SportsTemps home

Sunday, November 6, 2011

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Nebraska

Brandon Richardson's excellent defense will fit right in
the Big Ten. Unfortunately for the Huskers, there will be
no more conference games against Colorado.


Coach: Doc Sadler – 89-70 (.560)*
Lost: G Lance Jeter
Returning:  C Jorge Brian Diaz (Jr), F Toney McCray (Sr), G Brandon Richardson (Sr), G Caleb Walker (Sr), G Drake Beranek (Sr), C Andre Almeida (Sr), F/C Brandon Ubel (Jr), G Eshaunte Jones (Jr), G Ray Gallegos (Jr)
New faces: G Bo Spencer (transfer), PG Corey Hilliard, SF Josiah Moore, SF David Rivers, SG Dylan Talley
*Sadler's career record in the Big 12
Preview: Nebraska may not fare as well in the Big Ten as they did in the Big 12 but they’re no pushover either. With nine(!) upper classmen the Huskers are an experienced bunch that is perfect for exploring unchartered territory (ie: The Big Ten and it’s raucous venues).  They play a methodical style (63.6 possessions) that was the second slowest in the Big 12 but should fit right in the BIG.  This team was an awful bunch at shooting threes and getting to the line last season but they do have one thing going for them: size.  Led by 6’11” Jorge Brian Diaz, 6’10” Brandon Ubel, and the underrated (but overweight) 6’11” Andre Almeida the Huskers have a formidable front-court that could cause teams problems.  These three helped Nebraska finish sixth in the nation last season at limiting opponent’s second chances on the glass. Guard play appears to be an issue especially now that Lance Jeter has graduated.  Caleb Walker seems the most likely candidate to pick up the slack but the team would love for one of the incoming freshmen to step up into a starting role. Adding a bit of intrigue to the team is transfer Bo Spencer. Spencer was a good player at LSU but not a star. If he can play like he did as a sophomore then the Huskers may be on to something here.  Nebraska picked the perfect year to switch to the Big Ten. The conference lost a number of upper classmen making this year’s Huskers the most experienced team.  It wouldn’t be a shock if they finish as high as sixth but a bottom half finish is more likely.
Shot in the dark at the starting 5:
G Brandon Richardson
G Caleb Walker
G Bo Spencer
F Brandon Ubel
C Jorge Brian Diaz

No comments: