Huskers Practice [Archive] - HoopScoop Forums

Skerfan

10-15-2006, 05:35 PM

Got to attend the Huskers first practice the other night. Although I am often easily impressed, I'd have to say I was truly impressed with a lot of things. I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to :D give away any secrets. But suffice it to say, this is a very focused, hard working and improved Husker team. It's also Jelena Spiric's team. She's going to be a great leader on and off the court for Coach Yori. Overall, there seemed to be a great chemistry among the players.

Of the youngsters I was most impressed with Nikki Bober, Nicole Neals and Kala Kuhlmann. Neals looked very comfortable and confident with everything. Bober impressed me with her work ethic and how well she learned. She made a lot of shots that were contested and is a real sharp shooter from the free throw line. I know a lot of folks expect her to red shirt and that may happen. But having seen her practice, I have to say that she is one determined young woman. She drew a lot of "good job" comments from the coaching staff.

35TangoTango

10-15-2006, 07:31 PM

I Love It! I Love It! I Love It! Let the Games Begin! (North) :nu: :cu: :isu: :ksu: :ku: :mu:

Skerfan

10-15-2006, 08:54 PM

I Love It! I Love It! I Love It! Let the Games Begin!

Ain't it great! Just two more weeks to pre-season games! (South) :ou: :TAMU: :UT: :bu: :TTU: :osu: (Man -- that's challenging to pick among such an outstanding lineup of teams - a clear leader and a pretty clear #6 but the rest are just shots in the dark and the order could be anything)

Row6Seat10

10-15-2006, 10:33 PM

Get well fast wishes go out to our all-star guard Kiera Hardy who just recently had her gall bladder removed ...ughhh :(

Kiera told me just the other night she is hoping to be back at full speed by Halloween.

ChipperF1

10-16-2006, 07:33 AM

Gall bladder removed OW! OW! OW! Get back soon Kie!!!!!!

The indifference of the past will NEVER return.

huntington

10-16-2006, 10:44 AM

Oh, come on. . . you saw one practice and you've concluded they are improved? Their point guard wasn't there and you've given the team to another player? Sounds like desparate rantings to me.

In addition Bober looked like a clod in the all-star game this summer. I am sure Yori will help her out, but from the one game I saw her, she looks like a real project.:KU:

I hope they are better, but one practice doesn't prove a thing.
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ChipperF1

10-16-2006, 01:53 PM

"Oh, come on. . . you saw one practice and you've concluded they are improved? Their point guard wasn't there and you've given the team to another player? Sounds like desparate rantings to me.

Huntington, rule #1 -- I'm the only person who gets to pick on Skerfan. ;)

Actually what he wrote sounds like a fan, and he's one of the die-hardest of the die-hards. I'm glad he sits on my side of the arena, because Skerfan is the man, even if I don't agree with on much surrounding Nebraska Womens Basketball.

Secondly, Jelana Spiric is one of the people who may be running the point this year and I think no matter what place she's in, she'll be itching to do well. For two years this kid has had to sit and watch others play while repairing an injured knee.

I don't think good right Rev. Skerfan is desperate. It's called the start of the season. Right now everybody has a shot to get to Cleveland.

As for Bober. I'll agree that she is a project, but just remember...Can't act. Can't sing. Can dance a little.

Let the season begin.

Bob_Ballew

10-16-2006, 04:19 PM

Huntington, everyone's entitled to an opinion. That's what this board is all about. I think Spiric may very well be as much of a leader as Hardy this season. You just never know. ;)

huntington

10-16-2006, 04:38 PM

Listen, I hope you are right about Spiric, but from what I have seen from beign around their camps, Hardy thinks she is the unquestioned leader. . . If there is indeed a battle for the point, I can see Hardy being a disruptive force. Let's face it, Hardy is either ON, or not. . . if she's shooting well, her defense is energized and she's a very good player, but. . .she's not on most of the time.

I don't know, it should be interesting. Like I have said earlier, I think Yori is a good coach but it's all about scoreboard and unless they go dancing this year I don't know if she'll get any of the kids from that monster 2009 in state class to stay. And whether those kids are at the level that some people think is not the issue, the issue is being a NCAA qualifying team with Nebraska kids = finally drawing a fan base comparable to the volleyball team. Seats in the stands is becoming the issue with women's bb. The skill level has risen to the point that if they are winning, the product is good enough for seats to be filled.:KU:

It looks like OU is for real and of course there is always Texas. And with the re-emergence of CU and growth at KU, well, if you don't get a lot better, you are falling behind. My question is, Is Nebraska getting better fast enough?:ku:
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ChipperF1

10-16-2006, 05:26 PM

"Hardy thinks she is the unquestioned leader. . . If there is indeed a battle for the point, I can see Hardy being a disruptive force.
Hardy isn't the point guard, no matter who the PG ends up being I don't think #21 will be a "disruptive" force. I may have my criticisms of Ms. Hardy but she's always been about the ballclub first, and that I do respect highly.
If she acted the way you are speaking, Connie wouldn't hesitate to bench her.

"I think Yori is a good coach but it's all about scoreboard and unless they go dancing this year I don't know if she'll get any of the kids from that monster 2009 in state class to stay.

I'm not 100% sold on Yori as my coach, but I'm supporting her because she's the only head coach I have. As for the kids coming in 2009. They are two years away from making any difference to anybody, anywhere. Getting to the dance is about these kids who have put in the work right here, right now.

"the issue is being a NCAA qualifying team with Nebraska kids = finally drawing a fan base comparable to the volleyball team. Seats in the stands is becoming the issue with women's bb. The skill level has risen to the point that if they are winning, the product is good enough for seats to be filled.

If there is one thing I'm not worried about is Nebraskans support these young people. We were drawing 2,500 and 3,000 when the team was going down the toilet 4 years ago. This season I think we'll see a definite uptick in attendance because this team going to be something worth watching.

"finally drawing a fan base comparable to the volleyball team.
Its going to take a lot more than one great season to draw that kind of response. Nebraska Volleyball's been kicking booty for more than two decades. Womens Basketball has had 3 years of abject failure, and a painful reconstruction. Nebraska Volleyball is a tradition that rivals football in some respect for excellence. To me, that's not a fair comparison at this time.

huntington

10-16-2006, 07:10 PM

You and I have very different views on Hardy. Have you ever watched her after being pulled in a game? Or have you watched her practice? I'm not sold on her not being a disruptive force.

On one hand you say the 4-5000 the volleyball draws every game is "not a fair comparison" but then you say you're "not worried" about Nebraskans support for this team. That is puzzling. I just talked to someone from up your way and they don't ever remember drawing more than 1000 to 1500 for games in the Sanderford era, (with the exception of a couple of free ticket promotions).

Anyway, my point is, NU has to win this year. If they don't go to the tournament I see a death spiral for Yori's tenure. The problem is, even though I think the program is on the rise, I see 4 or 5 other programs rising faster. . .and that does not include Texas and OU.

The point about the 2009 kids, as you know, is those kids are probably within 12 months of giving verbals to the schools they want to attend. If we are still discussing NU's/Yori's shakey future this time next year, those kids will be lost. And the real problem with that class is, they are going to garner a lot of media attention about every aspect of their lives during the next couple of years . . . and if those stories end with, "but none of them have chosen to go to UNL", the fans around the state are going to wonder "WTF" is going on.

