2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers Basketball Preview

2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers Basketball Predictions

After going 7- 9 in the Big East and 19- 14 overall and losing in the first round of the NIT to Hofstra, Nebraska head coach Barry Collier decided to call it quits and left for friendlier turf—Butler University. Within two weeks UTEP’s Doc Sadler (168- 57 in 7 years) was on board, ready to lead the Cornhuskers.

Although the backcourt does not look impressive, but it may very well be. Part way through last season the combo of point guard Charles Richardson (4.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 36.3 FG%, 83.6 FT%) and shooting guard Jamel White (8.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 36.1 FG%, 80.2 FT%) started to light up the court. Richardson handles the ball well and can set up plays and find open men. He’s a leader and has the heart of a winner. White possesses a fine three-point shot and can also drive inside. Freshman guard Roburt Sallie has the skills to start playing immediately.

In the frontcourt some guys must step up big time. There’s not a returning player who’s put in a substantial amount of game time at forward or center. Freshman Chris Balham was redshirted last year. During that time, the athletic forward developed his power and muscle. Freshman Chris Douse brings great athletic talent to the floor. Sophomore forwards Jim Ledsome (0.5 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 28.6 FG%, 55.6 FT%) and Kyle Marks (1.0 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 50.0 FG%, 71.4 FT%) must find a way to reach dramatically new heights in their play.

For the optimistic Sadler, this year will be an uphill battle. There’s very little returning scoring, numerous scholarship athletes have left prematurely and all but two team members are either sophomores or a freshmen. Upfront is a tough nut to crack, which means an up tempo game featuring perimeter shooting is essential. There’s also very little depth on the team.

It’s been seven years since Nebraska has sported a winning conference mark. Don’t expect them to get there this year. It’s definitely rebuilding time. In a year or two, Sadler may have them back on top.

If you want more info on the 2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Iowa State Cyclones and Missouri Tigers.