Nebrasketball Coaching Hot Board

[ATX Husker]

Manipulation of numbers is fun.

Tim Miles last 3 seasons ended with a 53-47 record & 2 NIT appearances in his last 2 seasons. We fired him because that wasn't good enough. And hired Fred to improve the product, and quite frankly - after what is now looking to be a fluke 23/24 season - he hasn't.

Congrats, in 6 seasons Fred has a single 3rd place finish with 1 post-season berth while in 7 seasons Miles had two (2) 4th place & 3 postseason berths. Tim fucking Miles has more post-season appearances at Nebraska than Fred Hoiberg. And higher finishes in the B1G. 👀 Fred will need to do something spectacular this season AND next just to match Miles' post-season. Yikes!

Moving forward, we lose 7 of 9 guys currently playing a minimim of 10 minutes per game. The 2 we possibly return are Essegian & Berke. Add in Griffiths and it's 3 people. LOL.

If people are being honest with themselves, there isn't a single person who would have been okay with Hoiberg's results after 7 seasons.

11 games remain, so we'll see what happens...

Sam is a Junior as well, but yup point taken.

 

[Huskers633]

Fred isn't getting fired one year after being B1G coach of the year and because of the extension. He hit in the portal on Essegian, Berke, and Morgan. Everyone else was a miss. I think Meah could do good things, but we appear to be trying to make him fit Hoiberg's system instead of trying to play to Meah's strength. I do think Griffiths has potential, but his confidence is shot and when he does play, he looks nothing like he did at Rutgers last year. At Rutgers he came on towards the end of the year and was confident. I have no inside info, but I'd be surprised if Griffiths isn't back in the portal after the season.

Fred is going to have to earn it this off-season. He can't afford to miss in the portal like he did this year. With Williams and Gary gone he needs to bring in a couple scoring guards. I do think Essegian, Berke, and Mast, assuming they all come back, is a nice core to build a team around. Many may see this as an excuse, but I don't think it can be understated how much this team misses Mast. I've said that since the Saint Mary's game.

Depending on how these final 11 games go my opinion may change to be NCAA Tournament or bust next year. But right now, for next year, I think anything less than a top 12 finish in conference should mean that Fred is gone.

 

[Southendzonehusker]

If you think the jays suck but NU doesn’t then you should get a new eyeglass prescription asap

If you think I have implied that with how critical I have been of Fred on every thread regarding Husker hoops, you should probably work on your reading skills and stop worrying about my eyesight. Pickle Smoochers still sucks. Go follow one of their stupid X accounts.

 

[Southendzonehusker]

Fred isn't getting fired one year after being B1G coach of the year and because of the extension. He hit in the portal on Essegian, Berke, and Morgan. Everyone else was a miss. I think Meah could do good things, but we appear to be trying to make him fit Hoiberg's system instead of trying to play to Meah's strength. I do think Griffiths has potential, but his confidence is shot and when he does play, he looks nothing like he did at Rutgers last year. At Rutgers he came on towards the end of the year and was confident. I have no inside info, but I'd be surprised if Griffiths isn't back in the portal after the season.

Fred is going to have to earn it this off-season. He can't afford to miss in the portal like he did this year. With Williams and Gary gone he needs to bring in a couple scoring guards. I do think Essegian, Berke, and Mast, assuming they all come back, is a nice core to build a team around. Many may see this as an excuse, but I don't think it can be understated how much this team misses Mast. I've said that since the Saint Mary's game.

Depending on how these final 11 games go my opinion may change to be NCAA Tournament or bust next year. But right now, for next year, I think anything less than a top 12 finish in conference should mean that Fred is gone.

Calling Essegian, Berke and Morgan all hits is a stretch. Berke for the most part has been underwhelming. Essegian has not shot the ball enough and is a one trick pony. Morgan I do like but I don’t know if he will ever be more than he currently is. For sure provides some toughness that we need but it still blows my mind he puts the ball on the floor and tries to drive.

