Life in the Red Group

Posted by: rluben on February 11, 2012 12:00PM CST Storm Shelter vs Cellar Dwellers....let's get ready to stumble.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 12:06PM CST Go Huskers. This is the one they should win! Push Penn St. point gaurd to his left and he will not score.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 12:09PM CST Hey we scored before the 15min mark! Life is good!

Posted by: BigRedinKC02 on February 11, 2012 12:10PM CST Doc isn't wearing a tie, he's already giving up on the his tenure at Nebraska. In other news, Toney McCray is still our best player, so damn athletic.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 12:17PM CST Is it on TV?

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 12:21PM CST Found it on espn3. At work so I can't watch on TV.

Posted by: Derrick Smouch on February 11, 2012 12:32PM CST Will they give up after this 9-0 run? Let's hope not. Lot of game left. Somebody has to take a charge though.

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 12:33PM CST This is just a game thats to bad that someone has to win.

Posted by: jeff in Alaska1 on February 11, 2012 12:43PM CST Couldn't believe the way Doc threw McCray under the bus about being 'confused'... Penn State shooting 62% from 3 point....I guess we really "can't guard any better than we're guarding." that's classic....just like doing an excellent job in all areas has become

Posted by: Old Guy 22 on February 11, 2012 12:48PM CST One minute to go in first half and Huskers are down 12. I didnt realize how bad this team was until now --make wild passes, really dumb shots etc etc etc. The B1G has to love having to play our BB team. Pathetic

Posted by: Insidious1 on February 11, 2012 12:50PM CST I do not fault the players at all. Doc's scheme is holding some players back, by some i mean all... and i like Doc...

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 12:52PM CST Good shot at wrapping up the cellar in conference. Too bad last place doesn't give you next years 1st round pick.

Posted by: TomOs on February 11, 2012 12:52PM CST Hey a season first for us.. two dunks..awesome

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 12:53PM CST Wow Fox and Nenimin in the game at the same time.

Posted by: TomOs on February 11, 2012 12:54PM CST The game is on ESPNU.. if not watching a good movie or DVD..

Posted by: TomOs on February 11, 2012 1:01PM CST We have a good chance to beat 50 pts.. if we get to the free throw line, second half.

Posted by: BobB on February 11, 2012 1:04PM CST Game is on espnu TV. I don't fault the players. They are just not B1G level. They are trying, but they are overmatched, sadly even against PSU. With Diaz gone, no inside game at all. Next season will be even worse. Five? seniors are gone. Oh my. TO must be squirming. No foreseeable way out of this situation and I don't mean just this game.

Posted by: BigRedinKC02 on February 11, 2012 1:10PM CST 4 players always on the three point line, kicking the ball out to set up a play with 10 seconds left on the shot clock, nothing but 3's for shot attempts, etc. Jesus Christ this is pathetic.

Posted by: Insidious1 on February 11, 2012 1:12PM CST Even with Diaz there was no post. Opponents double the high man on the high pick and roll all year and leave the runner open every time, all year.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:13PM CST Changed to my rally Avatar for good luck. Walker didn't get the message....turnover and dunk. Rats.

Posted by: Insidious1 on February 11, 2012 1:14PM CST No isolation, no 1-4 high or 1-4 low. No 2 on 2, no weak side passing.

Posted by: Ivy Mike on February 11, 2012 1:15PM CST Desperado is on AMC and Salma Hayek hasn't had her dance scene yet if you want to watch something good. TO may be watching it.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 1:23PM CST we still getting blown out??

Posted by: BigRedinKC02 on February 11, 2012 1:25PM CST PT - Yes, but Caleb Walker dunked it earlier in the game, which was cool.

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 1:26PM CST I can remember when we could at least play with some of the top teams in the country. We are getting our a$$ handed to us by one of the worst teams in America.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:26PM CST We're panicking when we get the ball....rushing way too much. That's what makes them look worse than they really are.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:28PM CST Switch to zone is good....Fox gets a tie-up

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 1:29PM CST Can't understand why no other team runs our offense.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:33PM CST We have to drive and dish....and get to the foul line.

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 1:34PM CST Most of our players wouldn't start for good high school teams. I am done watching this one.

Posted by: ScottF on February 11, 2012 1:34PM CST Is Doc's house listed for sale yet?

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 1:38PM CST Hope Doc's proud of his realtor.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:42PM CST Could've cut it to 10, but Talley misses the 3 and follows up with a turnover. Run something for Fox. PSU doesn't know he can shoot.

Posted by: BigRedinKC02 on February 11, 2012 1:44PM CST I really think Omaha Central would run NU out of the gym.

Posted by: BobB on February 11, 2012 1:44PM CST Doesn't need to worry about selling his house. He will get the $3.3 million from TO! :)

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:46PM CST And now come the absurd comments.

Posted by: BobRo on February 11, 2012 1:47PM CST Sorry, we thought this was a comedy sight.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 1:52PM CST Old school They the kids forgot to read our comments yesterday. That 23 for Penn St can not finish with his left. Gaurd the right side and he can't finish. Very disapointing. This was one you and I thought we should win.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 1:57PM CST Yeah Buck, there were a lot of chances in this one. We had to think outside the box on this one, and we stayed in our comfort zone too much....which they anticipated.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 2:01PM CST I had to laugh when the ESPN guys said "look at the Nebraska offense, it looks just like a windshield wiper going back and forth at the 3 point line. back and forth back and forth." I had never thought of it like that, but it was a good desciption.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 2:05PM CST It's OK to do that if it's close or you're ahead, but they did need to be more aggressive off the bounce when down.....for the life of me I think Richardson could drive on Frazier, but never did. Especially if we empty the middle and open things up.

