Since we appear to be without any immediate games, I thought a quick chat on topics other than 'why are we struggling', might be a nice change. With a team like ours, which has basically a new roster of players, there are always guys that catch a fans eye for certain qualities we feel they may bring to a team. I don't mean the Teddy's, or Delano's, but the ones that you have a feeling will potentially be key contributors to the success of the team, either this year, or next. Every team has them, be it for situational play, or specific match ups, smart coaches know their unique skillset and where it can get plugged in.
I'll toss out a guy who has seen some minutes, but I think before it's all said and done will be a key to our being competitive in some B1G games this season: Shamiel Stevenson. I've already mentioned, I'm concerned he's frustrated with his minutes, and I could see him look for another opportunity if that doesn't change. As much as I think he can be a key contributor, I do recognize he's really struggled from 3 pt range, and that's not a good way to earn minutes on a Fred Hoiberg team. We either need to accept he's going to be scoring 2s, or he's going to languish on the bench. That's the bad. The good, or areas I think he can really help this team is by being allowed to use that OLB body, as a really solid defender, as a guy who can drive strong and either pull up, or go inside and thrive shooting with contact. He is also a very good rebounder for his height, and he brings a level of nasty that isn't a bad thing in this league.
So that's my sleeper. A guy who isn't a starter, won't be a starter, but can be a key contributor in certain games for the Huskers. Now let's hope we get some games rolling to see if my guess is any good.
I'll toss out a guy who has seen some minutes, but I think before it's all said and done will be a key to our being competitive in some B1G games this season: Shamiel Stevenson. I've already mentioned, I'm concerned he's frustrated with his minutes, and I could see him look for another opportunity if that doesn't change. As much as I think he can be a key contributor, I do recognize he's really struggled from 3 pt range, and that's not a good way to earn minutes on a Fred Hoiberg team. We either need to accept he's going to be scoring 2s, or he's going to languish on the bench. That's the bad. The good, or areas I think he can really help this team is by being allowed to use that OLB body, as a really solid defender, as a guy who can drive strong and either pull up, or go inside and thrive shooting with contact. He is also a very good rebounder for his height, and he brings a level of nasty that isn't a bad thing in this league.
So that's my sleeper. A guy who isn't a starter, won't be a starter, but can be a key contributor in certain games for the Huskers. Now let's hope we get some games rolling to see if my guess is any good.