I have to admit, two years ago, watching that trainwreck made me consider no longer following Nebrasketball as closely as I had. But last year there were glimpses. And this year, I'm just in love with this team - despite the obvious flaws. I haven't missed a minute.
Things to love today:
* Jordy! Sure, he's still pretty clumsy and gawky and raw as hell, but he is IMPROVING at a pretty rapid pace. He has pretty good hands, he posts well and deep, and has that nice little lefty bank shot. He also rebounds well and is learning to play defense.
* Jeriah, Jeriah, Jeriah! He's my favorite player and has been since the Indiana game when he drained those three HUGE 3's. It's said that natural scorers are born, not taught, and he's just a scorer, pure and simple. PLEASE, Coach Miles, do not stifle this kid. Yes, make him, and help him, improve on defense. But please give him the green light on O. I can't wait to see him develop further.
* The Scapegoats have their day! So happy for McVeigh and Jacobson. I no longer follow the game threads because I get so tired of the vitriol directed at certain players, and then the half-hearted mea culpas when those players do something great and help our TEAM win in a TEAM sport. Jacobson struggles shooting the ball. This is true. But with Morrow out, he's been a tireless, willing defender. Man, did he battle Swanigan hard, especially after we stopped sending the doubles as hard due to their 3-point shooting. He was one-on-one a couple of times and forced a turnover and made it tough for Swanigan. He's a good rebounder and works so damn hard. As for McVeigh, thrilled for this kid. He has always had an easy, smooth, mechanically simple shot, the kind (with his height) of shot that lends itself to success. He was obviously battling either confidence or a small technical flaw that he has corrected.
* Bench production! McVeigh and Horne went a combined 12-for-19 from the floor (6-of-11 from 3) for 37 points. This is truly great for our team.
* Our star guards struggled, and that's OK! Tai was 5-of-18 and Watson was just 3-of-7. AND WE WON! This is a great sign. Other players are gaining confidence. Tai needs to realize he doesn't always have to carry the team and do it all. Drive and dish. Be a true 1, the poor man's Jason Kidd many of us thought he could someday be.
* Morrow didn't play! I'm very, very happy they didn't throw him out there.Please let him get to 100 percent. We need him right for the stretch run and the BIG Tournament.
* So many lineup possibilities now! It's up to Miles now, especially when Morrow returns to come with a solid, sensible rotation. It will be exciting to see what he comes up with.
* BIG standings up for grabs! If Indiana loses, we'll be tired for sixth, just one game out of fifth place. Amazing.
Man, this team is maddeningly fun to watch!
Things to love today:
* Jordy! Sure, he's still pretty clumsy and gawky and raw as hell, but he is IMPROVING at a pretty rapid pace. He has pretty good hands, he posts well and deep, and has that nice little lefty bank shot. He also rebounds well and is learning to play defense.
* Jeriah, Jeriah, Jeriah! He's my favorite player and has been since the Indiana game when he drained those three HUGE 3's. It's said that natural scorers are born, not taught, and he's just a scorer, pure and simple. PLEASE, Coach Miles, do not stifle this kid. Yes, make him, and help him, improve on defense. But please give him the green light on O. I can't wait to see him develop further.
* The Scapegoats have their day! So happy for McVeigh and Jacobson. I no longer follow the game threads because I get so tired of the vitriol directed at certain players, and then the half-hearted mea culpas when those players do something great and help our TEAM win in a TEAM sport. Jacobson struggles shooting the ball. This is true. But with Morrow out, he's been a tireless, willing defender. Man, did he battle Swanigan hard, especially after we stopped sending the doubles as hard due to their 3-point shooting. He was one-on-one a couple of times and forced a turnover and made it tough for Swanigan. He's a good rebounder and works so damn hard. As for McVeigh, thrilled for this kid. He has always had an easy, smooth, mechanically simple shot, the kind (with his height) of shot that lends itself to success. He was obviously battling either confidence or a small technical flaw that he has corrected.
* Bench production! McVeigh and Horne went a combined 12-for-19 from the floor (6-of-11 from 3) for 37 points. This is truly great for our team.
* Our star guards struggled, and that's OK! Tai was 5-of-18 and Watson was just 3-of-7. AND WE WON! This is a great sign. Other players are gaining confidence. Tai needs to realize he doesn't always have to carry the team and do it all. Drive and dish. Be a true 1, the poor man's Jason Kidd many of us thought he could someday be.
* Morrow didn't play! I'm very, very happy they didn't throw him out there.Please let him get to 100 percent. We need him right for the stretch run and the BIG Tournament.
* So many lineup possibilities now! It's up to Miles now, especially when Morrow returns to come with a solid, sensible rotation. It will be exciting to see what he comes up with.
* BIG standings up for grabs! If Indiana loses, we'll be tired for sixth, just one game out of fifth place. Amazing.
Man, this team is maddeningly fun to watch!
