Almost two months ago I traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast. When passing through security I noticed a Men's Basketball Team that was clearing at the same time. While waiting for my wife to clear, I engaged in a conversation with about 4 or 5 of their players (they were waiting for the entire team to clear). They are a pretty competitive Power 5 Team, that was Adidas sponsored. I asked them where they were headed and how the year had been. After a little chatting, I asked them, what brand do you prefer between Adidas and Nike? Since they were adorned in Adidas sweats, I thought the answer would be obvious. It wasn't. They overwhelming said Nike. When I asked why, they said it was just the "go-to" choice and that they grew up with all of their stars wearing it. I told them I was from Nebraska and if a school wearing Nike or Adidas had an affect on their choice. They said it did, but not as much for 3 star athletes and even some 4 stars. They said you don't stand a chance for real elite athletes choosing an Adidas school. Again, when I asked why, they talked about elite athletes being Nike driven since they started school, and that while ok, Adidas was not the same. They said you have to understand what those guys love, and how they were part of Nike since almost birth. They said Ohio State athletes get 10 and 12 pairs of shoes and sweats - and that Nebraska stops just short of being elite (giving only a couple of pairs). How they all know that - I have no clue. IT was an interesting conversation. I followed their next game - they got beat - but it was close.
When I sat in my assigned seat on the plane, I was surprised to see one of our former assistants sitting in front of me. He was out recruiting. Of course I had to start talking to him. It was a good conversation, but I could feel his disdain for Nebraska throughout our talk. He felt they were shortchanged by the administration, and that is putting it mildly. He also thought Frost would do fine, but that it would take time to rebuild the program. He said that Frost's staff was filled with good guys that should do well.
Just two interesting conversations to start an otherwise uneventful trip. Like most of you, I would love to see NU return to the "glory days." I just wonder if NU is taking the "right" steps to get there...
GBR
When I sat in my assigned seat on the plane, I was surprised to see one of our former assistants sitting in front of me. He was out recruiting. Of course I had to start talking to him. It was a good conversation, but I could feel his disdain for Nebraska throughout our talk. He felt they were shortchanged by the administration, and that is putting it mildly. He also thought Frost would do fine, but that it would take time to rebuild the program. He said that Frost's staff was filled with good guys that should do well.
Just two interesting conversations to start an otherwise uneventful trip. Like most of you, I would love to see NU return to the "glory days." I just wonder if NU is taking the "right" steps to get there...
GBR
