WBB: Season Storylines

[Mavric]

1. The NCAA Tournament streak

For the first time in program history, Nebraska has reached the NCAA Tournament four consecutive years. Does the streak continue? We think so, but a young team — seven freshmen and sophomores could have substantial roles — will have to mature quickly. Last season, Nebraska racked up 10 nonconference wins and only one loss, and that helped the Huskers get in the tournament even when the finish wasn’t great. Nebraska’s nonconference schedule will be tougher this year, and we’re not just talking about that trip to UConn.

2. Injuries

Reporters groan when coaches say “if we stay healthy." And then a season like last year happens, when Nebraska lost its best player, Rachel Theriot, for the final 11 games, and you realize coaches are right. There are already concerns to start this season. Two starters, Jessica Shepard and Kyndal Clark, are coming off major knee injuries. How will they hold up over a five-month season? Sophomore guard Jasmine Cincore was one of Nebraska’s top players this summer, but she's been slowed by a foot injury.

3. Rachel Theriot

Man, was it fun to see Theriot back on the court for the Huskers’ first exhibition game. The long passes that may make you cringe if anybody but Theriot were making them, the floaters she makes in the lane and nearly automatic free-throw shooting. And with Nebraska’s bigger lineup, and opponents probably not being able to focus most of their defensive attention on just a few players, Theriot may be even better this season.

 

LJS