The volleyball team is great. . . but you always have Nebraska girls on that team. . . .always, and you shouldn't minimize that appeal to the casual fan. I think for the womens bb to have that appeal they must have Nebraska girls. . . playing vital roles on the team. Now maybe Turner, Kelley and Bober will change that, but with the exception of Turner, I don't see it.

I see Nebraska women's bb at a crossroads looking up a steep hill. . . .a very steep hill. The time to win is now.:KU:
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ChipperF1

10-16-2006, 07:51 PM

"You and I have very different views on Hardy.
Actually, we don't. You thoughts have mirrored what I've written on #21 for two years. I just don't agree with her being "disruptive".
And I've seen her when she's been benched. I've also seen her on the bench, keeping her head in the game cheering for her teammates out there. Kiera Hardy may have her flaws. But she's been a team kid, flaws and all. I don't think she's the type of kid that can lead a team, as much as I'd like to see her take that step. But she is not the type of kid who will poison a team either.

"On one hand you say the 4-5000 the volleyball draws every game is "not a fair comparison" but then you say you're "not worried" about Nebraskans support for this team.

I'm not worried because if its a good product on the floor, Nebraskans will come out and this product is a darn sight better than it was when Paul Sanderford left.
As far as volleyball goes, lets get real. Volleyball has a tradition of excellence that stretches back to the 1980s. The Coliseum at NU sells out and its not an accident. That's a goal for womens basketball at Nebraska to reach that but right now to me you can't compare a winning tradition to a mediocre one on the same scale right now.

"Anyway, my point is, NU has to win this year.
Call CNN, we have breaking news. Of course they have to win this year. But not so much because of some kids coming out in 2009 who a lot of recruiting speculators say will be hot properties. There are more pressing concerns. Like those young ladies who are in uniform right now, and a head coach who could be on the hot seat this year or next.

"And the real problem with that class is, they are going to garner a lot of media attention about every aspect of their lives during the next couple of years...
I hope those young ladies have good grounding, good parentage and the good sense to make the right choice for themselves. In the final picture that is all that matters.
I believe if my lasses this year and next play well, this recruiting issue will come into focus.

"The volleyball team is great. . . but you always have Nebraska girls on that team. . . .always, and you shouldn't minimize that appeal to the casual fan. I think for the womens bb to have that appeal they must have Nebraska girls.

I agree...to a point. Its great to have Nebraska kids, if they are good enough to help the team win. Now 10 years or so ago Angela Beck passed on some the best products in the state and it hurt. But even then there's no guarantees. Remember, Paul Sanderford signed two Nebraska-bred High School All-Americans. Both of them were the biggest busts since "Ishtar". Ultimately its about who can play, who can't. If the kids brought in can win, we'll adopt 'em. ;)
Again the Volleyball comparison is somewhat apples and oranges. You are pitting one of the giants of the sport, against a team who has a much lower profile in their sport. Also, give the state of Nebraska some credit. When it comes to building volleyball players at the highest level, there aren't too many places that do it as well as the "Land of Flat Water".
This is a very important year for Nebraska Womens Basketball no question. It is a steep hill, but this season I think the lasses have the people to climb it. We're in trouble if we don't.

huntington

10-17-2006, 12:06 AM

Just one slight point on the 2009 class being different from the Sanderford AAs. I remember when Robinette was getting all the press, and don't take me wrong, she was very good, but. . .her skill sets were so far below several of the 2009 class(she was outstanding for a kid from the midwest. . these kids are outstanding when compared to any kid in the country), and Robinette was never great on a national stage, as some of the 2009ers have been. I've seen your Nebraska kids play against Tierra Pratt, Angie Bjorkland, Jasmine Thomas, Skylar Diggins, and Tyra White. . . and do no less than hold their own. . .and in most cases come out on the positive side. I don't believe you understand just how good a couple of these kids are. . .and how important it is for the Nebraska program to have these girls play for them.

I think it is absolutely because of the 2009 kids that NU has to win this year. Under the best of circumstances the grass is always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but if the grass on your side is brown and dying, well, there is no reason not to go where the grass is greener, is there? If Nebraska wants to take the step up to the OUs and Texas', they have to have those 2009 kids. No doubt about it.

If you haven't been to see Lincoln Southeast or Crete play, I'd advise you to do so. :KU:
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Skerfan

10-17-2006, 12:54 AM

Hey Chipper,

Thanks for the kind words! :) I owe you one buddy. Hope to see you sometime at the Bob. Maybe Row6 can get you one of the good seats again.

BTW -- I look for Neals to get significant playing time at point. She's really showing that she comes from an advanced high school program. She may not be the starter, but she seems to be ahead of the other likely candidates at this point (with the exception of Jelena -- but there doesn't seem to be a solid back up at the 3 spot right now, although Kuhlmann and TK could get some looks there) -- We'll see what happens in November.

I agree (can it be that Chipper and Sker agree? ;) ) with you about Hardy. I visited with her the other night. She told me that if I want to watch somebody do well this season, I should be watching TK rather than Kiera. She told me TK will make people forget Kiera ever played with the Huskers. I can't say I agree with her, but my point is . . . Kiera seemed pretty humble given her accomplishments.

Finally -- I teach leadership skills -- it doesn't take me long to recognize when people are natural leaders. Jelena is a natural leader -- so are Neals and Kuhlmann (but they're freshmen). (For the record I didn't get that from observing one practice - but from watching Spiric since her soph year at Colby and watching Neals and Kuhlmann over the last year)

Hunington -- I also agree with you about Hauser and Krastanek -- great players. Hauser is a natural leader too. I really hope to see them both wearing Husker red down the road.

huntington

10-17-2006, 02:30 AM

I'll demur on any additional comments about Hardy, you seem to know her better and are more informed about her than I am. I hope you are right.

It's HOUSER and KASTANEK. . . took me some time to find out who they were, and I haven't forgot how to spell their names.

Tell me just where do you realistically think the Huskers will end up? I have a hard time seeing them better than 7th. Texas, OU, Baylor, KSU, ISU, Tech, and then NU-CU-KU-TAM fighting for 7th. I hope you guys are better than that.:KU:
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Matt Coatney

10-17-2006, 06:26 AM

I can't let this go without chiming in. I really try and stay away from any negative slants, and lately I've been really kind of disappointed with the negativity this board has seemed to slide toward, but folks, I've been around Kiera Hardy for four years, at team meals, at practice, on plane rides in the middle of the night, sitting on buses, in airports during long delays. I have been describing women's college basketball since 1985 and trust me when I tell you I have been around many "disruptive" players and Kiera Hardy is so far from that type of player, there aren't enough degrees in the compass. To see the growth as a player and as a person over the past four years has been a pure joy. I must tell you, anyone who gives of themselves like she has to the younger players, especially last season with TK LaFleur, is an advertisement for her being a true "team-player".

I know people will try to draw a judgement from the outside looking in, and sometimes that's fun, but trying to paint Kiera Hardy disruptive is just plain ridiculous.

From a purely personal standpoint, I am really looking forward to a great season from this conference and I sincerely hope all fans of the Big 12 cheer for their respective teams and respect and cheer for the others. One of the reasons I've loved this board more than any others is the lack of smack and name-calling.

I hope to see some of you around the arenas this year again!