Posted by: Fitzy on February 11, 2012 2:21PM CST Unfortunately we have one of, if not THE worst D1 Basketball teams in a a BCS conference in the United States of America... Shooting .396 as a team against another of the worst teams in America in a BCS conference and getting dominated... There really is no decision to make here for T.O.- It has been made for him hasn't it? This team has reached criminal levels of suck. Somebody stick a fork in him... he's done.

Posted by: Red Respect on February 11, 2012 2:23PM CST If you have very good basketball athletes, with high basketball IQs, many of the plays and outcomes fans are expecting become common. It is extremely easy to move players around for imaginary results from my living room. Having coached for years ... I try to avoid that temptation. Moving the ball side-to-side has always been a tactic to get the defense to work harder. I would have to listen to a replay, but I believe the reference to the windshield wiper offense was not negative in and of itself. It was followed by the comment that Michigan had made a decision to switch everybody 1-5, which is a bit abnormal. But it is successful against Nebraska, especially with a limited post presence in Diaz' absence. Snowball is rolling ... still respect the players and coaches ... will support the whatever decision is made in a few weeks.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 2:36PM CST RR Listening to the comment was a negitive because they wer not doing anything to make it off ballance. You have to move the ball quickly, which we were not, and you have to look and see if it creates something, which they did not.

Posted by: VinceLo on February 11, 2012 2:44PM CST fire,fire,fire.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 2:48PM CST Here is a stat for you. Penn St is ranked 328th out of 338 D1 teams in shooting % at 38.3% They shot 52.3% against us!

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 2:52PM CST I was hoping the remaining players could pull together and work as a unit, but it just appears that the balance needed to trust each other isn't there. That may not be Doc's fault at all. We have 4 senior starters, albeit Spencer is new to the group. The announcers made an interesting point about the PSU coach having his captains own the practice, and actually ran the practice prior to Illinois....with positive results. A team that is fractured in it's trust, or maybe hasn't found it because of the circumstances has stuff like today happen. I'm still hoping they can find something that works for them in the next 5 games.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 2:56PM CST Old school I have to amend my prediction of a win at Iowa. I am still hoping and rooting fort them but just done't see it happening.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 3:03PM CST Buck - I had a feeling they would shoot better against us, but with a weak middle we guarded the paint heavy and they made us pay. Now, I think we should've changed defenses more than we did. We did that once in the first half and it got us back within 8, after they missed 2 threes. We should've changed after EVERY time out on the floor. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 3:08PM CST Yeah, that's likely, but again, if they can sit down with each other and Doc, and decide they're going to have to think outside the box, get Ubel and Fox some looks, get the upperclassmen to coach up Rivers, Hilliard and Moore, they've got to take a chance to get some points from somewhere else....or from some new sets. Again, desperate times.....

Posted by: Guido on February 11, 2012 3:21PM CST I worked until 4 am and I literally slept through the entire game. I'm not much different than the Nebraska players I guess. I can't wait to hear the nuggets of inspirations (excuses) that came forth after this game. At least Nebraska fans don't need to watch the NCAA selection show in a couple of weeks and complain about the bad seed or matchup they were given. Sigh ... And to believe that it was only last year that I was at the Texas game in Lincoln where the Nebraska team beat the #3 team in the nation with an inspired effort and was harboring positive thoughts about the possible future of Nebraska basketball. Nebraska now had 1st class facilities for basketball with the new practice facility and upcoming arena. If I was the coach, I'd schedule practices at the old gym and tell the players that they didn't deserve to practice in the new facility (but maybe I'm cruel that way in that I would be honest with them). Let's see if Dr. Tom Osborne can make the tough decision to go get a new coach who can recruit some difference makers who won't quit. Only 62 days, 20 hours and 39 minutes until the Spring game. Go Big Red!

Posted by: HuskyHusker on February 11, 2012 3:22PM CST If TO keeps this guy then I think TO has gone senile. This is getting ridiculous.

Posted by: fatwasichu on February 11, 2012 3:29PM CST Excuse, afrer excuse, after excuse. Six years. Enough.

Posted by: IM_Hip_Hop on February 11, 2012 3:32PM CST Only a handful of games remain in the Doc Sadler era. At a time when this program has an opportunity to build excitement & momentum with a new arena & practice facilities, a fresh direction is desperately needed at the top. Do the right thing, TO. Thank Doc for his service and show him the door after the season.

Posted by: Wecandoit! on February 11, 2012 3:40PM CST This is seriously getting pathetic... Losing by 16 to PENN STATE, REALLY?! The guys have definitely given up. Doc's had 6 years here, enough is enough. Is there anyone out there to hire though worth a dam (that would come here)? I say we go after one of these big assistants, roll the dice, give him a good contract and go forward. One of the assistants should be Erick Strickland perhaps. How about we hire Eric Piatkowski! No, but seriously - WHO is out there?! The Butler coach? Their fortunes this year have fallen quite far. They are barely above 500. Neb bball is a big, big mess. And we have to try and fill a new arena in a couple years.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 3:47PM CST "I can't wait to hear the nuggets of inspirations (excuses) that came forth after this game." "Let's see if Dr. Tom Osborne can make the tough decision to go get a new coach who can recruit some difference makers who won't quit." Guido, so....they shouldn't review film of this game look for the things they can address because that's "excuse making". You don't want them to quit, but it's OK for you to quit on them. You were only on board last year at Texas? Did you even know they beat Indiana this year (with different personnel)? They have 5 games left, and if you truly want the program to turn around, the end of this year will mean a lot for next year, whether Doc is here or not.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 3:53PM CST If it is Toms decision to let Doc go after the season so be it. Don't hire a Butler coach, not one of them has panned out once they left Butler. If you want to take a big risk that might have big reward, then go after Terron Lue, and have Eric Strickland as top asst. I think that would make a great pair.

