Doc Sadler was rewarded for a hard fought 20 win season on Wednesday, when he signed a two year extension, keeping him in Lincoln until June of 2014.  NU sweetened the deal by $100,000, now bringing his base salary to $800,000.  Sadler can earn quite a bit more based on incentives in his contract.  If the Huskers win the conference regular season crown, Big 12 tournament title, or make it to the NCAA tournament, Doc will collect $100,000 for each.  If the Huskers advance in the NCAA tournament, each game is worth more money, progressing all the way to $200,000 for winning a National Championship.  One last set of bonuses is for academics and they range from $15,000 up to $100,000.

Sadler was apparently approached by Tom Osborne before the Big 12 Tournament and he let him know that the effort he was putting into the basketball program would not go unnoticed.  Doc let Osborne know that NU is the place he wants to build a top quality program at.

There’s guys making a lot less money than I’m making, there’s guys making a lot more.  But it’s more about just peace of mind of where you’re at right now.  I’ve got a 14-year-old and an 11-year old that have moved a lot, and the last thing I want to do is pick them up and move again. It’s nice to know that somebody like him (Osborne), who’s had the success that he’s had, thinks that we’re going in the right direction.  Makes you feel good.

BASKETBALL NOTES-

Doc Sadler also announced that Shang Ping will transfer after the semester.  The Junior from China will have one season of eligibility left and more than likely will drop down a level to Division II.  This will leave NU with 13 scholarship players for next year.  Oddly enough, Doc Sadler has been out recruiting every day except one since the end of NU’s season.  This will more than likely mean the end of someone else’s Husker career and, according to the Omaha World Herald, another Husker player is thinking about transferring out of Lincoln.  If I were a betting man, I would have to put my money on Jay-R Strowbridge.  Time at the point will get very congested next year with Brandon Richardson coming out of a redshirt, Cookie Miller, Sek Henry, and possibly Roburt Sallie all contributing at the one spot.  Time will tell.

Chris Balham had knee surgery and will be sidelined about 3 months.  Doc Sadler  has said Balham’s preseason and pregame minutes will have to be cut in order for Balham to continue playing, maybe even less minutes than this year.  Doc also said that Balham’s shoulder surgery has been put off for the time being.  I would really  have liked to see a healthy CB.  This year he really came into his own in the short periods of time he was in the game and with all the problems he has had with his health, I wish him nothing but the best.  Good Luck Chris!