Nebrasketball

[Corn Hawk]

I don't know how much the other Husker fans here follow the basketball program, but I went to the Louisiana Tech game today and thought I'd post my thoughts.

Going into the season, I thought a realistic goal was to make the NCAA Tournament. We have A LOT of improving to do if we want to do that. At some point if we keep missing the tourney, I would think that Collier's job would be in jeopardy. He has been here for a while now (this is his 6th season) and we haven't had much success. He is under .500 here. We had more success under Nee than we have had under Collier. Anyway, about the game:

First of all, there was no energy from the crowd or the players. It was really kind of a boring game. The Devaney Center was only about half full.

Joe McCray seemed sluggish to me. He had a horrible game. I had heard that he had gained 20 pounds since last year, and he was already too heavy. He was careless with the ball and repeatedly made terrible decisions. If we are going to live up to our potential as a team, we need him to develop into the star that it looked like he had a chance to be last year.

Maric was awesome. He finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds I believe. He is a great rebounder and he is so big and strong. I'm looking forward to watching him the next few years. IMO, he's the best big guy we've had since probably Mikki Moore, and I could see him being better than Moore. Kimani Ffriend was a great athlete, but I think Maric is better than him. It's good to know that we have a dependable big man the next few years.

La Tech has a big guy that I was told would be a future NBA player (Millsap or something). If that's true then we did a great job defensively and on the boards against him, because he was a non-factor. I think a lot of credit should go to B.J. Walker. He made some bad decisions offensively and he fouled out with about 8:30 left, but I thought he did an excellent job defensively and boxing out.

Dourisseau had a pretty good game. He has always driven me nuts, but his athleticism and senior leadership will be extremely valuable on this young team.

The point guard position is always a major concern for me. I haven't been happy with the play at the position since Lue. I was really impressed with Jamel White today. He handled the ball really well and he had a couple really nice passes. He also hit a big three late in the game. Marcus Walker didn't play very well, but I think he'll end up being a solid point guard for us. He is really quick and he's a very good shooter. I think he's still getting acclimated to Division 1 basketball. It's a big step up from HS ball in KC.

Overall, I would say that I was pretty disappointed with our performance. But we have a lot of young guys on the team and it will help a lot when Wilkinson gets back, so I see room for improvement. We'll need it if we want to compete in the Big XII.

[husker_blitz]

So what was the score?

[Corn Hawk]

So what was the score?
Yeah, I guess that's an important piece of information.

Nebraska 59, La Tech 56

[nibblesb2k]

I would think that Collier's job would be in jeopardy. He has been here for a while now (this is his 6th season)

Wow, he's been there that long?! It seems like yesterday I was sittin in Kemper Arena watching Danny Nee (sp) coach his final game. (a loss to Baylor in the 8 v 9 game maybe?) I thought Collier was doing a decent job over there. I went to the Iowa State game in Lincoln last year and was impressed with the student section and the crowd in generall. I guess like you said, not going to the NCAA's will probably catch up with him sometime.

[Corn Hawk]

Wow, he's been there that long?! It seems like yesterday I was sittin in Kemper Arena watching Danny Nee (sp) coach his final game. (a loss to Baylor in the 8 v 9 game maybe?) I thought Collier was doing a decent job over there. I went to the Iowa State game in Lincoln last year and was impressed with the student section and the crowd in generall. I guess like you said, not going to the NCAA's will probably catch up with him sometime.
Basically, under Nee a good year was going to the NCAA's and a bad year was going to the NIT. Under Collier, a good year is going to the NIT and a bad year is a sub-.500 record.

[smeth]

Nebrasketball [laugh]

[Plottydawg]

Nebrasketball [laugh]

Nebrasketball = teh suck. These guys are just godawful. It makes me cringe to even hear how bad these guys suck. Even their women ballers are bad. I think they lost Sunday to a former Division II team in South Dakota Stateby at least 10 I want to say.

All that needs to be said is, in the winter time, wrestling reigns supreme in the Cornhusker state.

[husker_blitz]

I saw that the Huskers beat Marquette by 10 tonight. Good win for them.

[Corn Hawk]

I saw that the Huskers beat Marquette by 10 tonight. Good win for them.
Very good win. McCray needs to get it going though. Wilkinson is playing really well. Maric, Dourisseau, and Wilkinson give us a pretty solid core. Hopefully McCray and a couple of the new guys can step it up as well when we need them.

[Superfly]

I have a tough time following Nebraska basketball, most Husker games never come my way unless they are playing Kansas or some other big time Big XII opponent.

6 years is a lot of leeway to build up a respectable program. However, I heard there was a monster recruiter on the staff who has been bringing in some decent classes recently. The opinion of Collier by the media and his fellow coaches (I specifically remember Bob Knight speaking positively about him) seems to be favorable. All I know about the team is that they've been more competitive recently, beating Kansas last year I believe? Or was that the year before? That and, the Huskers play great defense.

[penn_state_xc]

Nebrasketball = teh suck. These guys are just godawful. It makes me cringe to even hear how bad these guys suck. Even their women ballers are bad. I think they lost Sunday to a former Division II team in South Dakota Stateby at least 10 I want to say.

All that needs to be said is, in the winter time, wrestling reigns supreme in the Cornhusker state.

Try following PSU men's basketball. Your life could be worse.

[nibblesb2k]

Try following PSU men's basketball. Your life could be worse

Atleast you guys have won an NCAA tourny game in the last 10 years. Up until the last 3 or 4 years you guys werent that terrible. The Crispin brothers were a nice combo.

[penn_state_xc]

Atleast you guys have won an NCAA tourny game in the last 10 years. Up until the last 3 or 4 years you guys werent that terrible. The Crispin brothers were a nice combo.

Yea its just too bad our previous coach Jerry Dunn couldn't recruit for shit after that. Let alone he couldn't coach worth a lick. That Sweet 16 berth actually set the program back about 10 years.

[Corn Hawk]

Joe McCray cited for assault (http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2005/12/07/huskerextra/doc4395217c63692604068545.txt)

The nightmarish sophomore year for McCray continues. He had an outstanding freshman year and this year he has been worthless. This adds to his troubles. Hopefully he can lose about 15 pounds and turn his season around.

[Corn Hawk]

The Huskers beat South Dakota St. 76-67, which is too close for comfort, but a win is a win. Wilkinson, who has been our best player so far, had 17 points and 10 rebounds. B.J. Walker had 8 and 11. Dourisseau and McCray each had 12. Marcus Walker (who should be starting) had 11 points and Jamel White (who should be backing him up) had 5 assists. Maric only played 15 minutes and had 6 points and 6 boards.

They are now 6-1. Next up is hated Creighton, who has won 6 of the last 8 in the series. I don't think Funk is playing, so it would be extremely disappointing to lose to them.

[GoNebraska]

Well the Bluejays offically owned Nebraska in the first half

[bighuskermav]

Creighton owns Nebraska, PERIOD.

Better coach, better facilities, better program. Getting thoroughly dominated by a depleted Creighton team with only 8 players on their roster just shows that NU is the red-headed stepchild of college basketball in Nebraska.

[bighuskermav]

70-44. It probably would have been 90-40 if Creighton was completely healthy.

[Corn Hawk]

Creighton wins, 70-44. 31 turnovers for Nebraska. It's really pathetic that we can't even compete with these guys. Barry Collier makes Danny Nee look like Dean Smith.

[husker_blitz]

NU is the red-headed stepchild of college basketball in Nebraska.
And behind volleyball.;)

[nibblesb2k]

I can't believe Creighton dominated like that, thought Nebbie was playing better.

[penn_state_xc]

Sounds like the "Barry Collier must go" crowd is getting louder.

[Corn Hawk]

Sounds like the "Barry Collier must go" crowd is getting louder.
No one cares about Nebraska basketball. There won't be much pressure from the fans to fire him even though he has done a terrible job. If he does get fired it's just because Pederson decides he wants to attempt to have a competent basketball program.

Basketball is far behind football and baseball in terms of popularity with Husker fans.

[nibblesb2k]

Basketball is far behind football and baseball in terms of popularity with Husker fans.

After watching Volleyball on the U Saturday, I'm thinking basketball comes in 4th in husker land![down]

[bighuskermav]

No one cares about Nebraska basketball. There won't be much pressure from the fans to fire him even though he has done a terrible job. If he does get fired it's just because Pederson decides he wants to attempt to have a competent basketball program.

Basketball is far behind football and baseball in terms of popularity with Husker fans.

In fact, if Pedercunt does anything with Collier, you can add it to the list of reasons why he should be fired. With the Athletic Department already struggling to get out of the financial hole he's put it in, he shouldn't be making any decisions that would require the buying out of contracts, especially for a sport no one gives a shit about.

Just watch the team up I-80 if you want to see what a real basketball program looks like.

[MajSpike]

Wrong. Nebraska basketball is nice and snug right behind football.

[huskerfan4life]

Wrong. Nebraska basketball is nice and snug right behind football.
No, I think baseball is more popular than basketball here. At least at Nebraska it is.

[Fluff E Bunny]

FSU and Nebraska play on the 31st. Neither team is spectacular, but it should be interesting.

[MajSpike]

No, I think baseball is more popular than basketball here. At least at Nebraska it is.

Not in my book.

[joshuahuskers]

Not in my book.

In my book it is. By FAR.

[MajSpike]

In my book it is. By FAR.

Then FUCKING good for you.[devil]

[huskerfan4life]

Not in my book.
I'm guessing your a football, basketball guy? Alot of people here are football, baseball.