 

[Huskers633]

Calling Essegian, Berke and Morgan all hits is a stretch. Berke for the most part has been underwhelming. Essegian has not shot the ball enough and is a one trick pony. Morgan I do like but I don’t know if he will ever be more than he currently is. For sure provides some toughness that we need but it still blows my mind he puts the ball on the floor and tries to drive.

I completely agree Essegian doesn't shoot enough and on ON3 posters have pointed out that his percentage is lower in conference play, but he was brought in to shoot the 3. He's currently at 40.8% for the year. That's pretty good as it is. IMO even more so that he's constantly got guys all over him.

I thought Berke would score more this year. IMO I don't think he looks to score enough. I wish we'd run more plays for him. Especially on the block.

I think Morgan has been pretty solid. I'm not sure what more you could want from him. He's been something that Nebraska has never had, or hasn't had in a long time. That's a big off the bench that can score.

Robin said this before the season began, and he said it again today in the chat on ON3. If the 5th year of eligibility goes through Morgan and Ulis would be back (Ulis coming back would be a total waste of a scholarship but that's another conversation). IMO Mast, Berke, and Morgan, assuming they all come back would be a pretty good frontcourt.

 

[Driveway Jordan]

Fred isn't getting fired one year after being B1G coach of the year and because of the extension. He hit in the portal on Essegian, Berke, and Morgan. Everyone else was a miss. I think Meah could do good things, but we appear to be trying to make him fit Hoiberg's system instead of trying to play to Meah's strength. I do think Griffiths has potential, but his confidence is shot and when he does play, he looks nothing like he did at Rutgers last year. At Rutgers he came on towards the end of the year and was confident. I have no inside info, but I'd be surprised if Griffiths isn't back in the portal after the season.

Fred is going to have to earn it this off-season. He can't afford to miss in the portal like he did this year. With Williams and Gary gone he needs to bring in a couple scoring guards. I do think Essegian, Berke, and Mast, assuming they all come back, is a nice core to build a team around. Many may see this as an excuse, but I don't think it can be understated how much this team misses Mast. I've said that since the Saint Mary's game.

Depending on how these final 11 games go my opinion may change to be NCAA Tournament or bust next year. But right now, for next year, I think anything less than a top 12 finish in conference should mean that Fred is gone.

Good Analysis. I agree. We need some athletes on the wing…guys that defend and get to the bucket. We also need a PG that isn’t careless with the ball. Alot of needs in the portal. No more unathletic white guys that can’t shoot.

 

[Huskers4420]

Robin said this before the season began, and he said it again today in the chat on ON3. If the 5th year of eligibility goes through Morgan and Ulis would be back (Ulis coming back would be a total waste of a scholarship but that's another conversation). IMO Mast, Berke, and Morgan, assuming they all come back would be a pretty good frontcourt.

I know we already assumed this, but I really wouldn't count on the 5th year happening

 

[DrinkItIn]

I completely agree Essegian doesn't shoot enough and on ON3 posters have pointed out that his percentage is lower in conference play, but he was brought in to shoot the 3. He's currently at 40.8% for the year. That's pretty good as it is. IMO even more so that he's constantly got guys all over him.

I thought Berke would score more this year. IMO I don't think he looks to score enough. I wish we'd run more plays for him. Especially on the block.

I think Morgan has been pretty solid. I'm not sure what more you could want from him. He's been something that Nebraska has never had, or hasn't had in a long time. That's a big off the bench that can score.

Robin said this before the season began, and he said it again today in the chat on ON3. If the 5th year of eligibility goes through Morgan and Ulis would be back (Ulis coming back would be a total waste of a scholarship but that's another conversation). IMO Mast, Berke, and Morgan, assuming they all come back would be a pretty good frontcourt.

Berke is an intriguing player with a lot of potential to me. I heard on a radio show or podcast that he’s still working his way back from a couple of injuries and isn’t yet in “basketball shape.” Does it really take that long to get back into game shape? I honestly don’t know, but I did notice him tapping out during the USC game, which might suggest he is.