Matt

Bob_Ballew

10-17-2006, 08:22 AM

I find it hard to believe that A&M will be fighting for 7th place in the Big XII. :eek:
SI has them ranked no. 9 nationally with only OU ahead of them in our conference.

huntington

10-17-2006, 08:55 AM

i believe I stated I would demur to others on the subject of Hardy. I will leave this as my final statement on Hardy: These young players should realize that some of us only come in contact with them once or twice during their careers and if that 10 or 15 second interaction is a negative one. . . . well, that picture is painted so to speak. . . but, I will trust those of you who know Hardy far better than I to provide the final words on her.

As for A&M . . .never been impressed with their front or back court play(Franklin is too hot and cold for my taste). They are a good team. . . no, they may be a very good team, but that sort of says it all. . . concerning just how good the Big12 is and the fight for those teams, like NU, who are trying to claw their way into the upper tier of the conference.

:KU:
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Gator

10-17-2006, 09:20 AM

..These young players should realize that some of us only come in contact with them once or twice during their careers and if that 10 or 15 second interaction is a negative one. . . . well, that picture is painted so to speak. . .
These are KIDS and when fans come in contact with them it is often in a game setting when emotions are running high... These are KIDS who might be out shopping with friends for something really important like the EXACT shade of eye shadow which is absolutely needed tonight and some fan interrupts with some silly question like: "How are you guys going to do against Podunk tomorrow" ....;) These are kids who get upset with themselves over a test on the court or in the classroom which didn't go as well as it "should" have, who get upset because the one who just might have been the love of her life glanced at another girl, who get giggly over a very silly joke, who sometimes just need to blow off steam, who sometimes ......

...who are KIDS growing into adults and making some great decisions along the way, and some not so great ones.

I think the throwing-the-first-stone admonition might be an appropriate thing to keep in mind. Although we certainly aren't talking about sins here, the philosophy applies. I'd sure hate to account for my actions in any one particular 10 to 15 second period when I was 19! Worse, I would hate to have to be held resposible for how someone reacted (accurately or not) to that 15 second action!

Scamp

10-17-2006, 10:12 AM

Well said, Gator!

swok34

10-17-2006, 10:24 AM

I'd sure hate to account for my actions in any one particular 10 to 15 second period when I was 19!

19?????

What about now, years and years later? :D That's for me, not you.

Well said, gator...
and I'm glad my happiness does not depend on whether my team wins or not, or whether a 19 year old kid smiled at me or not.

huntington

10-17-2006, 10:36 AM

With all due respect, those sure sound like excuses for less than average behavior. I never hear bad things about your volleyball players-and they seem to have more of a reason to have an attitude, but never once, in all of time I have brought kids to camps in Lincoln, have I had even one uneasy second with any of those girls-from the managers to the kid who never plays to the all-Americans.

While some of you apparently want deny a responsibility exists for these girls, it does. It might not be fair, but neither is life. Am I suppose to pretend the bad taste in my mouth isn't there because you want to feel good about your vision of these girls? Sorry, but personal responsibilty is something we need more, not less of.

And while none of us wants to be held to the fire for some 15 second action, it has to be acknowledged that opinions and conclusions can be formed from such a short time. I don't apologize for my conclusion. . .It may be a skewed conclusion based on very little information, but its mine. I am sorry you don't agree.
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Jimi

10-17-2006, 12:13 PM

In regard to cutting young players some slack I remember a player at my daughter's high school. My opinion of her was that she was stuck on herself, not respectful of anyone else and just generally a jerk. I booed her on a couple of occaisions and thought any number of BAD thoughts about her that I kept to myself. Only after I made a negative comment about her in front of my daughter did I get set right.

The young lady had a Dad that got on her so hard that she never had any fun with basketball. She played because her Dad wanted her to and no matter how well she did (all league & all state) it was never good enough. She was so wound up and tense before games that she usually upchucked and dry heaved in the locker room before she went out to the floor. She did get a college scholarship btw.

Point taken by me was that I had no idea. She coverd it up to anyone outside the team and they respected her enough to keep her secret. I know this has nothing to do with Hardy. Threads like this just remind me from time to time how wrong I was about her. When I took a second look without the bias that she was the "golden girl" I saw her with a new perspective. I am still sorry that I ever booed her and I am still sorry that I had her pegged so wrong. She was a good kid who was dealing with things I had no idea about.

I am repeating this story because I need to see it and be reminded again and for no other reason. It is not aimed at Huntington or anyone else.

GO BIG 12!! And go WBB players (and coaches) everywhere.

huntington

10-17-2006, 12:22 PM

Point taken.
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Skerfan

10-17-2006, 12:41 PM

Tell me just where do you realistically think the Huskers will end up? I have a hard time seeing them better than 7th. Texas, OU, Baylor, KSU, ISU, Tech, and then NU-CU-KU-TAM fighting for 7th. I hope you guys are better than that.:KU:

It's difficult for me to be realistic about where the Huskers will actually end up. They ended up with 19 wins last season with one of their best players sitting on the bench with a knee injury, another coughing and wheezing with a breathing problem and their star freshman playing with mono. LaToya Howell never really took control of the team at the point, Aubry was playing out of position, and (are you reading Chipper) Jessica Gerhart didn't play good defense and was often inconsistent on offense.

This season Spiric is back, healthy and hungry. Provided she stays that way, we will be much improved at the 3 (Spiric over Aubry). Kelsey Griffin is healthy and worked extremely hard over the summer to get better. Kiera is streaky, but she's still likely to be one of the top scoers in the league plus she learned how to play defense and make assists last year. IMO that nucleus of players will mean an improved Husker team. Danielle Page's surgery in Denver this summer fixed her breathing problems. When her knee heals up, she should see a lot of time at the 4. Cory Montgomery will get some looks there too. TK LaFluer played very hard at the end of last season, worked hard this summer and is hungry to see lots of action. That leaves a big question -- who will play the point. Spiric is probably our best and most experienced ball handler. She sees the court extremely well and is a very good passer. But we need her at the 3. Turner is an incredible athlete and a competitve bb player. She could play the point. Neals and Kuhlmann are also capable. Right now -- and that may change -- Neals seems to be the leading contender there.

This is also the first time in her tenure at Nebraska that Coach Yori has had the same coaching staff for two seasons in a row. Sunny Smallwood is a good defensive strategist. The returning players are going to be more comfortable with her defenses and we shouldn't have as many defensive liabilities on the court this year.

So if we were able to pull off 18, 18 and 19 wins the last 3 seasons, I think this particular team is capable of doing better than that. It depends on whether we stay healthy and take some of the pressure off Kiera with a couple more scoring options. It also depends on playing better defense and solid rebounding.

Where does that put us in the league standings at the end of the season? That's a toughie but here's how I think it looks right now (and I emphasize the right now because no one has even taken the court in an exhibition game yet)

OU - simply packed with talent
TAMU - extremely athletic, quick and a year older
UT - healthier and more experienced than last season
NU - Spiric, Griffin and Hardy should contend for all conference honors (at least honorable mention) - a healthy Page and TK LaFluer make NU an even more solid contender (I really hesitate to put NU here because I'm sure I'll hear about it -- but it's my honest opinion)
ISU - 18 wins last season and returning 3 senior starters with one of the top points in the Big 12 -- as well as Ezell
BU - Will really -- really miss Young
KSU - Losing Hamlin could hurt (it could also help team chemistry I suppose). Wouldn't we all like to have a Lehning on our team - not to mention Coggins and Gibson
TTU - A season away
MU - Bond-less
KU - Bonnie will have them there down the road
CU A couple of seasons away
OSU Building takes time

ChipperF1

10-17-2006, 12:58 PM

"I have been around many "disruptive" players and Kiera Hardy is so far from that type of player, there aren't enough degrees in the compass."