Posted by: dakotamark on February 11, 2012 4:05PM CST I have been a husker fan since 1970, I cant remember a time when the athletic department was this down. Baseball fell off the cliff, basketball has become a tragedy and the once proud football team is mediocre at best. I hope we have hit rock bottom! Cant take much more of this.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 4:09PM CST Something Old School said yesterday got me thinking. (i know be careful) Diaz does change the game for Nebraska when he is in, as Old school says. Like Diaz, South Sioux city had a 7 footer last year, who like Diaz, was not a dominant player. My son handled him pretty well, and was over a half foot shorter. But because you have to make sure you gaurd him, and he takes up a ton of space he does make a difference. Look at South Sioux this year. Pretty much the same team, but has no inside guy and they have lost 6 games this year. Huge for them. Unlike South Sioux who are at the mercy of who lives in their district (they aren't a Catholic school you know) Nebraska should have a better supporting cast that should be able to make up the loss of Diaz. If you have smart Baskteball players, they should be able to make some adjustments and be competitive. I just don't see that happening though. I really hope this week off helps them get it together for the last 5 games. If they come out next week and play like today, it is going to be even tougher to watch.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 4:14PM CST As of this time, these are the guys who are likely to make up the potential contributors for next year. Shields looks to me like the only one from the new recruits. Talley 6-5 Sr Ubel 6-10 Sr Gallegos 6-2 Sr. Fox 6-4 Sr Niemann 6-11 Sr Rivers 6-7 So Hilliard 6-1 So Moore 6-5 So Shields 6-5 Fr This is who your savior coach is going to have to work with....so I hope you can support them going forward. There may be a few excuses along the way, so if you can't handle that you might as well get it out of your system now, and leave them alone next year.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 4:19PM CST Old School I am betting Niemann will "transfer" JMO

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 4:24PM CST I also think you left one off. Almeda. If you can get him healthy, and slim him down some, he make be OK. HE will have to want it though.

Posted by: Sabretooth on February 11, 2012 4:26PM CST Old School, You forgot to include Almeida. Also I agree with Buck, I think Niemann will no longer be with the team. Either he transfers or goes on medical because his knees are so bad

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 4:31PM CST You are correct, I forgot about the medical redshirt. However, he is going to have to really work himself back into shape. Niemann might be done medically, but for argument sake, I left him in there because who we get may contribute at a similar level. A lot of question marks.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 4:34PM CST Actually, Almeida should've been back this year, but had the "pain" issue after surgery. I don't know if that ever resolved, and if it didn't he may not be back, or trying to play in pain....which doesn't bode well as we've already seen.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 4:37PM CST So, actually my list may even be shorter if Niemann is gone and Almeida is ineffective. :(

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 4:45PM CST Couldn't watch. Didn't listen. so any comments I might make would be base of off those make here. Which might be dangerous. Based on last weeks performance however it seems perhaps Doc has lost this team. Lots of things that "should" have happened but didn't. From the outside looking in one might think they have quit. Or are very confused as to what is wanted or needed. Am I off base here?

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 4:57PM CST PT, I'm watching a little Creighton, but can multitask too. The whole quitting thing is absurd. They had another poor shooting performance, spent the whole game working the perimeter....I don't think we scored more than a few in the paint. On D, they played mostly man in the first half, and shaded everything inside since we were weak there, and a couple of PSU guys shot well from three (way better than normal...but the ignorant on here don't see that they were stronger inside, so we had to give them the outside). Yeah, at critical times we missed some open looks, or had turnovers, and so they stretched the lead. End of story. I was looking for some dramatic attempts to shake up the strategy, but we basically stuck with our same MO and PSU didn't have to adjust on D.

Posted by: Trashman on February 11, 2012 4:58PM CST Old School "This is who your savior coach is going to have to work with". What do you mean by this? Is this a slight on the players as Doc is getting out all he can out of them? Are you saying Doc is a poor recruiter? Or that a new coach will give us the same results with these good players? I don't get it.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 5:02PM CST So Doc does not trust them to do things out of their comfort zone? I don't like the "quit" word either. He also does not want to give the young guys a shot which I can understand to a degree. Sad times for sure.

Posted by: Islander/Husker on February 11, 2012 5:16PM CST Just got home, and I was hoping the Huskers would be victors. But alas, not to be. I agree with Buck the importance of an inside presence, especially in the B10. Big bodies are good to have. They don't have to be great, but be good enough that you have to account for them. I think you have to have two things to be successful. An outstanding point guard, and some big men who can bang. Then you build a team around that. I always support the players, and want them to be successful. It has to be hard on them. McCray said he really expected this team to get to the NCAA's, and is real bummed they have not played at the level he expected. So hope they can finish well in their last six games, which will give them confidence for next year, regardless who is the HC. You know that Doc is not going to mail it in. He will coach as hard as he can regardless. Then it will be up to Tom to make the decision. It's his to make and not ours. Whatever he decides, I will support.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 5:20PM CST Trash - the common complaint (above and after every loss) is we don't have D1 talent. We do have talent, as I have addressed several times, but have been decimated in the post by injuries. We will be graduating the majority of our scoring and best defenders, with the possibility of NONE of the 3 post players returning. Those trashing this team for no talent, no effort, etc. don't look forward enough to see that even if we get another coach (their "saviour" who will make everything right, recruit bluechips, etc.), we have a HUGE challenge next year. I am appealing for patience, or please get off the bus now, because the players do hear everything being said against the program and the coach (See McCrays comments in the W-H this AM). Whether Doc is here or not next year, it will be even more of a challenge....they haven't seen anything yet.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 5:28PM CST Trash - To back up a little further, I have attempted to remain positive in supporting Doc and the team despite the mob mentality that takes over the message boards, the fickle Devaney crowd, etc., etc. So, that is my context,...however, the mob does buy tickets, and I expect that despite the logical setbacks to the program from key injuries, TO may have to act despite his initial expectation to get Doc the tools he needed to compete.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 5:33PM CST Islander - I wasn't referring to you, but the free for all further up the thread. I appreciate your remarks.

