
Other:  
Assistant coach Ernie Zeigler's son Trey is a grad assistant for the Jays  
KenPom Analysis: Don't expect the Husker to shoot many FTs. Jays aren't pressuring on defense. Will they change strategy against Nebraska?

 
 
Player to watch: Arthur Kaluma
The Soph. forward is talented but he tends to dominate the shots while on the court while being the least efficient starter for the Jays. 
 
Player to watch: Baylor Scheierman
The Aurora native and South Dakota St transfer is known for his shooting range and accuracy, shooting 46.2% from 3 last year. What might surprise you though is that he leads Creighton in rebounds
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 2 Ryan Nembhard
6-0  170  So 23 Trey Alexander
6-4  190  So 24 Arthur Kaluma
6-7  225  So 55 Baylor Scheierman
6-7  205  Sr 11 Ryan Kalkbrenner
7-1  260  Jr 32.9
   
 
 
Others to watch
Ryan Kalkbrenner is fairly unstoppable when he gets the ball in the paint. Currently shooting 81.5% from 2 Former Big East Freshman of the year Ryan Nembhard has been putting up elite ass/to numbers Alexander is a situation shooter hitting over 40% from 3 and one of the Jays' better individual defenders TCU transfer Francisco Farabello has struggled this season from the outside though the veteran is the Jays' most used sub Shereef Mitchell is the backup pg, long ranger shooter Mason Miller is backup at the 4, and Fredrick King is backup at the 5  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
 
The Skinny: 
The Blue Jays have quite the starting 5 this year that came together after landing Baylor Scheierman. There is a drop-off when they get into the bench but between the Jays' reasonable pace and their ability to play without fouling, their starters seldom leave the court. Fouls happen sometime so things could get interesting with the right ref crew.
 
While the home court will certainly goad Nebraska into speeding up at points, the defense of Creighton hasn't been geared to do so. The Jays tend to focus on running teams off the 3 towards shot blockers. They also have been known to change things up when they play Nebraska. Can the Huskers exploit Kalkbrenner's lack of mobility with Derrick Walker?  Creighton's offense will be problematic for a Nebraska team that will overcommit to drivers at the expense of giving up wide open 3s. Nebraska is playing with fire if the Jays get open looks at home.
 
It would be one hell of a win if the Huskers could figure out how to knock off the Jays in Omaha but this might be a little tighter than recent years just because Nebraska has been playing remarkably slow this season under Hoiberg. Prior to this year Nebraska consistently had an adjusted tempo of over 70 which is good for at least top 35.  This season as they patiently bring the ball up the court and swing through the offense, Nebraska currently ranks #309 at an adjusted tempo of 64.7. It becomes harder for either team to run up the score when you limit the shots.
 
Nebraska with Derrick Walker has steadied themselves against a couple of low end P5 schools.  How does this newfound poise hole up in Omaha?
 
Prediction: Creighton 78 - Nebraska 67

Creighton Info

 
Head Coach: Greg McDermott
Location: Omaha, NE
Conference: Big East
Nickname: Blue Jays
Mascot: Billy Blue Jay
Last time out: Lost to Texas
Opening Line: Creighton by 14.5
Famous Alumni: Bob Gibson, Porter Moser
Other:  
Assistant coach Ernie Zeigler's son Trey is a grad assistant for the Jays  
KenPom Analysis: Don't expect the Husker to shoot many FTs. Jays aren't pressuring on defense. Will they change strategy against Nebraska?

 
 
Player to watch: Arthur Kaluma
The Soph. forward is talented but he tends to dominate the shots while on the court while being the least efficient starter for the Jays. 
 
Player to watch: Baylor Scheierman
The Aurora native and South Dakota St transfer is known for his shooting range and accuracy, shooting 46.2% from 3 last year. What might surprise you though is that he leads Creighton in rebounds
 
KenPom most used lineup
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 2 Ryan Nembhard
6-0  170  So 23 Trey Alexander
6-4  190  So 24 Arthur Kaluma
6-7  225  So 55 Baylor Scheierman
6-7  205  Sr 11 Ryan Kalkbrenner
7-1  260  Jr 32.9
   
 
 