I second that, Mr. Coatney.

Now before I look at the Huskers. I want to talk about Texas A&M. This team will be fighting for a lot this season, but not for 7th place.

Firstly, because of their defense. Fast, athletic and they force pace and force turnovers. This team steals like Enron, and Gary Blair has these players to the point where they know how, what and why things work on the basketball floor. They have athleticism, and the game savvy. The only factor that will be a sticking point this year is that now everybody knows about them.

A'Quonesia Franklin is too "hot and cold"? Well, she can run and hot and cold for my offense and defense any game. Two dimes per turnover. That's one of the best ratios in the nation last year. In my opinion, she ran 1 spot better than anybody in the league. 5'3", plays defense goes all out on defense, and gives you 10 points and 4 assists a game? And you are not impressed?

Not impressed with TAMU's frontcourt? Morenike Atunrase can defense hi or low. Quick feet and hands, gives you 14 points per game, and the kid hasn't even discovered how good she can be yet. Patrice Reado is very much the same as Atunrase, also you have Danielle Gant. Last year they were sophomores and they were just beginning to pick up what Gary Blair was putting down and all they did was win 23 games with 11 of those in the conference. This year, they are only going to get better. Plus, there's Gary Blair. This guy took this program by the scruff of the neck and he's making it work. 7th place? I don't see it unless they hit a rash of injuries. Too much talent on upward development curve.

Now about my Huskers. Realistically I can see Nebraska finishing between 6th or 9th. The NCAAs is a borderline case, however, they have the seeds to move much higher.

I'm think they can do pretty well firstly because of the way they finished last year. Normally, Nebraska teams crash at the end of the season, and this team could have. Our best player was playing through an illness that puts most people in bed or the hospital. We have another key player who his playing with a heart working at maybe 75% and this team put together a nice little stretch of 8 wins in the last 10 including going on the road in the WNIT under a schedule much less than idea for travel and play. The biggest problem I've had with may lasses since 2000 was toughness. I saw what I was looking for in the stretch drive last season, and I think that can be a good starting point for this year.

Secondly. Kelsey Griffin, without the mono. :) I'll take 13 points and 6 board a game, but the beauty she won't. This kid goes hardcore, I saw that last year. Her numbers are going to be on the upswing.

Thirdly, the team is deeper all around and its depth that is usable. Especially with LeFleur coming off the bench or maybe stop starting and a healthy Jelana Spiric. Spiric has a lot to recommend herself and she is hungry to show it.

On the downside we do have questions. Will Kiera Hardy get more consistent and resilient? Will a point guard emerge and be able to carry the load? Can Nebraska get tougher inside (Sorry Mr. Coatney, Chelsea Aubry is not an answer.)? Which one or more of our newest arrivals can make an impact.

And there is the biggest question. Connie Yori. Does she have the coaching ability to get this job done or not?

If we can answer "yes" to these four, we're in the Field of 64.

Skerfan

10-17-2006, 01:00 PM

I think the throwing-the-first-stone admonition might be an appropriate thing to keep in mind. Although we certainly aren't talking about sins here, the philosophy applies. I'd sure hate to account for my actions in any one particular 10 to 15 second period when I was 19! Worse, I would hate to have to be held resposible for how someone reacted (accurately or not) to that 15 second action!

And the pastor says, "Amen!" :D

ChipperF1

10-17-2006, 03:21 PM

Skerfan

10-17-2006, 08:10 PM

Now I have to go back to my normal role.

Fourth place? us? That is a huge jump, and I don't see how we make it with the team we have. Too many questions and too many holes. Most likely a point guard who hasn't seen a minute of college ball. An All Big-12 player who plays like one, sometimes. Weaknesses in rebounding and defense to address and a lot of new faces.
I'd love to see fourth, but I can't make a call like that with a straight face. I see 6th or 7th right now...But maybe just maybe they'll reach up and surprise us all. We may just be due for something like that.

Now things are now back to normal! Hey we tied for 6th last year with less talent and walking wounded (what a difference 1 or 2 players can make). Other than Oklahoma and Texas, I don't see substantial gains in talent (not that Oklahome needs it) in the rest of the league so I think 4 is within reach --certainly a 5 or 6 is more likely -- but not 7th. No doubt the point will hurt, but Neals and Turner have played well against some of the best competition in the country. Neals, in particular, isn't going to be too shaken. Hardy is a solid all Big 12 and Jelena and Kelsey are capable. A healthy Danielle Page and an improved TK LaFluer make us better than 7th -- for sure. Cory Montgomery has the potential to be this year's Griffin as does Kala Kuhlmann.

ChipperF1

10-18-2006, 04:37 AM

"Hey we tied for 6th last year with less talent and walking wounded (what a difference 1 or 2 players can make).

Did not beat ranked opponents on the road. Lost to South Dakota State at home. Embarassed against Texas A&M twice. Had a five-point lead with three minutes left vs. Texas Tech at Lubbock and blew it.
Failed to qualify for NCAA tournament, again.

"Other than Oklahoma and Texas, I don't see substantial gains in talent (not that Oklahome needs it) in the rest of the league so I think 4 is within reach.

In the case of Texas A&M, who has an already talented group who have gained experience...In the case of Iowa State, who has a key player at 100% now and a lot of newcomers stepping in. I'll disagree.

As for teams such as Kansas State, Missouri, and Baylor, they started ahead of us to begin with. And there is Colorado coming from behind us, who have some potential stars, and I'll say it A coach who could be better than ours. And that could be the sticking point, Sker, the coach on our bench is one of the weaker game strategists in this league.

"No doubt the point will hurt, but Neals and Turner have played well against some of the best competition in the country.

In high school. Now they step up to have to face a Franklin or a Britney Brown. They have deal with an enviroment like The Drum, Bramledge or The Hilton. The high school press clippings are worthless now. This is college ball.

"Hardy is a solid all Big 12..
A "solid all Big 12" Who went 2-for-20 at home against a third-tier team.
A "solid all Big 12" has hasn't shown an "A" game against a top opponent home or road since 12 January 2005.
Hardy is a dynamic player...But she is a good deal of focus, consistency and resilience from being all she really can be. For this team to get to the goal, we need #21 every night at 100%.

What give me hope is how this team finished last season. They closed ranks and played some excellent basketball. The key is starting the season that same fashion. One of the things that has bothered me about Nebraska Womens Basketball the last 3-4 years is how we start the season. We kind of meader into the schedule rather than charge into it. That has to change this year. The first two games see the lasses on the road against two teams who, unlike us, have qualified for the REAL Tournament. Not the NWIT. They've gotten into the NCAA Tournament. That's the REAL DEAL.