Posted by: Rygolf on February 11, 2012 5:35PM CST So Old School, what do you propose? We give Doc ANOTHER six years to see if he can even make it to the first round of the tourney??? The problem is that for every detractor out there, there are people that are complacent and want to give Doc "the chance with the right tools, blah, blah, blah". Now don't get me wrong, I love Doc and his attitude but what is the best and first thing that ANYONE says about Doc? "He's a great guy". Unfortunately, that isn't enough. I am a fan just as much as you are but rather than trashing the team, I'll trash Doc since this all falls at his feet. If you give Mike Krysiewski (sp?) or Bill Self this team at the beginning of the year, don't you think they could have done much better? This team can't closeout a game and I don't put that as much on the players as the coach. Plain and simple, Doc has put himself in this hole by not coaching these kids enough as I believe they do have the talent as you have said. Unfortunately, it's been the same excuse for him all of the 6 years...he hasn't succeeded and it's time to make a change. Plain and simple.

Posted by: Trashman on February 11, 2012 5:43PM CST Old School Okay, thanks. So you think that had Diaz/Almeida not been injured that this team is say, 7-11 or better in conference? And Doc has had had the "boon" of promoting the practice facility (built) and use the prospects of the future with the arena. Where are the guys he's bringing in using these top-notch advantages? Or are they good and Doc's not getting it out of them?

Posted by: Trashman on February 11, 2012 5:56PM CST I guess what I'm saying is that the buck has to fall somewhere.....and it just can't be all injuries. I mean, if Doc's a good coach....he finds a way around the injuries with different game plans, approach, etc. If he's a good coach and the players are not that good them what kind of recruiter is he? If he's a bad coach and the players are good then what? I guess most on here are taking the "6 year evaluation" and determining something just isn't right. That ultimately falls on the guy taking the paychecks.

Posted by: Guido on February 11, 2012 5:57PM CST I have and always will support the team. I hate to be the bearer of bad news (the truth in this case). But when the coach loses his players and their respect, it is over regardless of what the talent level is because they quit giving the effort needed to be competitive and win. That is what we have seen as this season has progressed. In my opinion, it is time to move on. Guido, MBA '92 Nebraska

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 5:58PM CST Rygolf - I'm just a basketball junkie that doesn't particularly care who the coach is.....I jumped in when people start making ridiculous accusations about the quality of coaching or the players, trying to point out the things I see that I appreciate about the team, strategy, etc. that may be overlooked. So, I see a lot of good things and still support the players and coach despite the Kafkaesque events that have hurt this group. I know Doc didn't want the guys to rush when they got down today, but it's tough to rein in human nature to panic and stop trusting each other, or the game plan. His fault? or theirs? Or Doc should have a deeper bench, but he had a logical plan to recruit big foreigners and build around them with what he could. His fault it didn't work out? or just circumstance? Seemed like a good plan to me. I'll let the administration make the decision on whether he stays or goes. Ask Connie Yori if she controlled all the events over the past 3 years with her team. She knows if Kelsey Griffin doesn't come back from injury 2 years ago, all the downstream events she gets credit for now don't happen. Did she dictate that? Know way..... it's just how it worked out. Doc hit the worst stretch of bungles (Robert Sallie - courtesy of the compliance dept) injuries, defections (Stanhardinger), etc. etc. It may take him down. If we do get a new start with someone else, I just hope his path is a little less rocky, but it won't be for awhile.

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:01PM CST what the...!! we lost to the last place team, now we're tied for last! dark clouds are pouring rain over doc's regime..

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:04PM CST trash, what if he's a bad coach w bad players?

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 6:09PM CST Old school I put the Sallie thing not only on the complience dept but our Dir of basketball operations. He hasn't helped this team out either.

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:11PM CST 66k/month for 4 yrs, "severence pay" for being a "really good guy": great work if you can get it.

Posted by: Trashman on February 11, 2012 6:11PM CST Bo-Bru Intentionally left off...definitely could be the case.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 11, 2012 6:16PM CST I was also hoping that Doc's plan might work enough to get some other higher profile recruits here. If anyone thinks you can get a Blue Chip player to come here then I want to know what you are smoking. But, as Eric Strickland has said, you go after those next tier kids. That Duke North Carolina, or kansas are going after to fill the roster and get them to start and play here, he kid in Iowa that choose Iowa over North carolina is a perfect example of the type of kid youo need. He would have probably been a 9 or 10th kid off the bench. Now he will be a stud at Iowa. I really belive if you get the right guy in here he can do that. Nee did it and it worked for several years.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 6:26PM CST Sorry, Guido, but truth or not, when the negative voices escalate to this level, it creates such a distraction that the players can't focus like they should. Like Martinez earlier in the year, it strips them of the ability to enjoy what they are doing....and if you don't like what you're doing you just may give up, or at least struggle to function at a high level. So, whose fault is it? Certainly not the jokers who call them quitters, etc. The kids are supposed to man up and not let it bother them. Right? Doc hasn't lost them, but he may have lost their ability to focus on the task at hand due all this negativity.

Posted by: Trashman on February 11, 2012 6:26PM CST Buck Absolutely. If things go down as I expect....people are gonna be very surprised here.

Posted by: Guido on February 11, 2012 6:30PM CST Bourne - Trick question? Doc's responsible for both of those (coaching and recruiting) - isn't he? Basketball is no different than other sports where you can't fire all the players. They always fire the coach.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 6:31PM CST Trash - how so?