[husker_blitz]

I think the only reason this is being debated (between basketball and baseball) is because one program is winning at a high rate while the other is struggling to find the .500 mark consistently.

Back when NU was hitting the NCAA tournament and the baseball team was struggling, then this debate would be reversed.

Right now, baseball is winning so they are raking in more of the fan base. Nebraska has loyal fans, but they are just like most fans. If a team is winning, then we are there in person to watch, and vice versa.

[Cory]

Nebrasketball.

Heh.

[Fluff E Bunny]

FSU 74 - Nebraska 60. I totally forgot about this game being today. :(

[down]

[nibblesb2k]

Nebraska upsetting OU, soild! I have a feeling this is going to be a strange and pathetic Big 12 season.[down] As long as K-State and Mizzou stay in the gutter, I'll be happy though.

[TexasAggie2323]

Yep, nice win by Nebraska at home. Kansas also had a good win today.

I am most interested in seeing how Colorado does in Big 12 play. They are returning 10 seniors and all of their players from last year.

[silverwheels]

We totally choked. I have a sickening feeling that this OU team won't live up to its potential. :(

[TexasAggie2323]

We totally choked. I have a sickening feeling that this OU team won't live up to its potential. :(

It is tough to win on the road. I wouldnt be down about it.

[bighuskermav]

I would be down about it. Nebraska is flat out awful. The Devaney Center is a mosoleum. This win is going to look much less impressive at the end of the year.

[Tide&skers]

I would be down about it. Nebraska is flat out awful. The Devaney Center is a mosoleum. This win is going to look much less impressive at the end of the year.
I agree well sorta because if any one recalls 2 years ago when kansas was a final 4 contender correst me if im worng with that.... but i remeber when we beat them and we were invited to the NIT and lost in the third round I think well do something off this win.

[Corn Hawk]

I'm shocked that we won. I watched the whole game and it seemed that Oklahoma was about to take control a number of times. They just played really dumb basketball.

I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised though. We always beat someone we shouldn't at the Devaney Center.

I'm pumped about the win, but we'll see how the rest of the season plays out. Like I said, we've had plenty of wins like this under Collier and still had horrible seasons.

[MajSpike]

A thumping good W over KSU in Manhatten. 2-0 in conference, baby!

On another line of thinking, anybody else find it slighty amusing a Nebraska basketball thread reaching three pages, especially so early in the season?

[Corn Hawk]

I didn't like our chances in this game and yet we won comfortably, so I'm happy. However, I would like to see our guard play improve. Walker, McCray, and Dourisseau (our point, two, and three) combined to go 8 for 26 with 0 assists. That's beyond horrendous. As a team, we shot 32%, and yet we won by 15 on the road. KSU must be really bad.

[MajSpike]

KSU must be really bad.

Football... basketball... KSU just can't do anything right anymore. Except steal recruits right out from under NU's nose.

[badke]

Football... basketball... KSU just can't do anything right anymore. Except steal recruits right out from under NU's nose.
Bastid.

[MajSpike]

Bastid.

Without refuting what I said, I can assume you agree with me.;)

[AirWalke]

ISU vs. Nebraska tonight! I wouldn't be surprised if Nebraska goes 3-0 in conference after tonight, but my 'Clones are aching for a win after being blown out by Texas and barely losing to Tech.

Stinson, our somewhat of a star player, has appeared to be sleeping for the past few games, so maybe he'll mark his return tonight. If he does, Clark, Blalock, and Stinson will be hard to stop. Go Cyclones!

[nibblesb2k]

ISU and our lack of bigs is starting to bite us in the ass. Stinson does need to explode and have a 25 point game, he has been painfully quiet. Big game in Lincoln tonight, nearly a must win for Iowa State. Unfortunitely, I see the Skers winning this one, in a tight game.

[AirWalke]

We miss Homan, yes we do.

[Tide&skers]

Got some news from fox news about the dance and nebraska http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/5251200 P.S look mainly in the oakland region.

[AirWalke]

This is more like it! The Cyclones looked shakey at the start, but an 11 point lead at the half is amazing considering how poorly ISU has played recently. 41-30 ISU.

[Corn Hawk]

And the route is on. We were looking good for a while, but ISU has taken control. I guess it's not quite over yet, but we will have to play better than I think we're capable of playing in the second half to come back.

[GoNebraska]

[evil] [evil] Damn You can't let a team shoot 50 per fing cent from 3 point range nice D nebraska. Oh yah and nice turnovers too.

[bighuskermav]

LOL I guess you can remove them from the "others receiving votes" in the AP Poll..haha what a sham that was.

[Corn Hawk]

Iowa State wins 88-75. We can't win in a game that high-scoring. Our only chance is in games in the 50s or 60s. Stinson and Blalock were just too much for us tonight.

LOL I guess you can remove them from the "others receiving votes" in the AP Poll..haha what a sham that was.
Yeah no kidding. I highly doubt anyone who voted for us had actually seen us play.

[AirWalke]

Much needed win for ISU. ^^ Good game, Huskers. If it's worth anything, I expected you guys to mount a comeback and make the score closer towards the end.

[Corn Hawk]

ISU is a good team. I didn't really think we had much of a chance going in. I think Texas and ISU will make the tourney, and that Oklahoma and Kansas have a decent shot to turn their seasons around (and OSU I guess). Maybe some other team like Mizzou, Nebraska or aTm can sneak in. I don't think the Big 12 should get more than 3 or 4 teams in this year though.

[AirWalke]

The only reason I say that is because it's what happened during our game with Tech, and several other games this year the opposing team has snuck up behind us to make the score closer than the game really was.

Our freshmen really need to shape up their foul trouble. Hopefully Jiri fouling out will be a wake-up call for him... his antics seems to have spread throughout the entire team excluding "The Big 3".

[Mono]

well it was fun while it lasted...

[HogsRule22]

wow, Kansas is KILLING them. its 96-51 right now and believe it or not it should probably be worse than that lol [laugh]

[husker_blitz]

Wow...that was bad.

Anyone else think that this game might be the curtain call for Collier?

[MajSpike]

I think this is just a case of young, inexperienced players not understanding how to break down the defense. That and back to back terrible defensive efforts.

[bighuskermav]

LOL I guess you can remove them from the "others receiving votes" in the AP Poll..haha what a sham that was.

I still want to know who actually voted for Nebraska!

[Corn Hawk]

That was an embarrassment. My favorite part is how Collier just sits on his rear and says nothing as we are playing stupid, undisciplined basketball. I guess it would have been an inconvenience for him to have to raise his voice.

At this point, I don't see how anyone could say that Collier hasn't been a complete failure as our head coach. He hasn't even come close to matching the success of Nee, who wasn't exactly the second coming of Dean Smith.

[MajSpike]

At this point, I don't see how anyone could say that Collier hasn't been a complete failure as our head coach. He hasn't even come close to matching the success of Nee, who wasn't exactly the second coming of Dean Smith.

I'm sure you could find eleven people to disagree.

[husker_blitz]

That was an embarrassment. My favorite part is how Collier just sits on his rear and says nothing as we are playing stupid, undisciplined basketball. I guess it would have been an inconvenience for him to have to raise his voice.
I understand what you're saying, however as a former high school coach I can tell you when you're getting blown out there's not much of a point to yell at the players. Nothing was working all game long so why pile on. There comes a point you scrap that game and sit there and take it. Obviously this was one of those games where everything was going right for Kansas (70+ shooting [wow] ) and nothing was going right for Nebraska.

[Corn Hawk]

I understand what you're saying, however as a former high school coach I can tell you when you're getting blown out there's not much of a point to yell at the players. Nothing was working all game long so why pile on. There comes a point you scrap that game and sit there and take it. Obviously this was one of those games where everything was going right for Kansas (70+ shooting [wow] ) and nothing was going right for Nebraska.
That's a good point, but my main complaint was about the first half when McCray and Perry were jacking up horrible 3's early in the clock and we were turning it over every other possession. It wasn't that we were missing shots and they were making shots. We were playing stupid basketball. A good coach will get on his players when they play stupid basketball, and I don't think I've seen Collier really yell at anyone more than a couple times while he's been here.

[Corn Hawk]

Colorado 81, Nebraska 59.

We almost scored 60 points!

[Corn Hawk]

Well it looks like Joe McCray was either kicked off the team (http://www.journalstar.com/huskerextra2/blog/) or suspended indefinitely (http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2106624).

For those that don't know, Joe is a SG/SF that was a star for us last year as a freshman. This year he showed up 30 pounds overweight at the start of the year and every meaningful statistic has gotten worse compared to last year. He has had discipline problems as well, allegedly punching someone in the face, missing a team function, and now skipping practice. He doesn't play hard, takes the dumbest, most disruptive shots you can imagine, and has no chemistry with his teammates. It doesn't appear to me that he really cared and he was an absolute cancer on this team. He was the most talented player we had, but good riddance I say.

[husker_blitz]

So I ask again, does anyone think Collier will get the ax this season? His teams feast off of no-name teams and fall off in conference play. Now, it looks as if last season's best play (arguably) is out the door.

[TexasAggie2323]

So I ask again, does anyone think Collier will get the ax this season? His teams feast off of no-name teams and fall off in conference play. Now, it looks as if last season's best play (arguably) is out the door.

Nope, if he was your football coach then I would say yes.

[husker_blitz]

Well, go figure. Nebraska is struggling on the court, loses one of its better prospects to suspension, the hot seat just got turned to broil under our coach and they pull out a win over Misery.

[Corn Hawk]

Yeah big win over Missouri today. I was excited that Jamel White would get more playing time, and he was awesome today with 28 points. We would not have won this game with McCray on the team.