That's the mindset this team needs to take.
In fact, I'll goes as far as saying, If Nebraska does not make the NCAA Tournament, we have to start discussing a coaching change.

huntington

10-18-2006, 03:06 PM

Actually, it sounds as if you are talking about a coaching change, NOW. Maybe its just me, but by labeling Yori as you did, how can you even masquerade as someone supporting the program. Let's face it, if Yori is the weak bench coach stragetist as you suggest, well, you are just an minor inflection from calling for her head. And hey, if that's how you feel, I have no argument. . .I don't agree, but I can't argue, because at the end of the day, its wins and loses. . . and that South Dakota State loss was just a crippling death nail last season. And if NU isn't dancing in March, then more than just talking about a coaching change has to take place.

I disagree about Neals. . . she has played against the best in this country, and it really doesn't matter where she played them, the point is, when NU plays the best teams, she won't back down, she won't take the court in awe. . . and in some cases that is half the battle. I think she is at least on par with Franklin . . . with a much better upside. Turner is an unknown. Great athletic ability. . .but not a great basketball player. . .yet.

And I whole heartedly agree with you accessment of gains in the conference. I believe NU is substantially stronger this year. . . a combination of the injured being well and the new talent . . .but to say that only Oklahoma and Texas are more improved than NU is just not in balance with the facts. My question is, "Did NU improve enough from the end of their season to keep from fallin further behind?" NU is running with a fast crowd and it seems like ISU, KSU, OSU, CU, and KU are in full sprint mode and NU is only running fast. Just my perception.

I do think you are a bit harsh on Yori, but until the win/loss totals change no convincing counter argument can be offered.:KU:
________
Ferrari 312b (http://www.ferrari-wiki.com/wiki/Ferrari_312B)

Skerfan

10-18-2006, 04:09 PM

Boy this is fun!

Did not beat ranked opponents on the road. Lost to South Dakota State at home. Embarassed against Texas A&M twice. Had a five-point lead with three minutes left vs. Texas Tech at Lubbock and blew it.
Failed to qualify for NCAA tournament, again. So what does that have to do with this year? SDSU was a great wake up call and with a healthy Kelsey Griffin, Danielle Page (her breathing and heart problems were successfully repaired this summer) and Jelena Spiric, the outcome in Lubbock most likely would have been different. If Spiric would have been on the court, we most likely would have been in the NCAAs because Spiric in the line up would have resulted in at least 3 maybe 4 more wins.

Last season, Gary Blair commented: "(Yori) has one of the three best freshmen in this conference. She puts another kid to go with Griffin next year; she's going to be right at the top of the North." Now he's a pretty good at analyzing talent, and I think Spiric is more than just "another kid." Besides having Griffin and Spiric on the court takes some of the pressure off Kiera.

]In the case of Texas A&M, who has an already talented group who have gained experience...In the case of Iowa State, who has a key player at 100% now and a lot of newcomers stepping in. I'll disagree. I didn't say these teams don't have talent or even improved talent. In fact, I have TAMU finishing ahead of NU. I just don't think most teams made substantial gains in talent this year, i.e., no huge difference makers like at Oklahoma. I agree that both TAMU and ISU will be better teams this year than last because of experience and better health. So will the Huskers.

As for teams such as Kansas State, Missouri, and Baylor, they started ahead of us to begin with. Are KSU and MSU starting ahead of us in talent this year? I think KSU in particular has a talented squad of players, but they also lost a very talented player in Hamlin. And Baylor is always good - but Sophia graduated. I don't care who you are, graduating a player like Young is tough. I don't see someone just stepping in to replace her.

And there is Colorado coming from behind us, who have some potential stars . . . "Potential stars" . . . again taking nothing away from CU, I don't think they're going to be ahead of us this year.

Sker, the coach on our bench is one of the weaker game strategists in this league. Ask KMR, Cindy Stein, Deb Patterson, Gary Blair or Jodi Conradt . . . I bet they won't agree with you here.

In high school. Now they step up to have to face a Franklin or a Britney Brown. They have deal with an enviroment like The Drum, Bramledge or The Hilton. The high school press clippings are worthless now. This is college ball. You've got to admit that Neals' high school competition was not just normal high school competition having competed against the some of the best high school teams in the country and the likes of Tina Charles and with Dymond Simon for four years. St. Mary's could have seriously challenged some college clubs last year, and Nicole Neals carried them on her shoulders after Simon was injured.

A "solid all Big 12" Who went 2-for-20 at home against a third-tier team and had 37 points against Baylor . . .

A "solid all Big 12" has hasn't shown an "A" game against a top opponent home or road since 12 January 2005. 26 points against LSU on 11/25/05. . . 26 points against a then 12-1 KU on 1/7/06 . . . 29 points against UT on 1/18/06 . . .26 points against TTU on 1/26/06 28 points against TAMU on 3/8/06 . . . Yes -- all losses, but not because Kiera Hardy didn't have an "A" game. Named Big 12 Player of the Week on Feb. 20, 2006, Nov. 28, 2005, and Jan. 17, 2005.

That's the mindset this team needs to take. Having spent a little time with this team and in speaking with others who have been around the players a lot this summer, I'd have to say that is the mindset. I won't go into detail but let's just say this team is incredibly focused.

ChipperF1

10-18-2006, 04:30 PM

"and that South Dakota State loss was just a crippling death nail last season. And if NU isn't dancing in March, then more than just talking about a coaching change has to take place.

Disagree on both points. Embarassing loss? Yep. Crippling loss? No. It was the first loss of the year, and the team ended up with 17 wins and nearly had a good chance at a couple more games that could've gotten them in the NCAAs.
I also disagree on what happens if we miss the NCAAs again. Notice I said "talk about it"...But to better understand me, I'll put it like this.

Lets say, Nebraska misses the tournament, but won 20 games, probably was good enough to get in and got nosed out. But, the newcomers played well and we had a strong WNIT performance. If I get those parameters, I'm keeping Coach Yori and giving her a chance to develop the group she brought in.

Now if we have a season like last season, where injuries and illness, but we manage to make do and pull through. I'm keeping her and giving her at least a year to again, develop that talent and get more of it.

But you do have to have to conversation, because the learning curve is over. Its time to bring home the bacon and if its another WNIT year, you have to put some added incentive into the equation.
Should the team crash like 2001-2002? The next stop for coach is the Steve Peterson Gullotine.

"I disagree about Neals. . . she has played against the best in this country,

In high school. Neals is a great high school player, and maybe a great college player, but she will be have face the adjustments on the court and off and it will be learning process. If she adjusts quick? Great! I'll love it. If she has a rough year? I'll expect it, and as long as she give 100%, no sin there.
Huntington, one thing you will learn about me real quick is, I'm about results not potential. And Neals has exciting potential, but she has to show that. She may not back down against that Texas A&M pressure defense, that's cool. But what good is "not backing down" when her line has 10 turnovers on it? The spirit to compete is important, but you also have to be able to compete and none of the freshmen on any team in the country has proven that ability against collegiate competition, yet. Give it a month and let the proving begin.

"Maybe its just me, but by labeling Yori as you did, how can you even masquerade as someone supporting the program.

I'll answer you this way. If I'm "masquerading", then I'm a real idiot:

-- to be a paid member of the Fastbreakers. That's our booster group for womens basketball at Nebraska.
-- to have a subscription to Huskers NSide to watch the home games via streaming video and listen to Matt Coatney's fine radiocasts of the games.
-- to fly home 1,500 miles to see my lasses in red in play ball every time I go home during the season, which is a couple of times a year on average.
-- buy tickets for the Big 12 tournament and fly out where it is to see my lasses in red compete.