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:35PM CST trash, nvr seen a doc team that can shoot and every year there's the "injury" thing. I want tNE to have a quality, respectable team, but have kept an emotional distance from the whole thing as it is too frustrating. the whole thing's gotta be revamped, like 3-4 years ago, but many fans trying to hold out faith: just not going to happen w this "regime", so the sooner people face up to that the better, that is, if fans really want a good team--the waffling attitudes are fairly annoying, but I elaborated on that yesterday. the writing's on the wall, IMO, if I were TO I'd pull the rigger season's end.

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:38PM CST guido, well, current players eventually graduate and/or fade into the woodwork when a new coach brings in better players, thus there occurs the phenomenon known as "good coach and good players." capice signore guido?

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 6:45PM CST I think our linebackers are gonna be good. Oops, wrong thread LOL

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:48PM CST stay on point PT, this is of grave importance..

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 6:53PM CST and why did they get rid of Nee again, was it the ties?

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 7:00PM CST The track team is doing good.

Posted by: Old School on February 11, 2012 7:05PM CST Relay Club member since 2007. We do rock the track.

Posted by: BO-urNe sUpremacy on February 11, 2012 7:25PM CST how's the bowling team been doing?

Posted by: PT Husker on February 11, 2012 7:53PM CST Actually the Trackand field team has been good for some time. Frank is an institution. gets athletes from all over the world.

Posted by: Rickinaz on February 11, 2012 10:55PM CST Two years ago I was concerned about the number of big men we had because the guys seemed to be slowed. This year I heard that they were raren to go, but the reality was that they were both still hurting and we did not succeed in recruiting a big man. That changed my and everyone's attitude from "were going to get after it" to "why did'nt we pick up a center last year?" To me that was an extreamly obvious player to add and Doc grabbed 2 PF's. They are both big guys but I'm not sure that one of them will be accidemically qualified and they are NOT true centers. We need to get an offensive minded coach in my opinion that can recruit or this is going to remain a problem for at least 1 more season and more likely two.

Posted by: Guido on February 11, 2012 11:01PM CST OK. I'll play along and ignore the elephant in the room for awhile ... How's the rifle team doing? Where is their blog anyway?

Posted by: Mentally Red on February 11, 2012 11:05PM CST Osborne will need to speak out about this soon and make his intentions known, because if Doc is staying, then recruits need to know this. Uncertainty about the future of the HC can kill recruiting. Given the size of the buyout (that was kind of a Steve Pedersen move), the injuries, the new facilities, and the fact that Doc is well liked, I expect Osborne to come out and support him...for one more year. But Doc will definitely be on the hotseat next year.

Posted by: Mentally Red on February 11, 2012 11:07PM CST But then again, this sure feels like the 2007 football season, doesn't it?

Posted by: BobB on February 11, 2012 11:32PM CST the rifle team has been pretty much on target, but the bowling team has fallen into the gutter ....

Posted by: Utah Husker on February 12, 2012 12:36AM CST Hey...someone give me a call if we take a shot BEFORE there is one nano second left on the shot clock.

Posted by: Husker Fan on February 12, 2012 1:28AM CST Just an opinion from someone that has been to every home game this year and will be at the last 2 plus has watched the rest on tv. First off this Husker basketball team has no on the court leader. They have no Lance Jeter. Secondly they were never as good as I think everyone thought they were. Loses early in the season to Oregon and Wake Forest showed that. I knew it was going to be a long season when we lost those 2 games. Third, Almeida was probaly the biggest lost to the team of the returning starters, I believe we would have taked over the #1 center position. Diaz is just too weak and lacks the aggressiveness to play at this level, then losing Diaz put the nail in the coffin. Fourth, the team had probaly the toughest start to a conference schedule of any team in the nation and that took away alot of the confidence they had and the Northwestern loss as pretty much finished the players off. After the Northwestern lost, the players don't seem to have the drive they had. People like to always blame the coach cause it's the easy way out in the politically correct world we live in, but at some point the players on the court need to field the blame also. I'm not afraid to blame them. They are taking horrible shot, dribbling the ball off their own feet, throwing wild passes. And they are the ones that have seem to quit on each other and Husker Nation.

Posted by: Old School on February 12, 2012 3:38AM CST Husker Fan, I think your observations are very accurate. Having Almeida would've been huge (no pun intended). The only comment I have is about the quitting issue. I don't think playing frustrated, or disorganized or unmotivated in these circumstances is necessarily quitting, although they maybe they have quit being as disciplined as they should. Pretty understandable, but not mutiny. The leadership, or lack thereof, can certainly play into that and this team has become pretty fragile with all that has happened to them over the past couple of years. If one person loses their focus for a moment and gets beat, or misses a pick, it's easy for the quitting perception to escalate from there. That's why I think Doc should have them get together and hammer out a plan for themselves they can commit to for the rest of the season, given these new challenges. I don't think Doc has lost the team. I go back to Nee when players actually BOYCOTTED the team and went to the administration. Anyone remember that? That to me is the true definition of losing your team. Being frustrated with your coach, having some gripes, is a commonplace thing all players must address. Although difficult to watch, I don't think that's where we are, even if outside observers give it that label. Hopefully the players don't let the frustration of the masses dupe them into giving up on things now. They have to finish the season together and fight the good fight.