Others to watch
Ryan Kalkbrenner is fairly unstoppable when he gets the ball in the paint. Currently shooting 81.5% from 2 Former Big East Freshman of the year Ryan Nembhard has been putting up elite ass/to numbers Alexander is a situation shooter hitting over 40% from 3 and one of the Jays' better individual defenders TCU transfer Francisco Farabello has struggled this season from the outside though the veteran is the Jays' most used sub Shereef Mitchell is the backup pg, long ranger shooter Mason Miller is backup at the 4, and Fredrick King is backup at the 5  
UNL Game Notes
 
Probable starters for Nebraska
5    Sam Griesel    G    6-7
25  Emmanuel Bandoumel    G    6-4
0   C.J. Wilcher    G    6-5
4   Juwan Gary  F  6-6
13  Derrick Walker    F    6-9
 
 
Bench
15   Blaise Keita C   6-11
30  Keisei Tominaga    G    6-2
32  Wilhelm Breidenbach    F    6-10
10  Jamarques Lawrence - G  6-3
12  Denim Dawson - F  6-6
33  Oleg Kojenets    F    7-0
12   Sam Hoiberg    G    6-0
31  Cale Jacobsen  G  6-4
35  Henry Burt  F  6-6
24  Jeffrey Grace III  G  6-3
 
Injured
3   Quaran McPherson   G   6-3 - Out for the Year
 
The Skinny: 
The Blue Jays have quite the starting 5 this year that came together after landing Baylor Scheierman. There is a drop-off when they get into the bench but between the Jays' reasonable pace and their ability to play without fouling, their starters seldom leave the court. Fouls happen sometime so things could get interesting with the right ref crew.
 
While the home court will certainly goad Nebraska into speeding up at points, the defense of Creighton hasn't been geared to do so. The Jays tend to focus on running teams off the 3 towards shot blockers. They also have been known to change things up when they play Nebraska. Can the Huskers exploit Kalkbrenner's lack of mobility with Derrick Walker?  Creighton's offense will be problematic for a Nebraska team that will overcommit to drivers at the expense of giving up wide open 3s. Nebraska is playing with fire if the Jays get open looks at home.
 
It would be one hell of a win if the Huskers could figure out how to knock off the Jays in Omaha but this might be a little tighter than recent years just because Nebraska has been playing remarkably slow this season under Hoiberg. Prior to this year Nebraska consistently had an adjusted tempo of over 70 which is good for at least top 35.  This season as they patiently bring the ball up the court and swing through the offense, Nebraska currently ranks #309 at an adjusted tempo of 64.7. It becomes harder for either team to run up the score when you limit the shots.
 
Nebraska with Derrick Walker has steadied themselves against a couple of low end P5 schools.  How does this newfound poise hole up in Omaha?
 
Prediction: Creighton 78 - Nebraska 67

I am really hoping this turns into a long time gig for you coach.  Welcome to Nebraska!
 
 

Alabama transfer Juwan Gary announced via his instagram that he has committed to play for Nebraska.  Gary was a sophomore this season and the 6'6" 218# forward will have two years of eligibility left.
 
Gary projects to be a 3 or 4 with the Huskers and is known for his defensive ability, driving ability, and energy.  A history of injuries have slowed down Gary, but he started 19 games for Alabama despite an ankle injury and a facial injury which caused him to wear a protective mask. Originally a 2019 HS graduate, Gary spent his first year redshirting due to a torn ACL.
 
Fred Hoiberg on the addition of Juwan Gary:  "Juwan adds a different dimension to our roster with his combination of athleticism and versatility. He plays with physicality and can be used all over the floor.  Juwan also has the experience of playing in two NCAA Tournaments and winning an SEC title in 2021, which gives him the understanding of what it takes to be successful at the highest level."
 
Gary is from Colombia, South Carolina where he was a 4 star recruit coming out of high school.

The men's and women's teams will scrimmage on Friday, October 1st at Pinnacle Bank Arena on what should be a big recruiting weekend ahead of the Northwestern football game on Saturday. The scrimmages will start at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm.  
 
After the scrimmages, the night will be capped off with a concert by G Herbo.

 
Fans can start registering for lower bowl tickets on Huskers.com/Tickets beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Noon. There is a limit of four general admission tickets per person.
 

After twenty-seven seasons in Lincoln, a Nebraska mascot has decided to explore other options.
 
Robbie Callahan of 365-247.com reported on Thursday that redpants junior mascot Lil' Red has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.  Red finds himself in a crowded sideline with incumbent mascot Herbie Husker likely to maintain his starting job for the 47th consecutive year. Illinois is seen as a landing spot for Red as they've been without a mascot since parting ways with Chief Illiniwek in 2007.
 