Skerfan

10-18-2006, 04:47 PM

. . . but to say that only Oklahoma and Texas are more improved than NU is just not in balance with the facts. My question is, "Did NU improve enough from the end of their season to keep from fallin further behind?" NU is running with a fast crowd and it seems like ISU, KSU, OSU, CU, and KU are in full sprint mode and NU is only running fast. Just my perception.

To clarify . . .

Oklahoma made substantial gains in talent last year with the Paris twins . . . they made additional substantial gains with this year's recruiting class which is just simply one of the best if not the best in the Big 12 . . .

UT had great talent last year, but it was sitting on the bench most of the time . . . having that talent on the court this year means a substantial gain in talent to me . . .

I like KSU and ISU -- I really do, and I think ISU is going to be an improved team, but substainally better? KSU nabbed some really solid recruits and has a very good nuculeus returning. But I'm not sure the gains outweigh the losses. So there again, I don't think KSU made substantial gains.

TAMU is already really good -- but substantial gains?

Baylor lost Sophia Young -- how do you make substantial gains after losing a player like that?

My point . . . which probably wasn't clear . . . is that NU finished tied for 6th in the conference last year when they started the season with one All Big 12 Player and a bunch of question marks. Kelsey Griffin proved she's one of the best young players in the conference, but she played with limitations for about half the season. She's healthy, Kiera's back, and another proven Big 12 player with experience and Big 12 honors is ready to play again. By the time conference play roles around, Danielle Page should be 100%. She was kind of scary at 75%. Even if we had not landed 3 2,000 plus point scorers and one All American in our recruiting class, I'd have to argue that we'd be substantially ahead of where we were last year going into the season. That should translate into more wins. If we were in the middle of the pack last season and most of the pack, which is already very good, didn't make the same kind of substantial gains (substantial being the key word) that should help us place higher than we did last year, i.e., we should be able to compete on at least a comprable but probably better level. It's simple logic.

That's not to say that I don't think any given team in the Big 12 could clean our clocks on any given night or that we are going to be better than most. But I have to agree with Gary Blair's assessment from last year. We're one player away from being in the mix for the top of the Big 12 North. I think Spiric is that one player. But better than that, I think Page, LaFluer and a couple of the freshmen make us even better. That, to me, is a substantial gain.

ChipperF1

10-18-2006, 04:57 PM

Ah, its basketball season again! :)

" Besides having Griffin and Spiric on the court takes some of the pressure off Kiera.
I'll agree with that, and I've said it before. But last season matters from the standpoint of how we started the season. You have to come out firing, not spluttering.

"Are KSU and MSU starting ahead of us in talent this year? I think KSU in particular has a talented squad of players, but they also lost a very talented player in Hamlin. And Baylor is always good - but Sophia graduated. I don't care who you are, graduating a player like Young is tough. I don't see someone just stepping in to replace her.

They are starting ahead of us in terms of returning talent and mentality. K-State, Mizzou and Baylor have kids who have beaten higher-end opponents. When's the last time Nebraska beat somebody they shouldn't have beaten? They have kids who have gone on the road and consistently won game on the road. Nebraska's still learning that.

"Ask KMR, Cindy Stein, Deb Patterson, Gary Blair or Jodi Conradt . . . I bet they won't agree with you here.

KMR beat up on Yori last year and it wasn't close.
Stein is behind Yori when it comes to the strategic end, but she gets the most of that inside game against the league's worst inside players last season.
Patterson and Yori split, and I'd take Connie over Deb overall. Strategically speaking, they are roughly the same coach.
Gary Blair...Made the adjustments in the Big 12 Tourney that put us flat in the WNIT.
Jody Conradt? Yori has never beaten Jody Conradt..Has never had team that held a lead against Texas

"You've got to admit that Neals' high school competition was not just normal high school competition having competed against the some of the best high school teams in the country and the likes of Tina Charles and with Dymond Simon for four years.

Still, she's walking into that type of atmosphere every game in addition to the demands of college away from the game. And yes, I've seen Tina Charles play and she's going to be awesome...But she's still going to struggle at points, too every froshie does.
Lets see the goods, before we sell the goods.

"Yes -- all losses, but not because Kiera Hardy didn't have an "A" game.

1. All losses
2. LSU game -- Very awesome...But 2-for-20 against SDSU...An example of inconsistent play.
3. You mention Kiera's 37 points vs. Baylor in '05
Her next four games she sleptwalked through all of them. Nebraska lost all of them. Then she and the whole team sleptwalked through the stretch drive of the season including the Ceal Embarassment game, the Kansas State firebombing at the Big 12 tournament and then Kiera's end-of-game gaffes in the WNIT opener with Iowa. How can a team beat the #2 team in the country and then lose to the worst team in the league and our All Big 12 player's game was on a milk carton?
4. Texas Tech game had 26 points -- and the key mental mistake that costs Nebraska the ballgame. 26 points, down the drain.
5. The 28 points vs. TAMU -- Scored 21 in the first half, then when Gary Blair started putting more physical defenders on her, Hardy's shooting unraveled, she got frustrated and Yori had to bench her. 7 points, 3 turnovers in the second half. Texas A&M runs us right into the WNIT.
6. Kiera Hardy just about any time they play Iowa State.
7. 2005 WNIT vs. Iowa. Two turnovers in the final minutes that buried us when the lasses still had a chance.

Kiera Hardy has a lot of "A" games, usually after the issue been settled (That Texas game? We weren't even competitive with them in that game. Kiera did her best work when the game was out of reach and started the game cold.)
Like I said, she has "A" games, but when you need Kiera Hardy against an A-List opponent, she tends to have more B,C,D, and F games then an All Big-12 player should. Skerfan, like I've said before..Kiera has the skills, she needs the consistency, and the focus. Thats the difference between scoring 28 against Texas Tech in a win, and 26 points in a loss where you made the bonehead play that took the game away.

"Having spent a little time with this team and in speaking with others who have been around the players a lot this summer, I'd have to say that is the mindset. I won't go into detail but let's just say this team is incredibly focused.

Don't tell me about it, my lasses. SHOW ME. The first vicitims are New Mexico and Arizona State. Two games. Two wins.

huntington

10-18-2006, 05:18 PM

Once the "talk" about a "coaching change" begins among its best, (aka your average, Fastbreakmembering, NSide subscribing, distance traveling, Big12 tournament attending fan-people like YOU), then the coach is coaching not to win, but instead begins looking over her shoulder and coaching not to lose. . . a differnce to be sure. Added pressure I am not sure is warranted.

I am not going to get into an arguement with you, but when someone like you starts publicly questioning the coaching abilities of the coach, well, I think that is a problem. I know you must intellectually understand this, but the Big12 may be the most difficult place to coach women's baskeball in the country. Several of the schools have had national success, including Bayors NC, virtually every school is pumping money into these women's programs, there isn't enough talent in the region for all 12 schools and women's basketball has reached the maturation level where fans and administration alike expect fans in the seats, 20 wins and a NCAA ticket. This is not to excuse NU or Yori's lack of success or perceived progress, but to put in some sort of perspective.