Posted by: RED KOOL-AID DRINKER on February 12, 2012 5:27AM CST OK guys its the red kool-aid drinker. Ihave stuck by Doc since he arrived and will do so to the end[which I FEEL may be soon] I will not claim to have all if any answers. Most of us agree that we like Doc,but unfortunetly liking Doc isn't going to win us any games. If Tom decides to pull the trigger I will support who ever comes in,if not I will continue to support Doc and the Husker players. I will hope he gets things turned around,but at this time it seems highly unlikely. Doc made the error of saying this was probably going to be his best team and I know you can't forsee injuries,but injuries or not,the guys he put out there couldn't shoot well on a consistent basis[they can out do me,but then I was a wrestler] We had a hard time shooting free throws and if you can't shoot when no one is guarding you,how can you shoot when they are? As I said though I will still root for the team till the end

Posted by: The OzFather on February 12, 2012 7:31AM CST Raises and extensions for all! Signed, Tom Osborne p.s. How about Matt Davision or Eric Piatkowski as new coach?

Posted by: PT Husker on February 12, 2012 8:27AM CST I thought we played hard, but we're not playing with any purpose. We're just out there playing right now," Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said on his postgame radio show. He went on to say "It is my job to give them a purpose". I won't call it quiting but just going through the motions is pretty close in my uneducated boodk

Posted by: TomOs on February 12, 2012 8:30AM CST Husker Baseball coming up..

Posted by: TomOs on February 12, 2012 8:37AM CST Matt Davison??? for what?

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 10:33AM CST letsgo....Tom did make a decision....he gave Doc an extension on his contract and a raise. Now he's on his way to Wally World to get some egg remover.

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 10:37AM CST A lot of similiarities to the football and basketball season.....IMO. Mainly the inconsistant play and shades of the team giving up when smacked on the chin.

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 12, 2012 10:39AM CST letsgo......just showed he doesn't know basketball at all. NO butler coach has done well once they left Butler. We already tried that once, and it didn't work. Scott Suuton couldn't do well when he had OK st. And why in the world would ANY coach leave the other schools they were at?

Posted by: Old School on February 12, 2012 10:56AM CST Well said VincentFo, I'm with you. Letsgored, I'm hoping if it comes to that, we just open things up and find the best fit regardless of price. If it's expensive, or not, find the best person that addresses our shortcomings and challenges as a basketball program, someone who gets us and wants to be here. I hope you're not disappointed, it may be a short list.

Posted by: mike5790 on February 12, 2012 11:09AM CST People seem to forget that even before Doc was hired there were articles that talked about how some were advising Doc NOT to come to Nebraska because it was a career-killer.

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 11:23AM CST letsgo....that day will come the same day KU plays for a NC in football.

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 11:30AM CST mike....I'm with you. What great BB coach would come to Nebraska? Desparation isn't exactly the best motivation for a new coach. Nee had some players that went on to play in the NBA yet we still didn't compete well in the NCAA. I'm not saying it can't be done but the recent methods of achieving sustainable BB at Nebraska have fallen way short.

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 11:35AM CST I don't think we'll get a seasoned great coach to come here. IMO, TO needs to find some young ambitious coach from a tradition rich area and let him try to build this program from scratch.....which should have emphasis on playing hard with a stingy defense.

Posted by: Nebraskan in VA on February 12, 2012 11:46AM CST Question: I read in a recent post we do not us AAU players and why? Some reason for or against?

Posted by: Rygolf on February 12, 2012 12:08PM CST I think possibly getting a young guy in here that can BUILD the program from ground up and build up some tenure would be nice...Doc's been pretty stagnant since day one. Win some he shouldn't, lose a few he shouldn't and just go along at the snails pace to be 9-12 in the conference. I like the idea of a Mark Few, Brad Stevens or Shaka Smart (for another name) and letting them go crazy with recruiting and in the new arena. They could sell that. Fleaflicker, I think the only name you could get here are from the smaller schools and you could sell the B1G and major conference. Beyond that, they'd have to drop football money to get a real big name here which we know won't happen. It just sucks that we are having this same conversation about basketball that we were 6 years ago (PD - pre Doc, 12 years ago-ish pre-Barry), etc. I think Tom has to start making some big decisions regarding this sports program. He is a very loyal guy and likes to promote from within and with NE ties (ie Erstad, Papuchis, etc.) but I think we need to shake things up now in basketball or we will always be bottom feeders in the B1G. I hope we can do what needs to be done as it pains me to feel like this about NU basketball.

Posted by: big red 1 on February 12, 2012 12:18PM CST has any one talked to Bobby Knight at all ???

Posted by: big red 1 on February 12, 2012 12:24PM CST I read earlier post that the team had given up. I don't think that is true but they may be very close. Many people are pushing this on to Doc which is about true but the players have to got to be held accountable also. Dribbling off of ones foot, very erratic shooting and extremely poor passing is on the players not the coach. Even if we get a big name in here unless he brings in some big recruits I think it will be worse than this year. This is just IMO but it did play in high school so I have a very good idea what is going on.

Posted by: BobB on February 12, 2012 12:29PM CST Who would want to talk to Bobby Knight about anything?

Posted by: big red 1 on February 12, 2012 12:32PM CST BobHe> A big time name and was always a good recruiter.A fiery coach is what the doctor ordered!!!

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 12:44PM CST Yeah....get Bobby Knight here. He and Bo could have spitting contests.

Posted by: fleaflicker on February 12, 2012 12:46PM CST Maybe we should have the Bobby duo here at DONU.....Knight and Bowden?

Posted by: TomOs on February 12, 2012 12:47PM CST Its a catch 22...... Find a undiscovered genius of a new coach.. that comes here and turns this program around.. and he will be out of here, to the big basketball schools, Duke, NC, NC st, etc.. when they have a head coach opening.. getting a big name coach to come here, is near impossible, when the percentages say he would be doomed to failure..

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 12, 2012 12:47PM CST Neb in VA We do talk to AAU kids but haven't been able to get most of them. If we didn't talk to them then they would not have offered Gasel or Ubel for that matter. Most of these kids play something if not AAU. The problem is to get a good AAU kid you need to grease the coaches wheels. That is where the problems start for a guy like Tom. He sees that the biggest problem in basketball today is the AAU and the way the NCAA has done nothing to stop the way it operates.

