The 2015-16 season wasn't all that kind to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The team just went 16-18 overall, 8-5 in non-conference play, and 8-13 against Big Ten teams. For a program that started so well under Tim Miles, it was another step back from what fans were hoping to see.
Nonetheless, there were great parts of Nebraska's season despite the disappointing record. One of those?
Andrew White III, Nebraska's star guard. Although he's only played one season for the Cornhusker's following a redshirt year after transferring from Kansas, he was quite a weapon on the floor this year. Tim Miles relied on him and his scoring ability throughout the season, especially during the four game stretch when Shavon Shields, White's partner on the floor, was out with a concussion.
With Shields' graduating and heading to the NBA Draft, Miles was excited to have White lead the team this coming season.
About two weeks ago, that all changed when White declared for the NBA Draft. He declared without hiring an agent, which means he may be returning to Nebraska for his redshirt senior year, but as of now it's a toss-up.
White was a key player in the success of Nebraska this past season. He started all 34 games and was the leading scorer on the team. He ranked 6th in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game. White ranked 4th in the Big Ten with 3-point field goal percentage, shooting 41% from beyond the arc. He was Nebraska's leading scorer in 17 games this year.
So where does this leave Nebraska? With their leading scorer in Shavon Shields graduating and White possibly leaving, who will Tim Miles turn to?
Well have no fear, because Tim Miles has depth at the guard position with players who will make an impact with or without White's return. Nebraska's third leading scorer in the 2015-2016 season, Tai Webster will return for his senior season, joined by Glynn Watson Jr., who had a standout freshman season. Finally, Anton Gill, a former Louisville guard who redshirted last year, will join the team. Webster, Watson Jr., and Gill will all be competing for starting spots come the fall.
Miles is also adding assistant coach Michael Lewis to his staff for the upcoming season. Lewis was the assistant coach at Butler for 5 years and helped guide the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA tournaments.
Although there are a few question marks, Nebraska fans should stay optimistic about the upcoming basketball season. Tim Miles has a great roster, a solid recruiting class, and with the addition of Lewis, he'll have a chance to take his team to the post-season for the first time since 2014. Cornhusker nation, get ready. Nebrasketball is on its way back.