Post-Game Discussion: Nebraska 79 - NDSU 57
Rather than getting lost in the game thread, thought we could start a new post-game discussion. Here are my observations:
-Some really good and really bad stretches in this game. Unfortunately more bad than good.
-For the second straight game, a very slow start to the game. This is something that they obviously need to find a way to fix. Two things are contributing to that right now.
-The first is a lack of a true PG. This is a glaring weakness after the first two games (not really a surprise without Carter). The lack of someone that can really get to the rim to score or create for others makes it harder to get easy, open shots. It's also leading to more turnovers...the Bison have 33 through the first 2 games. This program, as Dave has stated many times, is built on rebounding, defense and taking care of the ball. That last one is not happening right now. Finally, they just have no one to go to late in the shot clock right now, like they did with Vinnie and Ward last year...eventually a player or two will have to step up in this area.
-The other struggle I think in scoring early on is that almost everyone is playing a new role this year. Kreuser, Eady and Griesel all have to play a bigger role on the offensive end this year and they are still figuring it out. Eady has really struggled with ball-handling and scoring through the first two games. I do believe over time though that all 3 of them have the ability to get it figured out...will just take time.
-Obviously the bright spot today was Knotek. They need his scoring on the floor right now. Think he will always be a bit of a liability on defense, but his effort there is much improved.
-Also like the effort of Cook and the way he plays. He can get to the rim and really competes on both ends of the floor (that block he had was really nice). I think the length of some of these higher level teams affects him right now and he also needs to be better from 3...but over time think he will be a very solid player this year and in the future.
-Like the assertiveness and aggressiveness that Skunberg plays with. He missed a couple shots today, but the moves were strong and what you want to see. He also was affected by the length of Nebraska...but against smaller SL teams think he converts more of those. His play through two games points to a lot of good things moving forward.
-With COVID and all the negative possibilities it creates, Coach Richman needs to get Nelson and McKinney minutes like he has through the first 2 games and we are just going to have to live with that learning process and a lot of the bad plays it creates.
-On the bright side, Nelson got better as the game progressed and had 3 baskets in the second half...I know it seems small, but that's what you want to see. No question he needs to be stronger and adjust to the speed of the game and because of it he will take some lumps early in the season. But hopefully it pays off by the time conference play comes along.
-As for McKinney...he has shown little to nothing through two games. Again it's against better competition and he needs the minutes...just hope he can learn and show little improvements...but at this point questionable how many quality minutes he can give them this year.
-Two other quick things to state. That is the second straight game where NDSU has outrebounded a higher level opponent. This team has a chance to really affect games come conference time with their ability to control the glass.
-Speaking of conference play...it sucked to watch us not stop Nebraska as the game wore on. But the bodies that were doing it we will not see in conference play (at least not 2 or 3 of them on the floor at the same time). Allen, McGowens, Blanton and Mayen were the guys that beat us...the types of guys that play in the Big Ten and not the Summit for a reason...we won't see those guys in January...just something to keep in perspective.
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Originally Posted by HoopsBison