Posted by: Nebraskan in VA on February 12, 2012 1:06PM CST Buck: Thanks for the info

Posted by: BUCK4NU on February 12, 2012 1:20PM CST No problem, just my opionion on the whole AAU thing. What we really need is someone that can sell coming in and being the guy that get a program going. alot tougher than it sounds.

Posted by: half full on February 12, 2012 5:34PM CST funny...in a painful sort of way... just watched a Yahoo report on coaches on the hot seat...did not even mention Doc or NU interestingly it did mention Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber I actually think Tubby Smith would be a decent hire. Certainly a bigger name than we have ever had and he would have a lot of resources at his disposal.

Posted by: Old School on February 12, 2012 6:24PM CST Half full, You just injected a shot of reality that should be sobering. Minn and Illinois got the kind of coaches we aspire to....Tubby and Bruce. Look at their talent compared to ours and it is sobering. Yet, Doc had us in the game at Illinois and we should've won it if we just could've played a little more solid. And Minnesota is VERY talented...Tubby can recruit. But as I said on here before, they are the most uninspired group I have seen this year, and we were only a game behind them in the standings when we played them. So, Doc and the boys were hanging with programs that have riches compared to us. Still makes me think that if another player besides Diaz had been lost, we might have faired better and not had the wheels come off so bad. I think the killer for Doc is this incoming class...if we just could point to next year with some certainty of help on the way,but alas......

Posted by: mike5790 on February 13, 2012 7:44AM CST Old school. Exactly right. We don't have any forwards coming in that make you think next year could be better, and who's going to play PG? Unless Almeida is doing power yoga, crossfit, and/or some PX90 at home between basketball skill development, I don't know if he can win on the defensive end (or play 28-30 min a game). Doc is probably going to get another year unless he decides to leave. Doc could really improve the team if we lose a scholarship player and maybe pick up a late, decent PF transfer?

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 8:41AM CST I went to the Minnesota game and was disappointed when learned that Diaz would not be in the lineup. I thought earlier in the year that he would not return at all. He does make a difference. I thought we would struggle to win any conference games without him. The talent level between Minn & NU was striking. We tried pressing them at the end and it turned into a dunk fest. (So much for the idea of turning this bunch into a full court press group.) I too don't see much help coming in. Next year looks pretty rough. Only way it works next season is if Diaz and Almeida are healthy. Longshot! Diaz is probably done for good. I see more and more coaches keeping their players inspired over the full course of a game...much less over the course of a season.

Posted by: Old School on February 13, 2012 8:51AM CST Yeah, Diaz is unlikely, but I'm worried about Almeida too. Is he even practicing with the team? He's not even on the bench in street clothes...if he hasn't made progess to that level yet, I have to think he's looking at more surgery with an unkown outcome. Or, he's done and their holding out on bad news as long as possible. You have to think Doc would be putting out any kind of hope if they new he was on his way back.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 9:49AM CST This has been the strangest season. I still believe that a healthy roster would have made for a really good season. I was really pulling for Doc. I don't believe that he gets another season at this point.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 9:59AM CST Is this a private conversation?? LOL

Posted by: Old School on February 13, 2012 10:03AM CST PT, Watchca got for us today?

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 10:14AM CST Mostly just reading and learning from my betters. I do think that TO needs to be careful in this. If it means keeping Doc for another year so we can get the right guy (If that is even possible) so be it. From what many are saying next years talent is not good so regardless of who is here it is going to be another long year so lets not jump off the cliff just for change sake.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 10:16AM CST Example, Eric Strickland. He is a car salesman. No disrespect to buck but he has been away from the game for some time. One would think, if he had coaching skills, he would be doing it in some fashon already.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 10:18AM CST Not that he is being tossed about as a head coach.

Posted by: Old School on February 13, 2012 10:44AM CST Make's you wonder if some these comments come from from people who have ever hired anyone. Lue? Head coach material? Really? I agree, maybe an asst working with the front court guys, but who has he ever recruited working in the NBA? The front office and head coach take care of that.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 10:57AM CST I wonder about Lue...mostly because of the Fred Hoiberg hire at ISU. Lue apparently is working with player development for the Celtics. What he does bring to the table is connections. I do not know enough about the man to say wether or not he is HC material. I would love to Strickland or Lue as assistant coaches. Piatkowski is another name I have not heard mentioned. My preference would be a big name coach. Recruiting the B1G footprint primarily. Second choice would be to take a chance on one of the above mentioned types. Ties to NU and NBA connections. Get some buzz going around our program.

Posted by: eddie again on February 13, 2012 10:57AM CST doc is a class act. he has taken care of his players and run his program with class and integrity. he gets great effort from his players. obviously, he is in serious need of a top notch recruiter, but outside of NC, KU, Duke and Kentucky who is not in need of a top notch recruiter. also, he is in serious need of an offensive mind to build a good offense. the defense is above average. i would have no problem with giving doc a few more years, at least until his teams have played at the haymarket for a full year.

Posted by: Old School on February 13, 2012 11:17AM CST Half full.....interesting. I thought he was a low level bench asst., but Hoiberg was in player development, too, correct? Although Hoiberg did have quite a few years in that capacity, which to me means he probably had more fully developed personnel skills, networking, etc.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 11:20AM CST So Eddie, you think he should do a Frank Solich and revamp his staff and then be given a few years to see if it works?

Posted by: eddie again on February 13, 2012 11:20AM CST danny nee is considered by many to be nebraska's finest basketball coach. his win percentage at nebraska was 57%. doc's win percentage at nebraska is 54% and that includes this year in which doc has had to contend with multiple injuries to key players. doc's record at unl justifies his continuing as our head coach.

