2012-2013 Nebraska Cornhuskers Basketball Preview
2011 Record: 12-18 (4-14 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Tim Miles, first season (283-220 overall)
Projected Returning Starters: 1
Notes: After six seasons as head coach of the Cornhuskers, including the transition from Big 12 to Big Ten, Doc Sadler was fired as head coach of Nebraska in March 2012, following a first round exit in the Big Ten Tournament. After taking UTEP to the NCAA Tournament in 2005, with a 27-8 record, Sadler was never able to bring Nebraska to the Big Dance. With his most successful season in 2008-2008, Sadler amassed a 20-13 record, 7-9 in Big 12, and made the second round of the NIT. Still, Sadler’s teams had a history of being outmatched by more talented teams – he relied on a slower game, emphasizing defense. Athletic Director Tom Osborne hired Tim Miles to replace Sadler on March 24th. While many Husker fans were not impressed with the hire, Miles did turn around the Rams’ program. His first season, 207-2008, Miles went 7-25, including 0-16 in the Mountain West. Last year the team was 20-12, 8-6, including making the NCAA Tournament.
BVTSB Take: Miles’ decision to take over as head coach cuts both ways. On one hand, the Huskers are going to be very inexperienced in terms of playing time. Only starter Brandon Ubel returns from last year’s team – he averaged 6.7 points per game, but led the team with an average of 5.3 rebounds per game. With four starters graduating last year, Miles had the freedom to bring in a lot of his own players. Miles signed four players – PG Deverell Biggs, PG Benny Parker, SG Shavon Shields, and C Sergej Vucetic. Since 2002, according to Rivals, Nebraska has had no four or five star recruits. I’ve had a tough time trying to track down Nebraska’s schedule, but we do know they will travel to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on November 27th. Once Nebraska’s non-conference schedule is set, I’ll break it down. Suffice it to say, don’t expect a post-season appearance of any kind for the Huskers this season.
2012-2013 Early Projection: N/A
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