Nebraska Basketball Tabs Beckner as new Assistant

After the sudden departure of Rashon Burno on July 3rd, nearly a month later, Tim Miles has found his replacement. The Huskers have announced Phil Beckner to be the next assistant coach. Beckner was most recently spent the 2014-15 season with the Oklahoma City Blue, the NBDL affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before his lone season there, he was at Weber St. for seven seasons, which included six consecutive postseason appearances.

"I believe hiring Phil Beckner will help our program immensely," Miles said. "I have a great deal of respect for his ability to recruit to recruit, coach and develop players in all areas of their lives."

Beckner oversaw player development at Weber St., seeing three players named Big Sky Player of the Year during his tenure. He was an instrumental influence on the development of Damian Lillard, an All-American in 2013-14 and sixth over all draft pick and is currently the point guard for the Portland Trailblazers.

The hire comes as the beginning of the Huskers preparations for their trip to Spain where they will play four exhibition games. The Huskers are looking to rebound from a disappointing and tumultuous 2014-15 season. This trip will serve as an instrumental time for the team that is adding six new scholarship players to the equation in an attempt to return to the postseason after missing it last year. The Huskers will leave for Spain August 13th, returning on the 23rd before the start of the fall semester.