[huskerfan4life]

Big win tonight over Oklahoma State 59-57.

[Corn Hawk]

We're starting to play better now. Any win on the road in conference is huge for this team.

On a side note, we need to sit down and have a meeting with all of our student athletes and tell them that you can't go out on the court/field until the game is over.

[husker_blitz]

WTF....can anyone figure out this team???[wow]

[MajSpike]

WTF....can anyone figure out this team???[wow]

Their play hasn't been a surprise to me, they're young and inconsistent. They'll have their ups and downs throughout the season.

[Corn Hawk]

In case anyone missed it, our game-winning basket was the top play on Sportscenter. It was somewhat similar to NC State's winning shot in the NCAA tournament in 1983. Wilkinson airballed a 3 with a couple seconds left and White caught it next to the rim and put it in. What an ending! I was so excited. Next up is a home game against winless Baylor and then the schedule gets tough.

[Tide&skers]

playing kansas tonight actually right now. so it be neat if we win

[Corn Hawk]

Kansas 69
Nebraska 48

48 points on our home floor. There is no way we are making the NCAA tournament this year.

[TexasAggie2323]

Kansas 69
Nebraska 48

48 points on our home floor. There is no way we are making the NCAA tournament this year.

You probably wont make it but never say never...especially in the Big 12 this year. I could see somebody getting hot and screwing up the bids with a tournament championship.

[husker_blitz]

We still have a shot. Even though we lost, playing Kansas actually helped our RPI ranking. If we can split our remaining games and pick up one (pray for two) I think we have a decent shot at getting to the dance. Not solid, but decent chance. But we have got to stay in the upper half of conference.

[Corn Hawk]

At 5-4 in the conference, we are in a decent position. However, I have absolutely no faith in Collier or this team to do what it takes. I just don't think we're very good, as we have shown on numerous occasions this year. To make the tournament, we have to win at least 4 and maybe 5 more games in the regular season and then possibly 1 or 2 more in the Big 12 tournament. I really don't see that happening. Right now we are 5-4. I would be surprised if we finish better than 8-8. I think 7-9 is far more likely than 9-7 or 10-6.

[TexasAggie2323]

Your schedule also isnt very favorable down the stretch but like I said earlier who knows this year in the Big 12.

[MajSpike]

Considering the weakness of the Big XII this year and Nebraska's lack of name recognition, I would doubt Nebraska would make the Big Dance even if the team finished 10-6 in conference.

[husker_blitz]

Considering the weakness of the Big XII this year and Nebraska's lack of name recognition, I would doubt Nebraska would make the Big Dance even if the team finished 10-6 in conference.
I'll disagree with you. I think a 10-6 Big 12 team will make the tournament regardless just because the Big 12 is down. Who else will they take? It will be a "big" school like Nebraska over a Witchita State team (just an example.)

[TexasAggie2323]

I agree, if you win 10 games in conference you are pretty much a lock for the tourney. There has not been a team in Big 12 basketball history that has gone above .500 and not made the tourney if I remember correctly.

[MajSpike]

I'll disagree with you. I think a 10-6 Big 12 team will make the tournament regardless just because the Big 12 is down. Who else will they take? It will be a "big" school like Nebraska over a Witchita State team (just an example.)

In place of a Big XII team they will take a "mid-major" school. There is ever more pressure to take the "lesser" schools and have them dancing with each passing year. I see no reason for it to be any different different this year, especially when there are atleast a couple a major conferences down this season.

How is Nebraska any bigger than Wichita State? Nebraska can't even sell out a home game against Kansas! In fact, Nebraska has come embarasingly close more than once this season to setting the all-time home game low attendance mark. Besides, has Nebraska ever won a NCAA tourney game? I don't believe they have.

I agree, if you win 10 games in conference you are pretty much a lock for the tourney. There has not been a team in Big 12 basketball history that has gone above .500 and not made the tourney if I remember correctly.

Not true, missing the NCAA tourney with a winning conference record has happend to Big XII teams on multiple occasions. During the 98/99 season Nebraska went 20-13 and 10-6 in conference and missed a bid. In the 03/04 season Missouri with a 16-14 overall and 9-7 conference record, along with Colorado and their 18-11 overall and 10-6 conference record, missed the NCAA tourney.

A precedent has been set and I will not be surprised to see it happen again this season, especially if a team like Nebraska is on the bubble.

[husker_blitz]

Think what you will because you'll believe what you want to. Personally, I think this season a 10-6 conference showing will be enough.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out.

[MajSpike]

Think what you will because you'll believe what you want to. Personally, I think this season a 10-6 conference showing will be enough.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out.

Don't take me wrong, I want Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament. I just don't see it happening, even with a 10-6 conference record.

[husker_blitz]

Don't take me wrong, I want Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament. I just don't see it happening, even with a 10-6 conference record.
I figured as much, but arguing this is fruitless. Yes, a 10-6 Nebraska team got left out once...yes there have been several other times 10-6 was enough. Bottom line is, none of know for sure. I think they will so we'll just have to wait and see.

[Corn Hawk]

Besides, has Nebraska ever won a NCAA tourney game?
Nope

[Corn Hawk]

Personally, I think this season a 10-6 conference showing will be enough.
I think that 10-6 would probably be enough, but we would have to win the first round of the conference tournament for sure. We would still be on the bubble after that, but I think that might push us in.

Regardless, I don't see us going 10-6. We are 5-5 right now, so we would have to finish 5-1. We're a bad team, so it's hard to imagine that happening even in a down year for the Big 12.

[husker_blitz]

Regardless, I don't see us going 10-6. We are 5-5 right now, so we would have to finish 5-1. We're a bad team, so it's hard to imagine that happening even in a down year for the Big 12.
Yeah, we'll see. I was hoping for a better second half against Texas yesterday but they fell apart after a solid first half. 18-2 runs will do that to you.

But I think the rest of their games are managable if Nebraska plays like they are capable of playing. I think NU can win all of them even against a ranked (WTF?) Colorado teams. But we can also lose each of them.

I will agree with you on the conference tourney win...we need that too.

[TexasAggie2323]

I think that 10-6 would probably be enough, but we would have to win the first round of the conference tournament for sure. We would still be on the bubble after that, but I think that might push us in.

Regardless, I don't see us going 10-6. We are 5-5 right now, so we would have to finish 5-1. We're a bad team, so it's hard to imagine that happening even in a down year for the Big 12.

If you end up at 10-6 you would most likely be 4th or 5th in the Big 12. That would put you in pretty good position to win that first game if you needed it (especially if you ended up 5th).

I think the A&M vs Nebraska game is the X-factor game for both teams. I think we match up pretty well against each other and whoever wins will have the tie-breaker in the Big 12 Standings for 4th or 5th place.

[Corn Hawk]

But I think the rest of their games are managable if Nebraska plays like they are capable of playing. I think NU can win all of them even against a ranked (WTF?) Colorado teams. But we can also lose each of them.
I agree. We're done playing the 3 best teams (Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma) but we're also done playing the worst teams (Baylor, Oklahoma State). The rest of our games look like toss-ups to me, so winning 5 of 6 toss-up games is unlikely. But who knows, maybe Maric, Wilkinson, Dourisseau, and White can all play with some consistency and Perry can hit some big shots. We have some talent but I don't think that we really play with a fire (especially Maric and Wilkinson) and we don't seem to get consistent performances from anyone.

IMO there have been 3 consistent problems in the Collier era:
1. lack of offensive direction
2. terrible point guard play
3. lack of energy

The first two problems go hand in hand. We haven't had a good point guard under Collier. A good point guard makes everyone else look better, so I'm hoping Marcus Walker develops and lives up to his potential.

I think the A&M vs Nebraska game is the X-factor game for both teams. I think we match up pretty well against each other and whoever wins will have the tie-breaker in the Big 12 Standings for 4th or 5th place.
You're probably right about the two teams match up fairly well. I would feel a lot better about that game if it were at Nebraska because we have not been very good on the road the last few years. It does have potential to be a pretty big game though like you said.

BTW, is Baylor playing in the Big 12 Tournament this year? If not then the top 5 teams get a first round bye, which actually could hurt the 5 seed since they don't have an easy chance for a win in the first round.

[TexasAggie2323]

BTW, is Baylor playing in the Big 12 Tournament this year? If not then the top 5 teams get a first round bye, which actually could hurt the 5 seed since they don't have an easy chance for a win in the first round.

Yep, Baylor is NCAA tournament eligible this year so they will play in the Big 12 tournament. Wouldnt that be funny as hell if they won it and got the automatic bid?

[huskerfan4life]

Yep, Baylor is NCAA tournament eligible this year so they will play in the Big 12 tournament. Wouldnt that be funny as hell if they won it and got the automatic bid?
No.

[TexasAggie2323]

Good win tonight Nebraska. I must admit that I was hoping that you would lose (we have the tie-breaker over Iowa State since we beat them at home).
It should be an interesting finish in the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how yall fare against Colorado this time around. I havent forgotten that yall play TT first but they do not resemble the Knight coached teams of the past.

[husker_blitz]

I havent forgotten that yall play TT first but they do not resemble the Knight coached teams of the past.
I'll be at that game Saturday. My first colliegate basketball game and I get to see Knight in person for the first time since I was in kindergarten when he made an appearance at a school assembly. [smile]

[Corn Hawk]

Great win for the Huskers. Going into last night's game, I thought that was our toughest game left. After last night, my hopes for the NCAA tourney are still alive. I doubt we make it, but there's a chance. We need to win the rest of our home games (TT, CU, KSU) and take one of 2 on the road (aTm, Mizzou).

