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The Omaha World-Herald’s favorite Husker basketball alumnus is currently trying to coach himself out of a 0-3 hole in the NBA Championship. It’s not the 1-3 hole like last year but from what I can tell the chance of comeback is a lot slimmer this season.
Tyronn Lue and the Cavs have their hands full with the Warriors this year. The lack of bench support and the massive team effort of Golden State seems to be keeping this from being another championship season for the Cleveland.
There, I said it. Though, I’m not a huge NBA fan so it’s not like I’ve got a ton of skin in this argument....Anyway, I digress
Now, on to the news.
Big Ten / ACC Challenge
Matchups for the 19th annual #B1GACC Challenge have been announced. #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/okOepagYa8
— Big Ten Men's Hoops (@B1GMBBall) June 8, 2017
Nebraska found out earlier today that it will face Boston College in the Big Ten/ACC challenge this year. The Eagles went 9-23 (2-16 ACC) last season and ended up at the bottom of the conference. While this match up will not get a lot of press it will be a game the Huskers will have to win to get through the season without any bad losses. If they lose to BC, it will not look good at all to the powers that be that sign the coaches checks.
There are some pretty intriguing match ups to see here. Iowa and Virginia Tech should be some great basketball along with Notre Dame and Michigan State. Maryland and Syracuse will bring the numbers due to their history but the game itself might be a little on the lighter side than in past years.
The ACC won the challenge last year with a 9-5 record. This year should be better for the Big Ten as many of the teams last year were young and inexperienced. Having last year under their belts should help booster the play on the court as they go into this years games.
Basketball Jersey Numbers
Numbers have been handed out to next years squad. First to the new guys on the team. Duby Okeke will have 0, Thomas Allen with have 12, NAna Akenten will have 25, and Justin Costello 33.
As we begin summer workouts, some quick twitter updates to share:
— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) June 7, 2017
Newcomer Numbers:
Duby (#0); Thomas (#12)
Nana (#25); Justin (#33) pic.twitter.com/k6Bks4xLgI
Along with the new players, two veterans will also change number. Anton Gill will go from 1 to 13 and Malcolm Laws will change from 15 to 3.
2) A pair of number changes for
— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) June 7, 2017
Anton (#13) and Malcolm (#3) pic.twitter.com/yNumrVIVRP
We wish the best to these new numbers and hope they have been pared up with players who will represent them well. Congrats!
Johnny Trueblood is Back!
Trueblood was a walk on from Elkhorn South played the 2015-16 season for the Huskers before deciding to leave the team. During his one year he had 28 minutes of playing time in 10 games. He totaled 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in all of those matches. The 6’4” guard should at least compete during practice and might also see some action as the year goes on.
3) The return of walk-on Johnny Trueblood to the Husker roster. He will wear #4 #Huskers pic.twitter.com/Np82iV4bEX
— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) June 7, 2017
Phil Beckner’s New Role
On a side note, former Husker assistant Phil Beckner will be moved from assistant coach to associate head coach of the Boise State program. Beckner was an assistant at Nebraska for one year (2015-16) before heading to Boise State.
Phil Beckner promoted to Associate Head Coach.
— Boise State Men's BB (@BroncoSportsMBB) June 6, 2017
Leon Rice: "Phil is a rising star in the coaching profession."
MORE: https://t.co/Pj6L76QCJu pic.twitter.com/s2EsY80YAF
Congrats to the Husker coach. It’s nice to see former staff progressing with their carriers. Even if it was just one season.
- GBR!