I think where NUs program was when Yori took over up to right now is nothing short of miraculous. If they qualify this year, and get the one must have and another of the 2009 kids, well, I think the foundation for many years of success will have been firmly laid. I'm not saying that all of you people who spend your money to support the program should hold hands and sing a chorus of koombyya before each season, but to question this coaches abilities is IMO a bit misplaced. I've seen her on the recruiting trail and she has the personality and is given enough respect to have the ear of some, many, most of the best kids, but. . . .always the but. . .unless she proves she can take NU to the dance talking will be as far as she gets.

If NU wins, the talking will turn into committing. And a couple of those 2009 kids wouldn't hurt either.:KU: :KU:
________
Ford erika platform specifications (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_Erika_Platform)

Skerfan

10-18-2006, 05:22 PM

Ah, its basketball season again! :) :) Civil disagreement with reasoned arguments are part of what make this country so great. The key is "civil disagreement." Part of the fun of a good debate is to offer varying perspectives and points of view.

I agree with Matt Coatney's earlier post about the civility of this board. It's great. My feathers get riled not with well reasoned criticism of particular players or my team as a whole, but with name-calling and hostility etc. . . not that I'm accusing you, Chipper, or anyone else of doing that.

We have way too much of that in our society today. It's probably even more intense in the sporting world. That's one of the reasons I still enjoy women's basketball. It's competitive without a lot of the crap and crud we're seeing in other sports like football and men's basketball. I can still take my grandchildren to a women's bb game and teach them lessons about good sportsmanship and how to win and lose gracefully and graciously.

Skerfan

10-18-2006, 06:34 PM

Just read Coach Yori's comments from media day. Seems like I'm not the only one who thinks the Huskers are a substantially improved ball club. She's very excited about how personnel and depth will make a huge difference. I love what she has to say about Jelena -- that even though she played well enough to be named newcomer of the year a couple of years ago, we haven't seen even close to the best from her. She's also looking for 20 to 25 minutes a game from Danielle. YESSSSS!

She also talks quite a bit about Kelsey Griffin and the 3 freshmen guards. Turner is hobbled, but Yori talks about Neals being "an extreme pleasure" who is "very, very talented, really good with the ball, has bonded with what we are trying to do defensively, and can really shoot the ball." I've never heard Coach talk about a point at Nebraska that postively in her entire tenure here.

BTW - I got the pleasure of watching Neals and the Lady Knights play last year. They played smothering pressure defense -- a lot of full court pressure, but always with the point pressuring. Neals was that point.

ChipperF1

10-18-2006, 08:33 PM

"I would say, though, that over the course
of my first few years at Nebraska I didn't feel as
excited as I do today being in this position. I feel
like we finally have -- we are at a point in our
program where we can compete at a very high
level against some of the better programs in this
league, and we are past the building process. And
we really feel like we are into the growth process,
the growth phase of our program, and we have
enough talent in our program at this point and
enough depth, knock on wood, if we stay healthy
to compete at a very high level." -- Head Coach Connie Yori at Big 12 Media Day :NU:

Lets start the right way. New Mexico and Arizona State. Two NCAA Tournament teams. Two victims.

Row6Seat10

10-18-2006, 09:19 PM

Bball Girl

10-18-2006, 09:21 PM

Lets start the right way. New Mexico and Arizona State. Two NCAA Tournament teams. Two victims.

Dream on ;)

Vamos Lobos!

By the by...Katie Montgomery has a blog. I predict this Nebraska product is going to have a very good year.

http://golobos.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/101806aaa.html

Skerfan

10-19-2006, 01:09 PM

This is this year not last year or 2002 or whenever. Don't throw this years team under the bus because someone had a critical turnover 2 two years ago or of a losing streak a few years back, etc. This is a new season and a new team and at this point in time comparing them to what teams and players of years past did is unfair.

I don't believe Yori's job is in any kind of jeopardy not this year or next. Post season play three out of her four years on the job even if it was the WNIT doesn't constitute any kind of dismissal this year, even if the Huskers don't make it to post season. If you don't believe that ask Barry Collier. Steve Pederson & Mark Boehm have both reiterated on several occasions the program is in very good hands with Coach Yori. They both understand the circumstances she encountered when she first took the job and the circumstances each year since such as coaching changes, injuries etc. They both have said that last year's injuries and illnesses prevented the Huskers of going a lot further in post season.

Well said Row6! I completely agree about Coach Yori. I didn't like Coach Yori when she was at Creighton. I now understand why! I didn't like her because I'm a Husker fan and her pesky Creighton teams that should have been soundly defeated by former Husker teams were always in the hunt and, more often than not, won. I think Bill Byrne had the same frustrations so he went out and hired her.

Had Coach Yori taken a healthy Husker team with an abundance of talent to the WNIT the last three years, I probably wouldn't think very highly of her as a coach. But taking the teams she did with the injuries and limitations they had to post season play is nothing short of outstanding. I think the very fact that she had last year's team in the hunt for an NCAA tournament bid is incredible. Lest we forget, her two year turn around of this team ranks among the best in NCAA history. I believe it's tied for second but I can't find the exact numbers. That turn around didn't happen because of a sudden influx of all American talent either. It was simply hard work and good coaching.

As I've said before on this board, Coach Yori reminds me of Coach Osborne in a couple of ways. First, she has the ability to evaluate talent potential and work ethic. Thus, she finds kids, like Kelsey Griffin - for example, who might not be on many recruiting radar screens, but who end up being very good players in college. I suspect Kala Kuhlmann and Cory Montgomery will be good examples of that. It leaves other Coaches scratching their heads, saying, "Where did Yori find that one!?" Second, she is confident in her ability to teach players what they need to utilize and improve upon the skills they have. When Kiera Hardy showed up on campus she was a somewhat lazy, confused kid who was 30 pounds overweight with a propensity for scoring. Instead of beating her up and berating her, Coach Yori inspired her and helped her see her potential.

Finally, Coach Yori has a great sense of humor -- like her closing comments at media day: "I think I've talked about everyone except our managers. Do you want me to cover them too?"

ChipperF1

10-19-2006, 06:34 PM

Thrown Under The Bus
(Sung to the tune of "Magic Bus") :NU:

At Hoopscoop, I read the view (Thrown, Under The Bus)
I'm not giving my lasses their due (Thrown, Under The Bus)
A winning season, that would make me smile (Thrown, Under The Bus)
But I'm "masquerading" all the while (Thrown, Under The Bus)

Thanks Coach Yori, for getting us here (Thrown, Under The Bus)
Rose from the dead, once bringin' up the rear (Thrown, Under The Bus)
Row6 and Skerfan, with disgust (Thrown, Under The Bus)
Say I threw my girls UNDER THE BUS (Thrown, Under The Bus)

At no time did this man say (Thrown, Under The Bus)
That Big Red's missing the N-C-Two-As (Thrown, Under The Bus)

I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it ... (This year, we'll have it!)
Kiera's scoring every in way.
Spiric is finally healthy.
Four new freshmen who can really play.
And Kelsey Griffin's feeling okay.

Thrown Under The Bus, Thrown Under The Bus, Through Under The Bus ...

Lets leave the Big 12 in our dust (Thrown, Under The Bus)
I'm not throwin' my lasses UNDER THE BUS (Thrown, Under The Bus)

Hold up Row6, how in the world have I thrown this team under the bus? Because I counterpointed to show the other side of the ledger. C'mon Row6, there's a big leap from pointing out facts to throwing the team under the bus.

"I don't believe Yori's job is in any kind of jeopardy not this year or next. Post season play three out of her four years on the job even if it was the WNIT doesn't constitute any kind of dismissal this year, even if the Huskers don't make it to post season.

I don't think I said the job should be in jeopardy. I said if the team has another WNIT season, you have to lot at the parameters and at least have the conversation. Right now, the NCAA tourney is a 50-50 deal for this team. However, if we address our weakness and bolsters where we are strong I think we are getting in the show. To me, 4th place is leap I don't see us making on paper, but the games aren't played on paper.
A fourth WNIT team, but a highly competitive team shows through and does well in the WNIT, then I agree. You keep Yori, and you give her and opportunity to develop this talent. But Row6, you really think a non-postseason result (which would most likely be a sub-.500 season) wouldn't be grounds for dismissal? That's the biggest wishful thinking this side of the Stormy Dean for Governor campaign. I think Lord High Executioner learned his lesson from the Collier fiasco, and he'll act accordingly. However, the lasses aren't going under-.500.
Granted, Coach Yori has been dealt a lot bad cards. Illnesses, injuries, etc. And she's done a great deal with the materials she's had, but coach said it herself.

"we are at a point in our
program where we can compete at a very high
level against some of the better programs in this
league, and we are past the building process. And
we really feel like we are into the growth process,
the growth phase of our program."

Coach called the shot, and I'm with her on it. Its time to put the numbers in the board and the get in the NCAAs. We have the people who have the potential, but the results have to be there this year. That's what I've said from the beginning. That's not "throwing under the bus." That's the straight story and coach agrees.

"I didn't like Coach Yori when she was at Creighton. I now understand why! I didn't like her because I'm a Husker fan and her pesky Creighton teams that should have been soundly defeated by former Husker teams were always in the hunt and, more often than not, won.

Uh, Sker...Welcome to Chipper's Reality Check.
Connie Yori's coaching record at Creighton vs. Nebraska... 3 wins, 7 losses.

That's not winning more often that not. That's called Switzer vs. Osborne-style losing.

Not to say that I don't give Yori her props. She did a serious piece of work turning a joke into a competitive team. Connie Yori brought the pride back to Nebraska Womens Basketball and that isn't lost on me and shouldn't be lost on anybody.
But as Row6 correctly points out "This is this year not last year or 2002 or whenever."
You are right. This is 2006-2007 and come selection day next March, I expect my team to be one of the 64 names on the NCAA bracket.

I'm not throwing my team under the bus. I'm getting on board the bus to ride to our first NCAA qualification since 2000.

I don't know who the other 63 teams in the draw will be. But I know, Nebraska will be one of them.

Skerfan

10-20-2006, 10:05 AM

OU - simply packed with talent
TAMU - extremely athletic, quick and a year older
UT - healthier and more experienced than last season
NU - Spiric, Griffin and Hardy should contend for all conference honors (at least honorable mention) - a healthy Page and TK LaFluer make NU an even more solid contender (I really hesitate to put NU here because I'm sure I'll hear about it -- but it's my honest opinion)
ISU - 18 wins last season and returning 3 senior starters with one of the top points in the Big 12 -- as well as Ezell
BU - Will really -- really miss Young
KSU - Losing Hamlin could hurt (it could also help team chemistry I suppose). Wouldn't we all like to have a Lehning on our team - not to mention Coggins and Gibson
TTU - A season away
MU - Bond-less
KU - Bonnie will have them there down the road
CU A couple of seasons away
OSU Building takes time

Man I hate to keep belaboring the point, but I'm in pretty good company with my predictions about this Husker team - check this out from the Lincoln Journal Star:

“Maybe some people around the league didn’t realize what a devastating loss (Spiric) was last year,” (Brenda) VanLengen said. “Some people are just looking at what happened to (Nebraska) last year, and maybe don’t have the confidence that they are going to break through to the next level.”

VanLengen may have been referring to the Big 12 coaches’ preseason poll, which pegged Nebraska to finish sixth. That’s exactly where the Huskers have finished each of the past two seasons, both times with 8-8 league records.

Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly isn’t buying it. When he heard Spiric was returning 100 percent healthy, he said he picked Nebraska to finish third.

“They’re a dramatically different team,” said Fennelly, whose Cyclones were picked fifth. “She dictates how the game is played, she’s skilled, competitive. The body language of that team is different.” (Comment by Skerfan - sounds like a leader to me)

In some ways, Fennelly said, Spiric is like having a prized new recruit; only she’s an existing player that some may have forgotten.

He may have a point. Yori, after all, formally introduced Spiric to legendary Texas coach Jody Conradt during lunch. Spiric’s corner of the massive interview room wasn’t exactly abuzz with activity, either.

Skerfan

10-20-2006, 11:09 AM

Uh, Sker...Welcome to Chipper's Reality Check.
Connie Yori's coaching record at Creighton vs. Nebraska... 3 wins, 7 losses.

My bad -- I should have check my facts first. Of course if you check out the scores over those 10 years you'll note that NU was only 5 pts better on average overall. So I think my point is still valid. Coach Yori's scrappy CU teams generally played the Huskers pretty "dadgum" close.

A Yori coached team is a generally (but not always -- much to her chagrin) scrappy team.

ChipperF1

10-20-2006, 12:16 PM

"So I think my point is still valid. Coach Yori's scrappy CU teams generally played the Huskers pretty "dadgum" close.

Sorry Skerfan, wrong again.
Averaging margin of defeat in seven losses, 14 points.

Plus, I saw most of the game clashes in person. Creighton was fairly close in some of them, but three of those games, CU was in double digits for most of the contest. Scrappy is one thing, but most years all the scrap in the world wasn't going to save Creighton even against some rather mediocre Nebraska teams which many of them were during the Beck and Sanderford eras.

When Creighton did beat Nebraska, it wasn't so much because of "scrap", it was because Creighton had the better players in those contests. The 1993-94 CU team was a team that could play with anybody, anywhere and do well. Nebraska's team was a second tier in the Big 8. The next year, it was a similar situation. A highly skilled Creighton team against a lousy Nebraska team (The Huskers of 1994-1995 were rather uncompetitive).

But that is past, now we have a team that will be highly competitive. However, we've heard all the right bromides in preseason before, and more often than not the results haven't cleared the bar.

"“Maybe some people around the league didn’t realize what a devastating loss (Spiric) was last year,” (Brenda) VanLengen said. “Some people are just looking at what happened to (Nebraska) last year, and maybe don’t have the confidence that they are going to break through to the next level.”

Count me partly as one of those. I realize what Spiric meant to us, but I also know Spiric or no Spiric, this team was in position to get the job done and get in the tournament and it didn't happen.

But I can meet the Skerfan opinion halfway. I think Nebraska will finish 5th in the league, because of the way the team finished last season. It was determined, strong and the team was competitive and played above the illnesses and the limitations. Instead of excuses, this team fought for results. That's ultimately what matters. Tape it up, shoot it up, or somebody else steps up. Give that type of fight, plus an improved Hardy, a healthy Spiric, a healthy Griffin, some newcomers ready to play, and a coaching staff who is dialed in every game and this team will reach that NCAA tournament.

This year, there's no excuses. I expect my lasses in the NCAAs.