 

[2010sarenevercomingback]

I know we already assumed this, but I really wouldn't count on the 5th year happening

There was 100% a proposal for a 5th year granted to students who spent their first 4 years at one school.

That may have been tabled, but it was on the docket at least up until a few weeks ago.

Source: coach who saw it.

Obviously this wouldn't affect any of our players who transferred in, so it's moot in that context.

 

[PonyBoy]

Hoiberg missed a golden opportunity, not just with guys out of high school but the inability to land a single one out of the portal. We can talk about Abdelmassih screwing him over with recruiting, but Fred is the head coach & Matt has been gone for 3 full seasons (following 2024-2025)...

Fred landed Arop (hold over from Miles recruiting), Griesel (portal), Allick (portal) & Bolis (JUCO).

Every single player here was in the portal at one time (minus Green):
Sallis - 19 ppg, 2.7 apg, 4.6 rpg
Tonje - 18 ppg, 1.9 apg, 4.9 rpg
Hepburn - 15 ppg, 6.5 apg, 3.4 rpg
Lliteras - 12 ppg, 1 apg, 4.7 rpg
Wrightsell - 11.5 ppg, 2 apg, 1.8 rpg
Thomas - 11.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 6.1 rpg
Mitchell - 10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 rpg
Wur - 9.1 ppg, .7 apg, 4.4 rpg
Fidler - 8.7 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.4 rpg
And to a lesser extent; Traudt, Kyle, Green

Does this mean everyone performs at or greater in Lincoln? Absolutely not, but hot damn folks - that's some serious talent.

 

[Dell Husker]

Hoiberg missed a golden opportunity, not just with guys out of high school but the inability to land a single one out of the portal. We can talk about Abdelmassih screwing him over with recruiting, but Fred is the head coach & Matt has been gone for 3 full seasons (following 2024-2025)...

Fred landed Arop (hold over from Miles recruiting), Griesel (portal), Allick (portal) & Bolis (JUCO).

Every single player here was in the portal at one time (minus Green):
Sallis - 19 ppg, 2.7 apg, 4.6 rpg
Tonje - 18 ppg, 1.9 apg, 4.9 rpg
Hepburn - 15 ppg, 6.5 apg, 3.4 rpg
Lliteras - 12 ppg, 1 apg, 4.7 rpg
Wrightsell - 11.5 ppg, 2 apg, 1.8 rpg
Thomas - 11.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 6.1 rpg
Mitchell - 10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 rpg
Wur - 9.1 ppg, .7 apg, 4.4 rpg
Fidler - 8.7 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.4 rpg
And to a lesser extent; Traudt, Kyle, Green

Does this mean everyone performs at or greater in Lincoln? Absolutely not, but hot damn folks - that's some serious talent.

We will look back in 15-20 years and wonder what the hell happened. That’s elite talent that came through Nebraska that we might not see again for a long time. Pickle Smoochers can be just as mad though

 

[HCFord1]

Hoiberg missed a golden opportunity, not just with guys out of high school but the inability to land a single one out of the portal. We can talk about Abdelmassih screwing him over with recruiting, but Fred is the head coach & Matt has been gone for 3 full seasons (following 2024-2025)...

Fred landed Arop (hold over from Miles recruiting), Griesel (portal), Allick (portal) & Bolis (JUCO).

Every single player here was in the portal at one time (minus Green):
Sallis - 19 ppg, 2.7 apg, 4.6 rpg
Tonje - 18 ppg, 1.9 apg, 4.9 rpg
Hepburn - 15 ppg, 6.5 apg, 3.4 rpg
Lliteras - 12 ppg, 1 apg, 4.7 rpg
Wrightsell - 11.5 ppg, 2 apg, 1.8 rpg
Thomas - 11.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 6.1 rpg
Mitchell - 10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 rpg
Wur - 9.1 ppg, .7 apg, 4.4 rpg
Fidler - 8.7 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.4 rpg
And to a lesser extent; Traudt, