Some basketball fans in the great state of Nebraska circle the date of each season’s Creighton-Nebraska game on their calendars. It is a one-game shot for bragging rights between the only two D-1 basketball programs in the state.
Whether you are a full fledged Bluejay fan, a JaySker (Nebraska football and Creighton basketball fan), or someone brave enough to come to White & Blue Review completely bleeding Big Red, there is no love lost between the fan bases of both programs. And because of message boards, blogs, and radio shows, the arguments usually last well into the following weeks after the yearly showdown.
The home court advantage has been key during recent seasons. Below, you’ll see a highlight from the last time the road team claimed victory — Kellen Milliner hitting the game-winning shot at the Devaney Center.
We were lucky enough to get the chance to talk hoops with cordial Nebraska fan Dave Brandon from Husker Hoops Central. Dave took some time to answer some questions for White & Blue Review and give us some insight about what Husker fans are looking for from their beloved Big Red this season. Dave also says that if you have your own opinion on Nebraska basketball, to register and join him and the Nebraska basketball faithful (though I didn’t think life existed outside of football) over at HHC.
White & Blue Review: Nebraska’s defense is allowing just about 57 points per game, ranking the Huskers in the top 25 of scoring defenses nationwide. Without making reference to Ndamukong Suh or Carl Pelini, what are the keys to the Huskers’ defensive efforts? Where are they vulnerable?
Husker Hoops Central: First of all, I appreciate you taking a minute to talk Husker Hoops with me on your great site, Patrick. And don’t worry, there won’t be any Husker football mentions here. I actually probably follow NU football less than most Creighton fans.
As for what makes the Huskers such good defenders, I’ll be honest — some of it is all-out effort, and some of it is the quality of opponent that NU has faced thus far.
Now, that’s not to say that NU doesn’t have some great defenders — they do, such as Sek Henry. However, this NU defense is very much a work in progress and far from where it has been in recent years.
In particular, Nebraska is very vulnerable on the perimeter when it comes to stopping penetration. Especially early in games, opponents seem to break down NU’s perimeter defense, allowing open outside shots. And we both know that Creighton has a knack for punching Nebraska in the mouth with excellent perimeter shooting in years past, especially at games in Omaha. So, this is a big concern of mine with this contest: how the Huskers will contain Creighton’s outside shooters.
WBR: What kind of success must Doc Sadler’s team have this season to avoid grumblings about the program’s lack of progress up the ranks of the Big 12? What are Husker hoops fans’ true expectations of Sadler’s program?
HHC: I don’t think there will be any serious grumblings about Sadler’s program, even from the diehards, unless NU would completely tank and win 3 or fewer games in the Big 12. I think most Husker sports fans are fairly apathetic towards basketball and don’t expect much, hence the realistic expectations.
As far as the diehards go, they understand that Nebraska basketball is not an overnight winner. That is, you can’t just flip them into a winner: it has been a decade since NU had any sort of national prominence. I think those close to the program realize Doc is getting close and is finally getting the caliber of player he needs to win here. By this time next year, and especially assuming Christopher Niemann gets healthy, Nebraska will have the best low post talent and depth its had since the days of King and Hayes and Owens, et al. That will put NU into upper half of the Big 12 contention.
WBR: What impact has Christian Standhardinger’s NCAA-forced absence made on this team? He appeared to be the best player for the team during the exhibition season.
HHC: You’re definitely right there, Patrick. It is easy to get comfortable and say, “Oh, if we had him against Saint Louis, we would have won.”
But I don’t believe that. He would still be a first year player in his first road game and there’s no telling if he would have been on that night. Or, maybe he would have turned the ball over 10 times against USC and NU would have lost that.
What I’m trying to say is, it definitely takes away one of NU’s best five players, but I don’t really feel the results (up to this point) have been affected by his absence.
WBR: Is there a Husker that has established himself as the go-to guy in crunch time yet, or is it more of a balanced approach?
HHC: The most pleasant surprise this year has been that a number of guys have stepped up and hit key shots. This is luckily the case because of a lack of quality defense in many of our bigger games. Sadler has many guys who are not afraid to take the big shot.
Ryan Anderson would have to be considered NU’s “go-to guy,” but you could also make a case that Jorge Brian Diaz could become that guy with time. So could a wildcard player like Bear Jones or Rayes Gallegos, who you may or may not see play very much on Sunday.
WBR: It is easy to look at box scores to figure out what guys do best on the court. But, what are some of the attributes of the new players, guys Creighton fans might not have seen yet, that are critical to their success … things that won’t show up in the stat sheets? Any specific examples?
HHC: Bear Jones is a much better defender than advertised. That is the first thing that comes to mind when you ask that question.
Prior to coming to NU, he was known as only a shooter and a scorer. But he has positioned himself as a potential starter later this season, especially if he can stay healthy. The same exact statement can be made about Brandon Richardson.
Lance Jeter has been oft criticized for his lack of quickness on “D,” but he brings a sense of leadership and quiet confidence that NU hasn’t had in awhile. He has great senses about when to pick up the pace or slow it down and does a good job of helping NU keep its poise. This could come in handy on Sunday when the inevitable Creighton run happens.
Ryan Anderson is a great leader — tremendous. The best NU has had in quite awhile, in my opinion.
WBR: What are the expectations of Henry and Anderson this season? Are they the players that the other newcomers are looking to for an example or are the new guys sort of doing their own thing?
HHC: They most definitely lead by example, and I should have mentioned Sek above, too. He is more of a quiet leader, in the mold of Jeter, while Anderson is very vocal and “rah rah.”
The newcomers have mentioned the leadership of the seniors more than once or twice. IN that respect, the Huskers have been extremely lucky in recent seasons. Guys like Charles Richardson, Marcus Perry, Aleks Maric, Ade Dagunduro, and Paul Velander come to mind.
WBR: NU followed its only loss of the season (by 14 on the road against SLU) with a blowout win against a decent opponent (by 13 at home against TCU), posting a season-high point total (90). Which of those two games was more representative of where the Huskers are right now as a team?
HHC: TCU, because Nebraska didn’t play the caliber of defense it wanted for longer in that game. Plus, NU has progressed very nicely from game to game and outside of the other night against Texas-Pan American, the Huskers have gotten better in each game since.
WBR: Nebraska has had problems in the past with turnovers, but in the past few games, the turnovers have been almost non-existent. What has Nebraska done differently to hang on to the basketball?
HHC: Go back to what I said earlier about Jeter — I think he has set the tone very nicely and helped to keep NU in tune with the game situation. Also, having other terrific ball handlers with experience like Henry and Richardson have helped as well.
And, lets be honest, NU hasn’t played Kansas or Texas or really any Big 12 caliber team yet, either.
WBR: The home team has won the past four contests. What will Nebraska have to do to overcome the Qwest Center environment? Do you expect to see a lot of red?
HHC: There’s always more red than the media claims there will be, both in Lincoln and in Omaha. Creighton has a tremendous fan base and a gorgeous arena, and obviously, a lot more passion for their basketball program at the moment.
Still, casual Nebraska fans are curious about this game and love to be “seen” at such an event (just like the home game against Kansas). Husker fans are very dedicated when they feel motivated to be so. And Coach Sadler going 3-1 against Dana Altman and Creighton before his program is truly on the ground and running (which will be NEXT YEAR, in year five), would be a great way to fuel more passion and interest in the Huskers.
With that said, it won’t be an easy task to win in Omaha on Sunday, and even when the Huskers take that next step, it still won’t be.
Creighton will be ready, and Nebraska will HAVE to get off to a good start. When I say good start, I don’t necessarily mean a big lead or even a lead. Rather, the Huskers will need to TAKE CARE OF THE BASKETBALL, as they will see the best pressure defense that they have thus far.
If they can do that, and not allow easy baskets in transition, they will be halfway to their nice start. Hit a few shots and hang within 5 at halftime, and Nebraska will be fine.
WBR: So in your opinion, who will win this game and what is your final prediction?
HHC: I honestly believe this game is a coin flip. Both teams have had weaknesses exposed and both will come into this game very hungry for a win. Both struggled in their last ball game, though with UTPA you couldn’t tell because of the final score.
If this game were in Lincoln, I’d say its 70-30 Nebraska, as far as the chances of a victory.
I say its 50-50 in Omaha.
If Creighton wins, it’ll be because they speed Nebraska up and force bad shots and turnovers, thus allowing the Bluejays the chance at running and getting some nice, open looks in transition, especially from the outside. That will get the crowd in it and carry the Bluejays.
If Nebraska wins, it’ll be because they took care of the basketball. Period. If Creighton gets less than 14 turnovers from NU and barring another free throw disaster (see USC), Nebraska will win the game.
Of course, I’m going to pick the latter, but either way, it’ll be a great game on Sunday and I look forward to it.