How about Maric? 37 points and 16 rebounds!!! Just an incredible performance.

[TexasAggie2323]

I'll be at that game Saturday. My first colliegate basketball game and I get to see Knight in person for the first time since I was in kindergarten when he made an appearance at a school assembly. [smile]

Yea, I like Knight. It should be a great first college game.

[husker_blitz]

Wow...the ESPN bracketology has the Big 12 with just four teams in....and Nebraska isn't one of them. I didn't think that the Big 12 could only get four in, but maybe some of you guys were right. [down] They are saying the MVC could get as many as five in! [wow]

BTW.....can't wait for tomorrow. First Husker basketball game and of course I get to see Bob Knight on the opposite bench. Really cool! :keith_yes

[MajSpike]

What time does the game start?

[husker_blitz]

3:00 Not sure if is on televison or not.

[MajSpike]

3:00 Not sure if is on televison or not.

Bobby Knight? It'll be on television somewhere. Maybe.

How do you think the game will go? I think NU will cruise right through Tech like a fat chick through cheap candy. Now that I've said that, NU will most assuredly hit a decent on their Collier-coached-game-to-game roller coaster ride that the team has been on.

[TexasAggie2323]

Bobby Knight? It'll be on television somewhere. Maybe.

How do you think the game will go? I think NU will cruise right through Tech like a fat chick through cheap candy. Now that I've said that, NU will most assuredly hit a decent on their Collier-coached-game-to-game roller coaster ride that the team has been on.

It will be an ESPN regional game. If Nebraska can hold Jackson from exploding on offense they should win comfortably. Tech has gotten better as the season has progressed but they still need a lot of work.

[MajSpike]

It will be an ESPN regional game.

Never realized I didn't live in Nebraska.

Thanks E!SPN.[glare]

[Corn Hawk]

TT 35, Huskers 31 at half.

We had a decent lead at 21-14, but then we pissed it away thanks largely to our inept offense, poor free throw shooting, and amazingly stupid mistakes. We need to play smarter basketball in the second half, and hopefully Maric can get on a roll.

[Corn Hawk]

Texas Tech wins 70-64. We pretty much had to win this game. Our defense down the stretch was the worst d I've seen us play this year. What we need to do to make the tournament is pretty simple now: win the rest of our games and a game or 2 in the Big 12 tournament.

[rowdyraiderred]

Im just glad we finally won a road game, now we can begin our miracle run at the NCAA tourney with home games against OU and A&M and road games against Baylor and OSU.;)

[TexasAggie2323]

Texas Tech wins 70-64. We pretty much had to win this game. Our defense down the stretch was the worst d I've seen us play this year. What we need to do to make the tournament is pretty simple now: win the rest of our games and a game or 2 in the Big 12 tournament.

I think you have to win the Big 12 tournament to make it now. You dont have enough quality wins and CU and A&M wont be considered "quality" imo to most people.

Hate to see yall lose today though. I would have liked to have had both teams have a lot on the line coming into College Station. Good win by Tech though.

edit: I missed your win against Marquette. That would also be considered a "quality" win.

[MajSpike]

Atleast the team broke the 60 point barrier.:(

[bighuskermav]

Nebraska getting into the NCAA tourney was a complete pipe-dream and I have no idea why anyone in the media took it seriously. Prior to today's game, NU had just barely broken into the top 100 RPI. After tonight game, they're back down to 114. The only way they get a whiff of the big dance is if they miraculously win the Big XII tourney. At this point, they'll be lucky to make the NIT.

Even if Nebraska wins the remainder of their schedule plus "a few" big 12 tourney games, they will *NOT* make the NCAA tournament. They're paying the price for playing an absolutely pathetic non-conference schedule...their overall SOS is ranked 132, which is ridiculous for a major conference team. If Stevey P and Barry C thought padding the schedule with cupcakes to get more wins was a good idea, they were dead wrong.

[Corn Hawk]

I agree to a certain extent. This simply is not a good basketball team. There was no point in the season where I thought that we were even close to an NCAA tournament-quality team. I did, however, hold out some hope that we could somehow sneak into the tournament by getting on a hot streak, since this is a down year for the Big XII.

[husker_blitz]

Nebraska getting into the NCAA tourney was a complete pipe-dream and I have no idea why anyone in the media took it seriously.
I'll admit that I got got caught up in the chance, but that is all but over now.

As for my first college basketball game, some rants:

1. I hate to say this, but I just don't think Collier can win here. Nebraska basically stood around most of the game. When they did move, they scored and showed they were the better team than Tech. But then they got lazy and Jackson light us up big-time. I'm a former high school coach and I would have been livid if my team stood around as much as the Huskers did. Simply pathetic and if Collier cannot keep his team motivated, he will go nowhere with this team. Believe it or not, NU has some players, but right now they are unmotivated and I have no idea how they cannot be. They were on the verge of gaining ground for a NCAA tourney birth and they shit it down the toliet. For this, I blame Collier, which sucks because I actually like the guy.

2. Television Timeouts: These have got to go. How freaking pathetic. They kill the game's momentum and there as too many of them. Hell the players can't even get a sweat built up with each team having its own set of timeouts then when you include the TV timeouts, the game drags on and has no feel to it.

3. Great seeing Eric Piatkowski's jersey retired at halftime and seeing everyone back (minus Danny Nee [down] ) from the most successful Husker hoops team. They did seem to abandon the rest of the team to focus on Piatkowski which was a little disappointing, but kind of understandable at the same time.

4. Great experience seeing my first Husker hoops game. Pretty decent atmosphere for the team we have here. I just wish Collier would be able to lead this team the right way.

[husker_blitz]

Another interesting saga in the life of a Nebraska Cornhusker Nebraskaballer...

After basically seeing their NCAA tourney hopes die with a lackluster performance against Tech last Saturday, they come back and explode over Colorado 93-77 to set a three-way tie for fourth in the conference race. WTF?????

Can the real Cornhusker basketball team please stand up![wow]

[TexasAggie2323]

Another interesting saga in the life of a Nebraska Cornhusker Nebraskaballer...

After basically seeing their NCAA tourney hopes die with a lackluster performance against Tech last Saturday, they come back and explode over Colorado 93-77 to set a three-way tie for fourth in the conference race. WTF?????

Can the real Cornhusker basketball team please stand up![wow]

They can stand up after they lose to the Ags!! If the Ags can beat yall then we have 4th place and a ton of momentum going into the Texas game at home.

[Corn Hawk]

93 points!?!? How does that happen? I was at another game so I was getting updates throughout the game on my cell phone and I didn't know whether or not to believe what I was seeing. Great win for us. I wish I could have seen it. We scored 93 points and our leading scorer had 17 - great team effort if you ask me.

I am still hoping that the Big 12 will get 4 teams into the tournament. If that is the case, then our game against A&M is HUGE. Here are the current Big 12 standings:

Texas 11-2 23-4
Kansas 11-2 20-6
Oklahoma 9-4 18-6
Colorado 7-6 17-7
Texas A&M 7-6 17-7
Nebraska 7-6 17-9
Texas Tech 6-7 14-13
Kansas State 5-8 14-10
Iowa State 5-8 15-11
Oklahoma State 4-9 14-13
Missouri 4-9 11-13
Baylor 2-11 2-11

Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma are in. Colorado, A&M, Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Iowa State have a shot at the tournament if they win out (I think). Here's what their schedules look like:

Colorado: Mizzou, @Kansas, ISU
Texas A&M: Nebraska, Texas, @Tech
Nebraska: @A&M, KSU, @Mizzou
Texas Tech: @OSU, @Baylor, A&M
Iowa State: @Baylor, Mizzou, @Colorado

Colorado and A&M have opportunities for big wins (at KU, vs. Texas). The catch is that those games are likely losses for CU and A&M. ISU has a bad conference record and some bad losses, but if they win out they will have a good overall record and some impressive nonconference wins.

If we win out, we will be 20-9 and 10-6, and in 4th place in the conference (possibly tied with Colorado). If CU wins out, then they get the 4th seed in the conference tournament. We've been playing pretty well lately, so I hope we can keep it up.

[husker_blitz]

Huskers drop it to the AgHoles 66-55 today with another lackluster performance. [glare] Good win by aTm. They will have a good draw for the tourney.

I will say that the Big 12 tourney will definitely be interesting with the parody this season in the league.

[MajSpike]

Found this little gem on another site: http://firebarrycollier.com/ [oops]

[Corn Hawk]

This is a typical performance for a Collier-coached team. How disappointing. I think the only way to make the NCAA tournament is to win the Big 12 tournament now (especially if we lose one of the last two, which is pretty likely).

[TexasAggie2323]

I will say that the Big 12 tourney will definitely be interesting with the parody this season in the league.

Yep, I think everybody but Missouri has a chance to win it if they get hot.

[Plottydawg]

Yup, yup. I said it once, I'll say it again:

In Nebraska......
Wrestling >>>>>>>> Craptacular Basketball teams (even our women team sucks donkey balls now.)

After our one-and-done trip in the conference tourney, Collier will be getting his pink slip. So much for that job you did at mid-major Butler. Your resume just took a giant stinky collective shit. Good luck getting a job.....maybe Peru State will hire you. They just finished a great season of 4-20....another rebuilding job for you!

[rabidawg900]

U guys have any insight on the KSU @ Nebraska game tonight? It is senior night and I want to lay some cash on the Huskers.

[husker_blitz]

U guys have any insight on the KSU @ Nebraska game tonight? It is senior night and I want to lay some cash on the Huskers.
What do you mean by insight? Frankly, this has been the most unpredictable NU team that I can ever remember. They throttled K-State earlier in the season, but you never know. Honestly, K-State probably has the advantage at this point in the season, but I wouldn't put any cash down on it myself.

[Corn Hawk]

U guys have any insight on the KSU @ Nebraska game tonight? It is senior night and I want to lay some cash on the Huskers.
Do you know what the line is? I could look it up but my internet access is restricted at work.

[rabidawg900]

The line opened @ 1.5 and is now @ 2.5. With such an unpredictable team who knows. It is senior night though. KSU playing their best ball of the year. Not putting up cash for this one.

[Corn Hawk]

The line opened @ 1.5 and is now @ 2.5. With such an unpredictable team who knows. It is senior night though. KSU playing their best ball of the year. Not putting up cash for this one.
Probably a good call. I would go with Nebraska, but it could really go either way. Nebraska is unreliable to bet on, although we've done well against the spread this year. Our game against Oklahoma State was the only game I can remember this year where I thought it was a safe bet to go with the Huskers.

[Corn Hawk]

K State 66, Nebraska 64

Goodbye Barry

[MajSpike]

If the team could only figure out how to move off the ball, pass, take good shots, hit two-footers, hit free throws, and not get last gasp mid-court shots stuffed, this team might be successful.

Are there any decent coaches available?

[husker_blitz]

Are there any decent coaches available?
Not really.

You have the bevy of "mid-major" hot prospects, but let's not forget that Collier was in that group while at Butler.

But I'm sure Steve Pederdick can find some half washed-up pro coach freshly fired to pick up. [glare]

[Corn Hawk]

Off the top of my head I would like Mike Anderson or Matt Doherty. Dana Altman would be a good choice, though I highly doubt he would come. Mark Turgeon isn't bad either. Of course, Rick Majerus might be an option, and he's a great coach. His health would be a concern though. I'm sure there are some more good candidates I'm not thinking of right now, including some pro coaches.

[husker_blitz]

Three boosters told the Omaha World Herald that they feel Collier will resign at the end of the season.

Personally, I am getting so sick and tired of the media talking to boosters. Donate your money and STFU. I could care less of their opinions. Just because they opt to donate to a particular program at a university doesnt mean your an expert of authority.

[Corn Hawk]

Three boosters told the Omaha World Herald that they feel Collier will resign at the end of the season.

Personally, I am getting so sick and tired of the media talking to boosters. Donate your money and STFU. I could care less of their opinions. Just because they opt to donate to a particular program at a university doesnt mean your an expert of authority.
I heard yesterday from someone else that he will resign. He apparently has personal reasons in addition to obviously not being wanted at Nebraska any more. He seems like a nice guy, but he simply hasn't done a good job at Nebraska. It's time for a new coach IMO.

[Plottydawg]

Yippee, yahoo! On ESPN2 you can watch Collier's season come to a crumbling end as we play Mizzou in the first round. If a miracle happens, we play OU tomorrow....

And look, we miss a foul shot to start the game....and miss another. G-O-D.....we suck.

I about choked when Frachilla said Nebraska was going to some tournament of some sort. Must be the S-H-I-T tournament to play Peru State.

Mizzou up 2-0.....lol, let the loss commence.

[bighuskermav]

Dana Altman would be a good choice, though I highly doubt he would come.

Nebraska would be such a step-down for him that it wouldn't even be funny. If Illinois and Missouri couldn't snag him, then no way in hell is a mediocre program like Nebraska going to. Creighton has better facilities, a much better history, and the team he has in place for next year will be absolutely sick barring any injuries. They probably won't make the tourney this year but only because half their team was injured for most of the year and the MVC was a ridiculously good conference.

Plus, K-State fired him back in the early 90's after a few "disappointing" winning seasons. I think he's had enough BCS-conference bullshit to last a lifetime.

[Plottydawg]

Damnit, the Collier regime lives on another day....71-64.

We still cannot hit a damn free throw to save our life.

[husker_blitz]

I like Collier and I really believe that the team is better than their record. It's just that I'm not sure collectively the team has enough heart and desire to get over the hump. I have seen the team stand around too much with a game on the line when they should be flat out flying. I personally think NU is probably the fourth best team in the conference.

[MajSpike]

Boo!

[bighuskermav]

Collier is a horrible game day coach...and he'll never get over the hump because of that. It's not like Mack Brown where he'd meltdown against good Oklahoma teams or choke in really big games....Barry just chokes in most of his games.

[husker_blitz]

Barry just chokes in most of his games.
Honestly, I'm not sure it's Collier choking, I think it is the players just don't have the internal drive to do it.

[bighuskermav]

Honestly, I'm not sure it's Collier choking, I think it is the players just don't have the internal drive to do it.

That's a coaching problem. It's been a constant throughout his entire tenure.

[husker_blitz]

That's a coaching problem. It's been a constant throughout his entire tenure.
I don't know, maybe. I will sometimes also subscribe to that line of thinking. But I also think that people mistake Collier's quietness on the bench as lacking in motivational tools. This team has talent, I'm not sold on their chemistry as a unit, which is huge in basketball.

[husker_blitz]

I know Collier may never take us to the top of the conference, but at the same time, I am seeing progress and promise in the team he has put on the court.

[Corn Hawk]

Well I'm really excited that we won. I don't like Collier, but I'm still hoping we win every game we play. Say what you want about Pederson, but he's not going to let one win over the worst team in the conference affect his decision on the future of the program. FWIW I heard from 2 sources (1 message board, 1 sports radio) today that Collier will resign at the end of the Big 12 tournament.

I was going crazy when we tried to blow the game in the second half. That was a huge shot by White. We were standing around and he totally bailed us out with a 3 when it was tied. Maric is an absolute force down low, and he was going against a guy in Kevin Young who is a really strong defender. We need to run the offense through him every time down the court. When Mizzou went to that zone and we couldn't get it to Maric we were lost. We were very lucky to win with the way we shot free throws.

I really can't see us beating Oklahoma. Hopefully we'll give them our best game.

Nebraska would be such a step-down for him that it wouldn't even be funny.
So sad, and yet so true. The notion that Altman would even consider Nebraska is ridiculous. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I posted that.

[MajSpike]

I had convinced myself that the Altman to NU rumors died many a seasons ago. Why do people try to connect the Altman and NU dots? It's NOT HAPPENIG! EVER!

This win against Mizzou isn't anything to get excited about. Collier 'coached' teams have done this sort of thing throughout his tenure as headcoach. It's just we're on an ascent in the Collier/NU rollercoaster ride that has been Barry Collier's career at NU. Oklahoma will put Collier and NU back in place.

[husker_blitz]

This win against Mizzou isn't anything to get excited about.
What a bunch of whiny babies. The win against Missouri was our first win in the first round of the conference tourney since '99 and the first loss the Tigers have suffered in the first round.

Plus, we have already beaten Oklahoma once this season, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. Geez, guys, have a little faith in the team.[glare]

[MajSpike]

Mizzou had a freakin' losing record! Why the hell should I care if NU can beat a bad team? These players and Collier have given me no reason to place any faith in them. The stupid little winning-just-often-enough trick Collier and his teams have mastered pisses me off. Winning a conf. tourney game for the first time since '99 just goes to show how bad NU and Collier really are.

Hopefully Pederson will do the right thing(not likely), giving Collier his pink slip. Collier will reap what he has sewn.

[husker_blitz]

Mizzou had a freakin' losing record! Why the hell should I care if NU can beat a bad team? These players and Collier have given me no reason to place any faith in them. The stupid little winning-just-often-enough trick Collier and his teams have mastered pisses me off. Winning a conf. tourney game for the first time since '99 just goes to show how bad NU and Collier really are.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2005/113-2/crybaby.jpg
So are you one of those annoying wagon fans that want "your" team to lose just to have a change made? Either support "your" team or stick with the Criminoles.

[MajSpike]

You're really fucking funny. A real hoot.

You don't know a damn thing about me so don't even DARE think about branding me with unsubstantiated labels.

[Corn Hawk]

HUSKERS WIN!!! Wow, I really wasn't expecting this. We played pretty well. For us to be able to beat a team like Oklahoma even though Maric did nothing and Wilkinson couldn't buy a bucket is amazing. Awesome performance by Jamel White. Richardson did a very good job of handling the ball and getting the offense going. Dourisseau didn't play all that well offensively, but he dominated the boards, which was huge. Just a great team effort for the Huskers. Go Big Red!

[Plottydawg]

**eats his crow....for one more night...**

If, by some act of God we beat Kansas, I will take off my Nebraska N avatar and have a basketball one saying "Nebraska b-ball is great."

[Mr. Tennessee]

What a bunch of whiny babies. The win against Missouri was our first win in the first round of the conference tourney since '99 and the first loss the Tigers have suffered in the first round.

Plus, we have already beaten Oklahoma once this season, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. Geez, guys, have a little faith in the team.[glare]
maybe its a good thing they dont have faith in the team. We (Tenn fans) start to have a little faith and then we lose. [down]

[husker_blitz]

So are you one of those annoying wagon fans that want "your" team to lose just to have a change made?
You don't know a damn thing about me so don't even DARE think about branding me with unsubstantiated labels.
[/clears throat] You were saying? [oops] Exhibit A-E if you please.

Boo!
Oklahoma will put Collier and NU back in place.
Why the hell should I care if NU can beat a bad team? These players and Collier have given me no reason to place any faith in them.
The stupid little winning-just-often-enough trick Collier and his teams have mastered pisses me off.
Hopefully Pederson will do the right thing(not likely), giving Collier his pink slip. Collier will reap what he has sewn.

[MajSpike]

[/clears throat] You were saying? [oops] Exhibit A-E if you please.

Six years of following Collier's ineptitude has been too much for me. If you want to continue blindly following Collier you and your fellow "fans" can go right ahead. Watch out for the cliff that's just around the corner.

Boo!

Damnint, Collier, just let your reign end!

Oklahoma will put Collier and NU back in place.

Guess I can't count on a Sooner to get the job done.[glare]

Why the hell should I care if NU can beat a bad team? These players and Collier have given me no reason to place any faith in them.

14.83, what does that number represent? That number represents the average margin of defeat NU has earned in the team's TWELVE losses this season. Well done, Collier!

The stupid little winning-just-often-enough trick Collier and his teams have mastered pisses me off.

I'm glad Collier has secured a winning season this year. It is his second in six seasons. Collier's 89-89 mark overall, 36-60 league mark, and 2-5 conf. tourney mark has been enough to appease some, but not me.

Hopefully Pederson will do the right thing(not likely), giving Collier his pink slip. Collier will reap what he has sewn.

It looks like Nebraska will have been duped into another year of underachievement.

Believe it or not, I want what is best for this program. Collier is not it. He never was it. Collier was just a backup plan because dollar bill couldn't get who he wanted. Altman's continual dismissal of the NU HC position goes to show how bad the NU situation is... not even a HC at a in-state school wants to be at NU.

[husker_blitz]

Believe it or not, I want what is best for this program. Collier is not it. He never was it. Collier was just a backup plan because dollar bill couldn't get who he wanted. Altman's continual dismissal of the NU HC position goes to show how bad the NU situation is... not even a HC at a in-state school wants to be at NU.
There's an arguement I can live with.

But when you claim to be a Nebraska fan, it's hard to feel warm and fuzzy when you respond with a "Booo" after a win. Pisses me off when I see that.

[MajSpike]

The more Collier loses, the sooner he can punch his ticket out of Lincoln. Permanently.

[TexasAggie2323]

Good win last night. Oklahoma finally had a close game bite them in the ass. Good luck against Kansas.

[husker_blitz]

Good win last night. Oklahoma finally had a close game bite them in the ass. Good luck against Kansas.
Yeah, we will need it. Kansas has slapped us by 42 and 21 already this season. Maybe third times a charm, but I'm not sure we match up with them as well as we did against Oklahoma.

[husker_blitz]

KU proved to be the better team, but nice run by Nebraska. Be interesting to see what seed they land in the NIT now.

[Corn Hawk]

Yeah, Kansas won pretty easily. They're just a terrible match up for us. Hopefully we can make a run in the NIT. Even though he didn't shoot very well in the Big 12 tournament, I'm really going to miss Wilkinson. He's a very good player and will be hard for us to replace.

[bighuskermav]

So are you one of those annoying wagon fans that want "your" team to lose just to have a change made? Either support "your" team or stick with the Criminoles.

Actually, I'd say that's a sign of intelligence because it shows the ability to think long-term rather than short-term.

I'm almost an outsider to Nebraska basketball.....and believe me, NU would be much better off without Collier.

[husker_blitz]

I'm almost an outsider to Nebraska basketball.....and believe me, NU would be much better off without Collier.
I have no problem with one thinking that or saying that, but I do have a problem when so-called fans start hoping the team loses just to have a coaching change made. Seriously, what kind of fan hopes their team loses in anything?

[MajSpike]

I have no problem with one thinking that or saying that, but I do have a problem when so-called fans start hoping the team loses just to have a coaching change made. Seriously, what kind of fan hopes their team loses in anything?

A fan that is willing to sacrifice the present in exchange for success long term.

[husker_blitz]

A fan that is willing to sacrifice the present in exchange for success long term.
I'm curious, did you agree with critics of Callahan on the possibility of sacrificing his first season in exchange for success down the line?

[MajSpike]

I'm curious, did you agree with critics of Callahan on the possibility of sacrificing his first season in exchange for success down the line?

Unlike basketball where the program has no history to lose, the football team had a irreplacable bowl streak on the line. No, I don't agree with the prospect of Callahan having throwen away 2004 for possible future success.

[husker_blitz]

Regardless of how anyone feels about Collier, the fact now surfaces the season is just about over, save for the NIT tourney.

Honestly, I see the opposition viewpoint. Look back at this thread and at one time I also agreed it was time for Collier to go, and honestly I am clearly on the fence about replacing him.

Pedersen also has to be double-thinking anything as well. Similar to the football program, the basketball team has made improvements after a "down" season. So the question is, how much progress was enough to save Collier's job?

On one hand, the team didn't make the NCAA, but made the semifinals of the conference tournament and has 19 wins with more possible coming in the NIT. Can Pedersen actually remove a guy with 20 or 20+ wins after a .500 season before, ala Solich's removal, when progress certainly showed in the win column. Pedey should be a little gunshy about prematuringly canning a coach that had shown progress from one season to the next, and rightfully so. NU's success in the conference tourney, and perhaps a deep run in the NIT, could make it almost impossible for Collier to be replaced by way of firing.

[Corn Hawk]

The notion that Callahan sacrificed 2004 is ridiculous first of all.

I can never bring myself to hope for a loss for the Huskers, even if it might help to get rid of a coach I don't like, but I guess I can understand how people can feel that way. However, I don't think that is really necessary in this case. One win over Oklahoma in the Big 12 tournament isn't going to save Collier's job, and I don't think anything we do in the NIT will save his job either. Whether Collier gets canned or comes back for another year, I think the decision was made before the conference tournament. Obviously, doing something crazy like winning the conference tournament would make Pederson reassess the situation, but I don't think 1 upset win would change Pederson's mind.

If it were up to me, I would get rid of Collier. He has had plenty of time and absolutely no success at Nebraska. I won't be terribly upset if he gets 1 more year because there has been some improvement, but I do think that would be a mistake.

[husker_blitz]

The notion that Callahan sacrificed 2004 is ridiculous first of all.
Why? I'll admit it's not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but it isn't really a apples to oranges discussion either.

In both cases, there was improvement seen on the playing surface, which was the goal for both programs. If Nebraska hits the 20-win mark, it will be harder to fire Collier or force a resignation. Granted, if Collier resigns on his own will, the whole thing is a mute point.

[Corn Hawk]

Why? I'll admit it's not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but it isn't really a apples to oranges discussion either.
I should elaborate on what I mean by that. It is a good comparison because in both situations it's prioritizing the current season and future seasons. My point is that Callahan and his staff did not sacrifice their first season.
In both cases, there was improvement seen on the playing surface, which was the goal for both programs. If Nebraska hits the 20-win mark, it will be harder to fire Collier or force a resignation. Granted, if Collier resigns on his own will, the whole thing is a mute point.
20 wins is quite a few wins, but to me this season was the same story as every other season under Collier. We have now gone through 6 seasons with Collier and have been to the NCAA tournament 0 times. As usual, we had a couple good wins but continued to get beat by the bottom feeders of the conference. I don't really see a lot of progress with this program. I wonder how many major conference schools give a coach more than 6 years when they haven't even made the tournament once.

[Plottydawg]

Well, the NIT brackets came out...and Nebraska gets a nice little trip to Hofstra. If the NU team that beat Oklahoma shows up, we win. If it doesn;t.....we're one and done. Plain and simple.

We win somehow, we get a date w/St. Joe's and Phil Martelli's weird looking melon. Guess they play some decent ball there too.

[Corn Hawk]

Collier to stay as Nebraska basketball coach (http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2132534)
In an overall view, finishing in the top half of the Big 12, being the No. 6 seed in the tournament, and winning 19 games represents significant improvement from a year ago. The missing ingredient now is an NCAA tournament appearance.
The success in the Big 12 tournament is quite possibly the next step in turning the corner. We beat an excellent Oklahoma team, the No. 3 seed in the tournament and a top 20 team, and did it in impressive fashion.
Well, I don't agree with this decision, but I can live with it. Hopefully Collier can develop the young players on the team and the incoming freshmen. Now let's win the NIT!

[bighuskermav]

So Pedercunt fires the wrong coaches and keeps the wrong ones....lmao what a fuckup.

[husker_blitz]

Well at least it is settled and team can fully focus on Hofstra now.

Personally, I like the decision since there was progress made. Making a change could have stalled or even reversed any progress made this season.

Basketball is a totally different animal than football is. It is much harder to get to the top since you're limited to just a handful of players and chemistry is much more important in basketball than any other sport.

There is plenty of work to do for the program, but hopefully Collier can prove a bunch of you wrong and take the next step next season.

However, I can't help but wonder if some of the points I have made earlier in this thread (and to Plotty) made Pedersen hesitate in buying out Collier.

[husker_blitz]

For those interested in the "other" tournament....Hofstra downed Nebraska 73-62 in their NIT game. tonight.

NU finishes the season 19-14.

[bighuskermav]

LOL, I have to wonder if Collier will get a bonus for this. Pedercunt seems to love mediocrity.

[cdj]

Perhaps the team would have played with some emotion/energy had Collier's fate still been in the air. Then again, that big "run" in the Big 12 Tourney came against Mizzou and Oklahoma - hardly powerful squads.

I hate to say it, but I don't think I can stand another year of this crap. :( I'm hoping I'll be proven wrong, but I've said that for six years now.

