Big man Diaz still in doubt for NU

[Husker_Power]

Big man Diaz still in doubt for NU

LINCOLN — At Wednesday's "Talk to Doc" luncheon, a fan asked Nebraska basketball coach Doc Sadler what his wish would be if a genie appeared and granted him one request.

 

"A 7-footer," Sadler replied.

 

Unfortunately for the Huskers, neither a genie nor a 7-footer named Jorge Diaz showed up later in the afternoon at the Devaney Center.

 

Sources close to the situation said there is hope by week's end for a resolution to enrollment issues involving the 19-year-old member of the Puerto Rican national team.

 

This is Day 130 since Diaz orally committed to NU over Arkansas, Iowa State, Indiana and Loyola Marymount. Sadler scouted him this summer at a tournament in Las Vegas.

 

Diaz has NCAA Clearinghouse approval for immediate eligibility, but is trying to meet Nebraska admission standards on English proficiency. He was born in New York, then moved to Puerto Rico as a toddler.

 

Sources with knowledge of the case said a computer malfunction played a part in Diaz not getting a qualifying test score posted in time to enroll in August.

 

Nebraska coaches had hoped to get Diaz enrolled immediately after the first semester so he could play in the final five nonconference games.

 

But more delays on paperwork and test-score postings meant no tall newcomer was in uniform Wednesday, just three days before the Huskers' Big 12 opener at 1 p.m. on Saturday against Missouri.

 

"We are still actively recruiting him," Sadler said Wednesday. That's all he can say about Diaz per NCAA rules.

 

Speculation on Diaz's skills and how quickly he might play have kept the message-board maniacs busy for months.

 

"The hype is ridiculous," one person close to the program said Wednesday. "No matter what he does if he makes it, he couldn't live up to it."

 

It's not known exactly how tall Diaz is or how much he weighs. Various Internet sites have shown him anywhere from 6-11 and 200 pounds to 7-foot and 220 pounds.

 

Those who have seen Diaz play describe him as a skilled offensive player who will need added strength to compete defensively.

 

In the FIBA Under-19 world championships in the summer of 2007, Diaz — then 17 — averaged 2.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in five games.

 

In a three-game championship series last summer in the Puerto Rican junior national finals, an Internet site reported Diaz averaged 23 points, 18 rebounds and six blocked shots a game.

 

A game story from an Oct. 24 Puerto Rican newspaper reported that Diaz had 19 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in an Under-21 national game. A story from Oct. 18 reported that he had 29 points and 23 rebounds.

 

Nebraska (10-3) has only one current scholarship player taller than 6-7 — 6-8 junior Chris Balham, whose playing time is limited by knee problems. He averages 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds.

 

For Missouri (13-2), its top two players have been 6-8 DeMarre Carroll (16.7 points, 6.5 rebounds) and 6-9 Leo Lyons (14.7, 6.3).

 

• NOTES: Freshman guard Bear Jones, who underwent foot surgery last month, will remain in a cast for three more months. Sadler said more damage was found than expected, but that the recovery time remains at four months. . . . The "Talk to Doc" lunch drew a record crowd of 200. . . . Tipoff time on Saturday is 1 p.m. to accommodate ESPN2. Tickets and many schedules show a 2 p.m. tip, which now is incorrect.