No more Alecs Maric. No more slow pace. Quicker players. More pure shooters. MORE EXCITEMENT! NU opened the 2008-09 season with an exhibition win over Chadron State, 85-54. What a difference a year makes, as this team will run and score much more quickly, and may feature up to five guards in it’s lineup at any time.
Toney McCray sat out last year, shaped his game and confidence, all of which was on display for the roughly 4500 fans who came to see this years team. He did not disappoint, but showed all why he was regarded as a sleeper out of high school. He showed great range in hitting a three, but looked very smooth in the post as well. He finished with game highs in points (18) and rebounds (7) in only 18 minutes of work. Another surprise was true Freshman Eshuante “Bear” Jones, who might end up redshirting because of a lingering foot injury. Jones came into the game not really looking comfortable on offense. According to Jones, Paul Velander told him to shoot it. In a span of just over two minutes, Jones scored nine straight points to help NU break open the offense. Jones finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Not bad for a guy with a bad foot! He really looked like he can become very streaky when he’s in a rhythm, as did McCray. You add that to Anderson, Dagunduro, Harley, Henry, and Cookie and this team will be very fun to watch.
One thing that did look alot like last year was NU’s intense pressure they put on defense. NU was famous for holding teams to long scoring droughts last year and, granted this is a division II team, the Huskers clamped down after falling behind 10-3 early in the first. NU outscored Chadron State 48-16 the rest of the way leading 51-26 at half. The Huskers forced 27 turnovers and had 17 steals, but the D seemed a little relaxed in the second half as NU barely outscored the Eagles, 34-28.
Doc Sadler was his usual self when assessing the play of his team:
As far as our players are concerned, I thought all of them contributed somewhat. I was disappointed in our ball movement offensively. I was really thinking that our ball movement would be much better than what it was. Until the last six or seven minutes, I thought our half-court defense was good enough. I thought some of the young guys played pretty well offensively. At least they shot it well. I don’t know how good they played. Defensively, I don’t think they played as well as they shot it. That’s obviously something we’ve got to continue to work on.
Overall, this was an exciting game to watch as the future of Husker Basketball was on display. I was not disappointed in the least bit. Buy in a little bit to Coach Sadler’s defensive pressure, and this team could meet or exceed last year’s record. Next up is the regular season for the Huskers as they host San Jose St. on Sunday, November 19. Tip-off will be at 2 P.M. and their are plenty of single game, as well as, season tickets still available.
[Box Score courtesy of Huskers.com]
what happens when we play a quality big guy?
basketball sucks
No it doesn’t!!! Even though Chris B. will be giving up size and a pair of good knees to whoever he defends, if you look at last year, he was much more physical than Maric in the paint. He was quoted as saying he could play 30 minutes if Doc wanted him to. You throw in a double with Alonzo E. and we’ll be allright. You also have to understand NU will try to run and gun. This will leave the other team no choice but to go smaller as most big men will not be able to run that much.
There, happy now?
O’Doyle rules
yeah, but in the end Mr. O’Doyle, you will slip on a banana with the rest of the clan and perish off a cliff! Nice knowin’ ya!