[Corn Hawk]

For anyone wondering, here are the winning percentages of Collier and past coaches:

2000-05 Barry Collier 0.494
1987-99 Danny Nee 0.572
1981-86 Moe Iba 0.599
1964-80 Joe Cipriano 0.562
1955-63 Jerry Bush 0.380
1947-54 Harry C. Good 0.465

So in other words, Collier is easily our worst coach since the early 60s. And we just gave him a 7th year.

[bighuskermav]

Being the worst coach at Nebraska in the last 40 years is kind of like graduating last in special ed. :(

[husker_blitz]

I hate to say it, but I don't think I can stand another year of this crap.
LMAO...so what are you going to do? Root for Creighton now?

[MajSpike]

LMAO...so what are you going to do? Root for Creighton now?

Atleast Altman teaches his players how to play sound basketball(ie. not Barryball).

Why wouldn't someone want to support a coach and team that know how to play?

[husker_blitz]

Atleast Altman teaches his players how to play sound basketball(ie. not Barryball).

Why wouldn't someone want to support a coach and team that know how to play?
Because I am not a fan of Creighton, so why would I root for them? I'm sure Coach K does an outstanding job at teaching his players, so does Roy Williams among several others...but I don't support them either.

[MajSpike]

Are you not a fan of good coaching?

[husker_blitz]

Are you not a fan of good coaching?
I'm rather a fan of schools I respect and admire. Sometimes the teams aren't what you hoped for, but as a fan, you still support the school, the program and the players.

[MajSpike]

So... let me get this straight. You respect programs with bad coaches, but not those with good coaches?

:p

[husker_blitz]

So... let me get this straight. You respect programs with bad coaches, but not those with good coaches?

:p
All depends on the program.

For instance...I admire the likes of Bobby Bowden, Joe Paterno, Bill Synder, etc, etc because I respect their contributions to the game and how they coach their players, plus all three are good coaches. But in the same turn, I am not a fan of Florida State, Penn State or Kansas State.

Then you have coaches that I respect but may not be outstanding coaches like Dan McCarney, Coach DeBerry, etc....ya seeing the point here?

[MajSpike]

Ahh, so you respect the coaches, just not the program.;)

[husker_blitz]

Ahh, so you respect the coaches, just not the program.;)
Uhm...yeah...I never said I didn't. Hell, I even have some respect for Callahan although I may not totally like the guy. But I'm coming around with the way he handled himself this past season. That same type of respect is given to Collier. I may not agree with some of his coaching decisions, but I admire the way he handles himself and the program.

[MajSpike]

Leave Cally out of this. This is about basketball. Besides, he's had enough trouble with the fucdjing hill billies and misinterpretations of 'cut-it-out' that he doesn't need you to jump on his back, too.

So as long as Collier doesn't use prostitution, free shoes, 'extra' homework help, etc. to lure in recruits, you're A-Okay with a continued NCAA tourney drought... err, make that continued drought of success, of any kind?

You sure are a man of high stature.

[husker_blitz]

Leave Cally out of this. This is about basketball. Besides, he's had enough trouble with the fucdjing hill billies and misinterpretations of 'cut-it-out' that he doesn't need you to jump on his back, too.

So as long as Collier doesn't use prostitution, free shoes, 'extra' homework help, etc. to lure in recruits, you're A-Okay with a continued NCAA tourney drought... err, make that continued drought of success, of any kind?

You sure are a man of high stature.
Why don't you go back and reread the past few threads...it was geared to coaches in general.

And, yeah, I am not a win-at-all-costs type of person. Nor do I have must respect for fans that encompass those attitudes. So I guess we have nothing more to talk about then.

[cdj]

LMAO...so what are you going to do? Root for Creighton now?


Ummm, no. [rock] ...but making a concerted effort to go to games, watch on TV, listen on the radio, etc. may have to decrease or stop. A guy can only watch so many train wrecks before they all look the same. Collier is a good guy, but I am losing any remaining faith I may have in him as a basketball coach.

I even mentioned I hoped my fears will be proven wrong, so why the 'going to root for Creighton' mention? When the two play, I'll always root for NU...but I don't have some inferiority complex like some NU fans where they feel they have to hate CU...as far as I'm concerned, I hope CU wins every game but one. That would show that a school in this state is capable of winning in hoops. However, just because one is/becomes apathetic towards NU doesn't mean they are now a Bluejay season ticket holder.

[Corn Hawk]

Atleast Altman teaches his players how to play sound basketball(ie. not Barryball).

Why wouldn't someone want to support a coach and team that know how to play?
So did you cheer for Miami when they were dominating FSU for a stretch?

Do you cheer for USC now? Their offensive coaching is obviously much better than FSU's. Carroll and Kiffin teach their players how to play sound football. Why wouldn't someone want to support a coach and team that know how to play?

[MajSpike]

Why don't you go back and reread the past few threads...it was geared to coaches in general.

I did. You made the point of supporting coaches who are 'good guys' regardless of their coaching abilities.

And, yeah, I am not a win-at-all-costs type of person. Nor do I have must respect for fans that encompass those attitudes. So I guess we have nothing more to talk about then.

Good. You shouldn't be. However, you should understand a coach is here to teach his players how to play, not how to be a 'nice guy'. That is up to the individual's family and, ultimately, himself.

[MajSpike]

So did you cheer for Miami when they were dominating FSU for a stretch?

No. As a "fan" you should know better than to think I would switch my allegiances.

Do you cheer for USC now? Their offensive coaching is obviously much better than FSU's. Carroll and Kiffin teach their players how to play sound football. Why wouldn't someone want to support a coach and team that know how to play?

Your question would be easily answered if you read any discussion I have been involved with in the NCAA football forum.

I do applaude the abilities of the coaches USC possesses. That doesn't mean I will support the team. Not only does USC have some of the most obnoxious, arrogant fans on this board, but I had already chosen my programs long ago. There simply isn't any room for USC in my heart. I can't be a fan of every team who does well, especially when success can change so quickly(see Miami '01 to Miami '05 and '99 NU to '02 NU), that would make me a bandwagon fan.

[Corn Hawk]

That's what I'm saying. A fan wouldn't change allegiances to another team just because they are more successful, especially a rival. So why would you think that a Nebraska fan would decide to become a Creighton fan?

[husker_blitz]

I made the Creighton comment because cdjacobs said he just couldn't take another year of how Nebraska had been playing. So, I was just curious as to what he planned on doing if NU did have another year like this one, perhaps change alliances.

[MajSpike]

That's what I'm saying. A fan wouldn't change allegiances to another team just because they are more successful, especially a rival. So why would you think that a Nebraska fan would decide to become a Creighton fan?

Who said you couldn't like both teams. I'd hardly consider Creighton and Nebraska to be rivals... when Creighton only participates in one Div. 1 sport that NU participates in.

[husker_blitz]

Who said you couldn't like both teams. I'd hardly consider Creighton and Nebraska to be rivals... when Creighton only participates in one Div. 1 sport that NU participates in.
Ummmmm.....baseball anybody?

[MajSpike]

Ummmmm.....baseball anybody?

:D God bless America's past-time.

200, bitches.

[cdj]

Well.....After giving Barryball one more year, rumors are flying that he has been in contact with Ball State.

Links:

http://www.bsufans.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=9995&3

http://www.bsufans.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=9982&30

[husker_blitz]

Well.....After giving Barryball one more year, rumors are flying that he has been in contact with Ball State.

Links:

http://www.bsufans.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=9995&3

http://www.bsufans.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=9982&30
Interesting...strange we haven't heard any of this here. [rock]

I would bet he would give NU another year before bailing, however. Too soon to jump ship know and Nebraska would be screwed trying to find a coach right now.

[cdj]

Interesting...strange we haven't heard any of this here. [rock]

I would bet he would give NU another year before bailing, however. Too soon to jump ship know and Nebraska would be screwed trying to find a coach right now.

I don't think he'll leave either, but if he did it wouldn't completely surprise me.

If he goes, it shows that he doesn't have much faith for next season and is jumping ship before they make him walk the plank. He has more appeal now than he would if fired next year.

Also, in todays OWH, Pederson and Boehm say that Ball State never asked for permission to talk with Collier and this is all new to them. If that's true, they have to be pretty upset.

With that being said, I think he has too much pride and loyalty to his players to leave....but in college sports you never know.

NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson told The World-Herald on Friday that no one associated with Ball State had asked for permission to talk with Collier.

On Saturday night, in a phone interview from Indianapolis, NU Associate A.D. Marc Boehm said: "I'm sitting next to Steve right now, and he hasn't heard anything. That's news to us."

Boehm said he has spoken briefly on the phone with Collier in recent days "but nothing about what you're talking about."

Scott Spinelli, NU's associate head coach, also expressed surprise at any potential Collier-Ball State tie.

"He hasn't said anything to any of us," Spinelli said from Indianapolis. "Wow! I have no idea."

[husker_blitz]

Hmmm...I can't believe I missed reading that in the paper this morning, although I will say I only glanced at the sports section.

But anyways, hard to say what will happen here. On one side, a lot of these rumors never are remotely close and other times this is how it all starts.

[cdj]

Hmmm...I can't believe I missed reading that in the paper this morning, although I will say I only glanced at the sports section.

But anyways, hard to say what will happen here. On one side, a lot of these rumors never are remotely close and other times this is how it all starts.


That's very true. It's either a bad rumor, or else Barry already has his bags packed. Seems like it's either all or nothing.

This rumor seemed to start from a post by KC writer Jason Whitlock on bsufans.com after meeting with the Ball State AD. (Whitlock is an BSU alum.) Barfknecht also mentioned in the OWH that he has heard these rumors in Lincoln and Indy.