Update: Lil Red has confirmed via twitter

 
Red could still return to Nebraska if it is in his best interest. This story is developing. Happy April 1st.

Penn St. Info

Head Coach: Jim Ferry
Location: University Park, PA
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Nittany Lions
Mascot: The Nittany Lion
Conference Record: 4-11
Typical Rotation Depth: 8
Spread: Penn State by 6
KenPom rank: 34
 
Players to watch:       Myreon Jones
On this balanced scoring Penn St team Jones leads the team in 3pt attempts and makes, hitting 39% on the season.  Jones also leads the team in scoring. Last time out vs Nebraska led the team with 18 points but took 20 shots to do so.
 
Roster points
 
PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 5 Jamari Wheeler
6-1  170  Sr 0 Myreon Jones
6-3  180  Jr 12 Izaiah Brockington
6-4  200  Jr 1 Seth Lundy
6-6  219  So 21 John Harrar
6-9  240  Sr 17.5
  2 5 Jamari Wheeler
6-1  170  Sr 0 Myreon Jones
6-3  180  Jr 12 Izaiah Brockington
6-4  200  Jr 2 Myles Dread
6-4  220  Jr 21 John Harrar
6-9  240  Sr 17.5
   
With the departures of Mike Watkins and Lamar Stevens Penn St isn't running much offense through the post
 
Seth Lundy as taken over the 4 spot from Stevens; his 3pt shooting has fallen off this year. Functions as one of the few shot blockers on the team Brockington is a lock down defender who mostly shoots inside the arc PG Jamari Wheeler spearheads this ball hawking defense that generates a lot of steals. He's a pure point guard in the sense that he barely shoots so you could see defensively challenged Kobe Webster playing some big minutes tonight Myles Dread still hasn't improved on his freshman numbers like this team would expect and often slots as an undersized forward for this small Penn St squad. Binghamton transfer Sam Sessoms is interesting as I wonder if the team might have been better off in the future had he redshirted.  The high scoring combo guard functions as the PG when Wheeler is off the court and as an undersized SG when they play together.  The Philly native is 2nd on the team in assists and 4th in scoring coming off the bench. John Harrar generates contact, getting to the line a ton while also racking up plenty of fouls on his own. Is one of 5 PSU players averaging over 9 points a game and leads the team in rebounds. Forward Trent Buttrick backs up Harrar but his poor finishing ability and defending makes him a substandard replacement  
 
The Skinny:
Penn St and Pat Chambers had built something in Happy Valley, being among the elites in the conference over the prior 3 years in KenPom ranking and on their way to the first NCAA appearance of Chambers' tenure.  (Projected as a 6 seed by some)  Covid-19 hits and there goes the tourney.  Chambers mouth finally writes enough checks he cannot cash and just before the season starts Chambers is gone.  Current Penn St assistant and former Duquesne and LIU Brooklyn coach Jim Ferry takes over for the team in November.  While Ferry has the title of interim you have to wonder if he has a good shot at retaining the job of the 5th most important sport at the school.
 
Stylistically at this point I'd attribute Penn State's change in play and performance to the change in personnel as opposed to coaching style. It's slightly shocking given Jim Ferry's past and the lack of size on this roster that this team doesn't play faster.  Penn St doesn't shoot all that well nor do they get to the FT line often.  Their lack of size makes them vulnerable inside and no doubt the Huskers will spread them out in order to drive the lane. Penn St lives off of extra possessions, aggressively winning the turnover and rebounding games and playing with the sort of control Hoiberg wants to limit careless turnovers.   Last time out, Nebraska turned the ball over 16 times and gave up 13 offensive rebounds though managed to win as the Nittany Lions shot a putrid 21-65 from the court. 
 
Look for both teams to have relatively better offensive games in what should be another close fought struggle where the winner is the team that fades the least at the end. 
 
 
Prediction: Nebraska 71 - Penn St 68

Georgia Institute of Technology
 
Head Coach: Josh Pastner
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Conference: ACC
Nickname: Yellow Jackets
Mascot: Buzz and Ramblin' Wreck
KenPom rank: 75
Previous history: Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 2-0 including throttling the Huskers 73-56 last season.
Offensive Style: Five out Princeton offense, dribble drive motion, scoring in the paint
Defensive Style: A funky 1-3-1 zone that morphs into a 2-3 / 3-2 zone
Rotation Size: 7-8
Line:  Nebraska by 1
 
Due to cancellations this game has moved from ESPNU to ESPN2

 
 
Players to watch:   Moses Wright
Senior F Moses Wright has been the best player for the Yellowjackets this season, currently leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks.  With GT switching to a smaller lineup vs Kentucky, Wright spent most of the game as their starting center which is mitigated by how much Tech plays zone.  Wright has struggled from 3 most of his college career but is a nifty 3-5 this season.
 
