OWH: Nebraska Doesn't Need a Big Man

BigRedBuster said:
Here’s the thought that goes through my mind on that though, we continue to have problems with teams getting second and third shots on their end of the court. If teams aren’t thinking offensive rebounds are important, why is that?
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Because NU has had smaller teams, our opponents will take the chance try to get more offensive rebounds against NU.  Since NU is smaller, opponents' offensive strategy is to attack NU in the inside first, so that will bring more players closer to the basket.  With 2 or 3 guys in/near the paint on offense, it's easier to "attack the glass" on offense.

NU's system is built outside-in.  Hoiberg wants his guys spaced out to allow guard to drive to the basket and shooters to be available for passes.  It would be foolish for guys on the outside to be running towards the basket to try for a lot of offensive rebounds.  It takes them out of defensive position, and it just creates fast break opportunities for the offense.

Let's look at your recommendation mathematically.  NU averaged 9.25 offensive rebounds in 2019-20 (ranking in the 200s).  If NU decided to crash the boards 10 more times per game, and that produced an additional 3 offensive rebounds (which would put NU in the top 50 nationally), and NU scored 4 more points from those rebounds.  Now, for the other 7 times NU crashed the boards, the other team was able to get transition opportunities and score 8 points (fast breaks produce a higher expected point result).  That is a net -4 result for Nebraska.  Does it sound smart for NU to go for more offensive rebounds?  NU might get 1 or 2 more offensive rebounds next year and beyond with overall better players, but it shouldn't be due to a change in philosophy by Hoiberg.

 
ColoradoHusk said:
Because NU has had smaller teams, our opponents will take the chance try to get more offensive rebounds against NU.  Since NU is smaller, opponents' offensive strategy is to attack NU in the inside first, so that will bring more players closer to the basket.  With 2 or 3 guys in/near the paint on offense, it's easier to "attack the glass" on offense.

NU's system is built outside-in.  Hoiberg wants his guys spaced out to allow guard to drive to the basket and shooters to be available for passes.  It would be foolish for guys on the outside to be running towards the basket to try for a lot of offensive rebounds.  It takes them out of defensive position, and it just creates fast break opportunities for the offense.

Let's look at your recommendation mathematically.  NU averaged 9.25 offensive rebounds in 2019-20 (ranking in the 200s).  If NU decided to crash the boards 10 more times per game, and that produced an additional 3 offensive rebounds (which would put NU in the top 50 nationally), and NU scored 4 more points from those rebounds.  Now, for the other 7 times NU crashed the boards, the other team was able to get transition opportunities and score 8 points (fast breaks produce a higher expected point result).  That is a net -4 result for Nebraska.  Does it sound smart for NU to go for more offensive rebounds?  NU might get 1 or 2 more offensive rebounds next year and beyond with overall better players, but it shouldn't be due to a change in philosophy by Hoiberg.
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Well, I hope we do get more rebounds from better players. 
 

For the record, I don’t think I ever said I wanted 5 guys from the outside crashing the boards. I remember times last year when we had players within 10’ of the basket and they don’t stay there to even try. I remember times when the ball would literally bounce off the rim right to where our guy just vacated because he just turned and ran. 
 

I hope Hoiberg’s system is successful. It was at ISU. 
 

Maybe it’s the best option for Nebraska because we have sucked at recruiting big guys anyway. 

 
BigRedBuster said:
Well, I hope we do get more rebounds from better players. 
 

For the record, I don’t think I ever said I wanted 5 guys from the outside crashing the boards. I remember times last year when we had players within 10’ of the basket and they don’t stay there to even try. I remember times when the ball would literally bounce off the rim right to where our guy just vacated because he just turned and ran. 
 

I hope Hoiberg’s system is successful. It was at ISU. 
 

Maybe it’s the best option for Nebraska because we have sucked at recruiting big guys anyway. 
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The whole point at Heady’s article is that NU fans shouldn’t get too bent out of shape by Hoiberg not recruiting a “big man”. The game has shifted towards speed, athleticism, and skill, and away from size.  It’s not just Hoiberg, it’s all over college basketball. 

 
ColoradoHusk said:
The whole point at Heady’s article is that NU fans shouldn’t get too bent out of shape by Hoiberg not recruiting a “big man”. The game has shifted towards speed, athleticism, and skill, and away from size.  It’s not just Hoiberg, it’s all over college basketball. 
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Question.  If Hoiberg doesn't want to play with a center, why are we trying to recruit a 6'11" 240 lb center right after we lost out on a 6'9" 230 center?

 
BigRedBuster said:
Question.  If Hoiberg doesn't want to play with a center, why are we trying to recruit a 6'11" 240 lb center right after we lost out on a 6'9" 230 center?
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Good question.  Did you read the article?

My guess is that Hoiberg is looking to have at least one bigger body on the roster to be able to bang defensively with some of the more talented big guys in the Big Ten.  However, those big, back to the basket centers don't fit what Hoiberg likes to do offensively, and I question how much a true center would even play for Hoiberg.

 
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