Some speculation emerged in Lincoln late last week and Saturday in Indianapolis at the Final Four that Ball State, a Mid-American Conference school in Indiana, was interested in Collier to replace Tim Buckley, who was reassigned to a fund-raising position after going 93-87 in six seasons.

[husker_blitz]

That's very true. It's either a bad rumor, or else Barry already has his bags packed. Seems like it's either all or nothing.

This rumor seemed to start from a post by KC writer Jason Whitlock on bsufans.com after meeting with the Ball State AD. (Whitlock is an BSU alum.) Barfknecht also mentioned in the OWH that he has heard these rumors in Lincoln and Indy.
For some reason I know that name. I don't think I met him when I was a sports editor, but I know I have came across his name before.

[husker_blitz]

For some reason I know that name. I don't think I met him when I was a sports editor, but I know I have came across his name before.
Ahh...I remember. He was blasted on Utopia a little while back for some stuff he had written.

Count this rumor as more than likely unbelievable.

[cdj]

For some reason I know that name. I don't think I met him when I was a sports editor, but I know I have came across his name before.


He's a relatively big-name writer for The KC Star and also does some work for ESPN.com I believe. He follows the Big 12 very closely....he comments in his post at BSUfans.com that the BSU AD didn't even ask him any questions concerning Collier - despite him following the Big 12. I believe his direct quote is that the AD is "clueless." Ouch.

I figured you probably ran across him while an editor. Here's his pic:
http://www.kansascity.com/images/kansascity/kansascity/12764/162927289580.jpg

Back to the matter at hand...if there is some truth to this and Barry returns, I wonder if some fans will be turned off. "Heck, the coach doesn't even want to be there, so why should we go?" Quite an interesting turn in this offseason. It could be the first time Nebraska basketball makes the news during the Final Four! That has to count for something. [laugh]

[husker_blitz]

Collier won't talk about job at Ball St.
BY LEE BARFKNECHT

http://www.omaha.com/c_images/fills/black.gif
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
LINCOLN - Nebraska basketball coach Barry Collier, through a spokesman, said today he "doesn't comment on rumors" when asked to discuss his possible interest in the coaching opening at Ball State.
http://www.omaha.com/imglib/mainsite/pub_0/photos/medium/1029jlcollier.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:gen_open_win('toolbox/photo.php?u_sid=2144836&u_id=83801', 'bigPhoto', fs_photo);) Barry CollierWRTV, an Indianapolis television station, reported Sunday night that its sources indicated Collier has shown "a lot of interest" in the Ball State job, which came open when Tim Buckley was reassigned after six seasons.

The TV station also said it learned, without citing sources, that Collier "had a conversation" with BSU Athletic Director Tom Collins.
Nebraska athletic officials said over the weekend they had no knowledge of any interest Collier might have in going to Ball State, which is in Muncie, Ind. Collier went to school in Indiana at Butler and coached at Butler for 11 years before going to Nebraska.

NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson told The World-Herald on Friday that no one associated with Ball State had asked for permission to talk with Collier.
Buckley was moved to a fundraising position after compiling a 93-87 record in six seasons.
The Muncie Star-Press reported that four candidates had been interviewed: Craig Neal, University of Iowa assistant coach; John Treloar, LSU assistant; Tony Barbee, Memphis University assistant; and Tracy Webster, Illinois assistant coach. Brad Brownell, former head coach at North Carolina-Wilmington, reportedly interviewed with Ball State but was named head coach at Wright State.

Collins, the Ball State athletic director, has declined to comment on the coaching situation and has not announced a timetable for hiring a coach.

............

[bighuskermav]

Also, in todays OWH, Pederson and Boehm say that Ball State never asked for permission to talk with Collier and this is all new to them. If that's true, they have to be pretty upset.

Didn't Pedercunt go behind the Arkansas athletic director's back to give a reach-around to Houston Nutt in 2004? That stupid cock-smoking hypocrite can feel free to shut the fuck up.

[husker_blitz]

Didn't Pedercunt go behind the Arkansas athletic director's back to give a reach-around to Houston Nutt in 2004? That stupid cock-smoking hypocrite can feel free to shut the fuck up.
I was thinking the same thing....

[cdj]

Didn't Pedercunt go behind the Arkansas athletic director's back to give a reach-around to Houston Nutt in 2004? That stupid cock-smoking hypocrite can feel free to shut the fuck up.

Ha - I thought that earlier today as well. Do as Pedey says, not as he does. [wow]

The BSU job is going to Ronny Thompson, an Arkansas assistant.

[Corn Hawk]

Well that was disappointing. We almost got rid of our coach earlier than expected.

Whitlock sucks.

[NikRid]

I guess I'll be the only one at every Nebrasketball home game next year.

I have to admit I have a soft-spot for Mr. Collier. I like his personality, but he really has to find a new career.

Now it's time to spawn a new debate:

In 2008 will Nebraska

A)Retain Barry Collier because without Nebraska he will become a guy on the streets begging for money

B)Mind-probe everyone in the state to come to Husker Hoops games because we are actually losing money playing these games

C)Hire me as their coach 'cause I tell the players that scoring is a good thing.
(now THAT'S good coaching)

[Corn Hawk]

B.J. Walker, Smith gone from NU basketball program (http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/04/07/huskerextra/doc4436c972a2294808371597.txt)

Losing these guys isn't really a loss.

[cdj]

According to this site (http://www.draftexpress.com/dedaily.php?p=653), Nebraska sophomore center Aleks Maric has declared for the NBA draft, but has not hired an agent. (There were rumors last off-season he would not return so he could play pro ball in either Europe or Australia.)

This comes in the same week top assistant Scott Spinelli left for the same position at Wichita State.

Not a good week for 'Nebrasketball.'

[husker_blitz]

Can you say, "Ouch". [down]

Hopefully he comes back, otherwise, so much for the Cornhuskers' 2006-07 season.

[Corn Hawk]

If I were an NBA team I definitely would not draft Aleks, in either round. I really hope he comes back, for our sake and for his sake.

As for Spinelli, meh. I know that Nebraska fans are in love with him, but I don't see how he's so great. We had far better talent in the 90's than he has brought in. Besides, he's just abandoning a sinking ship. He wouldn't have been here past next season anyway.

[husker_blitz]

As for Spinelli, meh. I know that Nebraska fans are in love with him, but I don't see how he's so great. We had far better talent in the 90's than he has brought in. Besides, he's just abandoning a sinking ship. He wouldn't have been here past next season anyway.
Kind of foolish to compare NU of today to that of the 90s teams with Danny Nee. Too many comparisons to be made for a comparison.

Spinelli hurts, no doubt about it. He was NU's top recruiter and was a force in getting the Cornhuskers to where they placed in the Big 12 this season.

Losing Spinelli hurts a lot more than losing Maric.

[MajSpike]

My memory is a little fuzzy... does Nebraska have anyone else capable of plaing center next season if Maric is gone?

If not, it's back to the Big XII cellar for Collier.

[cdj]

My memory is a little fuzzy... does Nebraska have anyone else capable of plaing center next season if Maric is gone?

If not, it's back to the Big XII cellar for Collier.

I think they would have to plug in newcomer Toni Soda, who sounds like a project. :(

[Corn Hawk]

Kind of foolish to compare NU of today to that of the 90s teams with Danny Nee. Too many comparisons to be made for a comparison.
What? I'm comparing our talent in the 90's to our talent now. It's a simple comparison. I don't see how that's not fair. For no apparent reason Husker fans think Spinelli is some great recruiter even though he hasn't brought in a whole lot of talent.

Spinelli hurts, no doubt about it. He was NU's top recruiter and was a force in getting the Cornhuskers to where they placed in the Big 12 this season.
We finished in 6th place with a below .500 record in conference play in a 12 team conference that had its worst year ever. I guess with Collier as our coach mediocrity looks like an accomplishment.

Losing Spinelli hurts a lot more than losing Maric.
Losing a good recruiter hurts more than losing a good player long term for a program. Spinelli hasn't shown that he's a good recruiter, and even if he is he would only have been at Nebraska for one more year. Losing Maric would hurt much more.

[husker_blitz]

What? I'm comparing our talent in the 90's to our talent now. It's a simple comparison. I don't see how that's not fair. For no apparent reason Husker fans think Spinelli is some great recruiter even though he hasn't brought in a whole lot of talent.
Youre taking some of the best Nebraska teams in its history against today's teams. Success brings in more quality players and we lost that when we slipped under Nee.


We finished in 6th place with a below .500 record in conference play in a 12 team conference that had its worst year ever. I guess with Collier as our coach mediocrity looks like an accomplishment.
Doesn't matter what kind of year it was for the conference. Someone else could have stepped up and finished sixth and they didn't...Nebraska did. That, my son is improvement over the past couple of seasons.

Losing a good recruiter hurts more than losing a good player long term for a program. Spinelli hasn't shown that he's a good recruiter, and even if he is he would only have been at Nebraska for one more year. Losing Maric would hurt much more.
I disagree.

[Corn Hawk]

Youre taking some of the best Nebraska teams in its history against today's teams. Success brings in more quality players and we lost that when we slipped under Nee.
Those teams still weren't that good. All those teams combined for a grand total of 0 NCAA tournament victories. We had an average program in the 90's. It's only unfair to make the comparison now because we have an atrocious program.

Doesn't matter what kind of year it was for the conference. Someone else could have stepped up and finished sixth and they didn't...Nebraska did. That, my son is improvement over the past couple of seasons.
So finishing 6th in the Big East would be the same as finishing 6th in the Mid Continent? The strength of the conference is very relevant, and being below .500 is never something to