Players to watch:   Jose Alvarado
Tech's Senior PG Alvarado leads the team in assists and steals, often times parked at the top of their 1-3-1. Has struggled with his shot to start the season.
 
Players to watch:   Michael Devoe
The talented wing might be their most dangerous scorer, last year shooting 42.7% from 3 while making it to the FT line 100+ times. Devoe was held scoreless vs Kentucky which shows how balanced the scoring is on this team.
 
Roster points
PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 3 Bubba Parham
5-10  162  Sr 10 Jose Alvarado
6-0  179  Sr 0 Michael Devoe
6-5  197  Jr 4 Jordan Usher
6-7  213  Sr 5 Moses Wright
6-9  233  Sr 26.9
  2 3 Bubba Parham
5-10  162  Sr 10 Jose Alvarado
6-0  179  Sr 0 Michael Devoe
6-5  197  Jr 12 Khalid Moore
6-7  200  Jr 5 Moses Wright
6-9  233  Sr 21.7  
 
Georgia Tech shortened their bench vs Kentucky, only playing 7.
Bubba Parham is the other 3pt shooter to keep tabs on along with Alvarado and Devoe. Those 3 take the majority of 3s on a team that doesn't shoot a ton of them Jordan Usher has been a solid second banana on the defensive end and his shot has been reliable thus far, slotting in as Tech's "big man" for short periods Khalid Moore doesn't shoot much as struggles when he does USC transfer guard  Kyle Sturdivant is still trying to get up to speed defensively but was a spark vs Kentucky, chipping in a career high 15. 6'10" 240# Georgia transfer Rodney Howard started the first two games and then didn't play vs Kentucky. Is a rim protector. 6'8" Jordan Meka  and 7'1"  Saba Gigiberia are freshmen post players who haven't been ready to contribute  
Hoiberg Presser
Thorir Presser
Banton Presser
 
Hoiberg got into their 1-3-1 as well as detailing some of the personnel.  Also we haven't yet found a replacement game for Florida A&M but it's a possibility for next week. 
 
The Skinny:
 
Georgia Tech got off to a slow start which could be blamed on Josh Pastner's decision to implement an "unheard of plan" of non-contact practices. Additionally Pastner was looking to put in more dribble drive to take advantage of this roster. After loses to Georgia St and Mercer, the Ramblin' Wreck scrapped those plans, switched to a smaller lineup, and gave Kentucky the business. 
 
Tech is one of those 'bring almost everyone back' squads. However, that one player not coming back was the 6'10" shot blocking, defensive anchor James Banks. After problems trying to replicate the success with that size, Tech has leaned on defensive quickness and familiarity. Expect that trend to continue against the small ball Huskers.
 
The turnovers that fueled Tech's offense vs Kentucky will be a lot harder to come by vs Nebraska as ball control has been the one positive offensive constant of the Nebraska Hoiberg era.  Both teams still aren't confident in their half court offenses and will look to get out in transition at the expense of giving up 2nd chance points.  Georgia Tech is going to try and work their way into the paint. Nebraska took the few zone looks they saw thus far and ate them up. Tech runs zone for a living so we'll find out how much this team is willing to pass its way to open looks vs driving into defenders/jacking up 3s. One random thing to note is that Trey McGowens played GT twice last year in ACC play.
 
Defensively ,Nebraska's tendency to pack the paint is essentially what you want to run against GT and should hopefully help in keeping Moses Wright in check.  If Tech gets comfortable shooting from outside, it will be a long night for the scarlet and cream.  Nebraska's interior defense is suspect so you could see the Yellow Jackets looking down the bench in this game for some of that size.
 
There really is no outcome, be it blowout win for either team or 4 OT game that would be surprising.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 78 - Georgia Tech 72

McNeese St Info

 
Head Coach: Heath Schroyer 
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Conference: Southland
Nickname: Cowboys
Mascot: Rowdy
Last season: 15-17
Line: Nebraska by 14.5
 

 
 
Player to watch: Dru Kuxhausen
Named to the All-Southland Conference preseason first team, Scottsbluff native Kuxhausen is one of the best 3pt shooters in Div 1 as he set the school and conference record with 125 makes last year. It's easier said than done to just stick a man on Kuxhausen as the Cowboys will run his man through plenty of screens and curls to generate looks. Deadeye FT shooter.
 
