Are we first? So, at first glance, we return everyone off last year team and we are only projected to be better than four of 14 teams. Ok. Either the assumption is that none of our players improve over the off season, or they are coming from such a low place talent wise...that jumping four teams is well...the ceiling for this team.
My being a consummate homer...I think this team surprises people and ends up 5th in the conference with an NCAA bid in their pocket. Let's face it...you get the scoring defense down to 72...and this team can win every game. Now...is 72 realistic? We have length...the question is are we any tougher?
A lot of basketball is about talent. Nebraska returns a lot of talent most notably Palmer Jr. and Copeland, but Roby and Watson Jr are nice secondary pieces. If they don’t get hit with injuries they will be tough.Nebraska is being picked WAY too high. Let me know when Tim Miles has ever posted back to back 20 wins seasons. I'll wait forever because he's never done it. Nebraska has only done it twice in school history and they were both close to 20 years ago. I get the talent they have, but playing with expectations for a program on their footing is another animal and the fact that people are picking them 1,2,3 when they've never finished higher than 4th since joining the league makes me lol.
The writer did open the door on Iowa being a dark horse, with defense being the key area for improvement. I think we can all agree on that issue.
A lot of basketball is about talent. Nebraska returns a lot of talent most notably Palmer Jr. and Copeland, but Roby and Watson Jr are nice secondary pieces. If they don’t get hit with injuries they will be tough.
That '14 team underachieved-big time. And the lethargy that followed nearly cost Miles his job. They also have a transfer coming in this year and one from George Mason coming on next year and seem to be getting more athletic. This is certainly a pivotal year for them and the middle of the conference is in a state of flux. Heck, the departure of Thad Motta and Bo Ryan has put the upper part of the conference in a state of flux.sure, and I get that. But, the last time NU was in this position, like the 14 season when they returned Petteway, Shields and Pitchford from their first NCAA appearance in 16 years, they won 13 games. Petteway was billed just like Palmer Jr. was and a lot of people had Nebraska as high as #2 in the conference that season. People on this very site were drooling over Tim Miles. Nebraska has really never produced many back to back seasons worth a crap. Tim Miles has NEVER. Why is that? Cause playing as a dark horse vs playing as a favorite with a target on your back are 2 different beasts. The culture is not built for sustained success in Lincoln and I won't believe it til I see it. I am not saying they are gonna be bad...but talk about a "prove it" program - that describes NU to a tee.
There should be fewer blowouts. The only issue with closer games is Fran's well documented record in games decided by six points or less, which has put us in the NIT more than once. Win two or three more of those games in one season and it could be enough of a difference between NIT and NCAA. He has to win more of those close games, which you have documented in the past as coming down to guard play and defensive stops.I agree with that writer. I see them finishing 9th. No higher than 7th. The games should be a lot closer, at least.