Posted by: eddie again on February 13, 2012 11:37AM CST pt, yes, i definitely think he should be given a few more years. yes, i definitely think neither he nor his staff appear to have good offensive minds for basketball. it could be as simple as offensive theory. teams have 35 seconds to make an offensive basket. deliberately waiting until the last ten seconds of a possession to make something happen is a completely bad offensive theory (if that is how the huskers are being coached offensively). doc's offense seems to be wasting about 70% of its offensive possessions not attacking the defense. it does not get much easier for a defense than having to defend only 10 seconds of an opponent's possession. in the first 25 seconds of an offensive possession, a team's focus should be on running the offense so as to get a basket in the paint, each time and every time. only if the offense cannot penetrate the defense by the ten second mark, should the offense be willing to take the three point shot. from my observations of televised games, it seems nebraska has a serious problem with recognizing when the inside man is open for an entry pass and also have trouble, even when they recognize the opportunity, of executing the entry pass. finally, regarding offensive theory, when facing a zone defense, i strongly recommend using an offensive strategy of penetrating the zone and either taking the shot or finding the open man off of the penetration. we seem to pass the ball around and around with rare attempts to attack the basket. a different but equally valid offensive theory when attacking a zone is to make the zone move often, far and frequently. however, this requires strong skills in cross court passing to be very effective, i.e. from the right corner to the top of the left of the offense or top left of the offense to the corner right. these are very difficult passes and require much time and emphasis in practicing. offensive aggession results in more defensive fouls and more stress both physical and mental on the defense. my personal theory of offensive basketball is to create maximum pressure on the defense. i am much less concerned about shooting percentages than i am about points in paint scored (pips) and points in paint allowed (pipa). those, imho, are the two most important statistics in basketball. doc is a very good motivator, defensive mind and fundamentals coach. offensive mind and recruiter, not so much.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 12:04PM CST Eddie, this all sounds excellent on paper. doc has had some turnover on his staff in the past and has either not been able to find, or has not looked for, the person or persons you describe. So should TO step in and dictate, to a degree, what he (or we) would like to see? Which, btw, goes totally against his philosophy.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 12:35PM CST The big difference between Doc & Nee is that Nee finished several years in the top half of the conference and took his team to the tournament. Doc has not come close to either. Nee was fortunate to have a great crop of Nebraska kids and few great players. I believe he had some great recruiting assistant coaches. Eventually one or two of those coaches departed and things went south for Nee. He was unable to repeat his success at several other coaching stops. Nee had better recruits. I believe Doc is the better coach. Getting the better players in is 90% of the game.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 12:45PM CST PT I remember articles on the last Asst coach hire by Doc indicated that recruiting prowess was a consideration.

Posted by: PT Husker on February 13, 2012 12:54PM CST Half, I recall that as well. But does our incoming class look any better? Just asking cause I don't know. And is that the fault of the recruiting or the fact that we just can't attract player to NU?

Posted by: Old School on February 13, 2012 12:54PM CST Nee's teams remind me of Minnesota, and teams like that drive me more crazy than Doc's situation. Nee also "lost" his team at the end....remember the boycott? Doc is not a bad offensive coach, just hasn't been able to get skilled offensive guys (that stay, don't get injured, etc.). I remember when he had Maric as a senior, and we played KU....he installed a high post pick the picker play that Maric scored on at will....with variantions off of that. Self called time out.....explained it....went back out, and we scored again. It was hilarious! Next game I'm watching KU, a pretty important one if I recollect, and what do they run.....Doc's play! Self was copying Doc, but you'll never hear about that from our esteemed media around here.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 3:07PM CST I have looked at the incoming players as they have signed, but honestly remember only a few details. There is a good mix of guards and forwards. One JUCO forward may not ever play here...he and most of his JC team were suspended...forfeited there season. I do believe on the whole, Doc has been getting better recruits in. If all were healthy this year, this team competes with any in the B1G, except OSU. But without a strong post presence, I think next year will be rough if Doc stays...or leaves.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 3:12PM CST I would have loved to see Maric with the group that came in right after. He should have redshirted one season (pretty absurd at that point...but I can dream). Same thing with Jeter. Would have loved to see him with one more year. Not sure he would have meshed with Spencer. Doc has usally been good at gettting good looks off of OB plays. This years team has a real tough time with post entry. Part of the problem is positioning and part, sad to say, is lack of trust.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 3:49PM CST A quick look at 5 incoming recruits: Benny Parker, 5'9 PG, 20 ppg 7 apg, Kansas City, KS; plays equivalent of Class B in Neb. An AAU player. Shavon Shields, 6'4 200 lbs. (Will Shields son) Kansas City, KS (Olathe), 18 ppg Jerran Young, McLennan TX JC, 6'5, 10 ppg Alihodzic, 6'10 240, Juco from Bosnia, may have a bad back Keith Coleman, 6'9 250 power foward, Juco with 3 yrs eligibility left. From Philadelphia, looks like the most promising player in the group.

Posted by: half full on February 13, 2012 3:50PM CST I believe Alihodzic lost his season???

Posted by: eddie again on February 13, 2012 6:06PM CST i agree that injuries have prevented this season from being a good test for doc's abilities. doc's concern for his players and his integrity to the nebraska way merits him more time, especially in light of this year's injuries. saying that, i do understand the point of view that it is all about the victories. victories put butts in the seats and unl athletics could certainly use an infusion of dollars. however, nu bball has never generated much more than its expenses. and, nu has never been a place where the first consideration is money.

Posted by: LosSantosKid on February 13, 2012 7:54PM CST i'm confident that the right guy for this job is out there and would love to get his shot in the B1G versus (almost all other conferences)...and that there might be enough help on the way and on board to even be a mid level B1G contender year 2 and maybe even 1...GBR