Player to watch: AJ Lawson
The big PG is a nice compliment to the diminutive Kuxhausen, able to guard the opposing team's SG on defense and drive into the open lanes or contact on offense.  Last year it was Lawson who took the lion's share of the shot and expect that to continue in 2020. Lawson is turnover prone so there will be opportunity for Nebraska to score some easy transition buckets.
 
The Rest of the Roster
Carlos Rosario is a JUCO PF, a non-3pt threat. Keyshawn Feazell was a seldom used post player at Mississippi St who saw action vs Nebraska in the 2018 NIT game.  Florida Gulf Coast transfer Zach Scott averaged double digits thanks to volume shooting.  This also describes Louisiana Tech transfer Ra'Shawn Langston. Smaller guard Myles Hutchinson does make shots but has a lot of competition for playing time in this guard heavy roster.  Chris Orlina and Jeremy Harrell are size.  Finally in this upperclassman heavy squad we have redshirt freshman guard Collin Warren that the Cowboys have listed as a potential starter.  The springy PG won their dunk competition last year and possibly will help in the ball security and/or defensive departments.
 
UNL Game Notes

 
 
 
The Skinny:
 
2020 has been a rough year.  It's been especially rough on the McNeese St Cowboys as in addition to Covid-19, Lake Charles was hit by  two hurricanes, Laura in August and Delta in October. The city and thus McNeese St's campus was torn to shreds with the school suffering 70+ million in damages.  The basketball team spent most of the summer playing on another campus and their basketball arena will not be ready for 20-21.
 
 
 
Still under 50 years old, head coach and now interim athletic director Heath Schroyer has been coaching in the college ranks for almost 30 years with HC stints at Portland St, Wyoming, and Tennessee Martin.  Additionally he's been a high level recruiter for UNLV,  NC State, and BYU and has assembled a roster with more talent than your average Southland school.  Schroyer has changed his style over the years so you might see his small team trying to run in this game which should benefit Nebraska.  His defenses tend to take away the paint so we'll find out if Nebraska has indeed improved their 3pt shooting from last year.
 
The Huskers once again overhauled most of their roster and I don't have enough time to ask all the questions that most likely won't be answered after one game unless the answer is losing another home opener to a team we paid to be here.  Two easy things to track will be how Nebraska looks on the boards and how they execute the half court offense.  Last year Nebraska couldn't buy a rebound.  This year's team with plus length at most every position should be able to best the smaller Cowboys.  Offensively Nebraska should be able to generate a good look against a team like this with double digits on the shot clock.  Is the ball moving? Is Nebraska making the simple plays?
 
Circling back from my opening about all that McNeese St has gone through just to make it to Nebraska for the opening of college basketball I don't think you'll find the Cowboys will play like a team brought in here to lose.  Last season they almost beat Texas and probably give the 2019-20 Huskers all they can handle.  The Huskers will most likely need some of the composure that last year's team undeniably lacked.  This should be a manageable opening test for a Nebraska team with not a whole lot of runway before they're playing nothing but Power 5 schools.
 
Look for Nebraska to end up winning comfortably if the Cowboys want to run and perhaps sweat a bit if McNeese is here to muck things up.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 90 - McNeese St 67

Breienbach clocks in at 6'9" 210# and his combination of height, high motor, and ability to stretch the floor on offense via outside shooting is specifically what Nebraska is looking for in the post. This in-person review from one of our members spells out in detail what we might expect in the future at Nebraska from Breienbach:
 
  
 
 
Nebraska currently has all of their scholarships for 2021 filled though they're continuing to actively recruit that class with the foregone conclusion that player attrition is inevitable.

Breienbach clocks in at 6'9" 210# and his combination of height, high motor, and ability to stretch the floor on offense via outside shooting is specifically what Nebraska is looking for in the post. This in-person review from one of our members spells out in detail what we might expect in the future at Nebraska from Breienbach:
 
  
 
 
Nebraska currently has all of their scholarships for 2021 filled though they're continuing to actively recruit that class with the foregone conclusion that player attrition is inevitable.

http://instagram.com/p/nG75qPg9LE/
For those trips when a car just isn't fast enough and a plane is overkill....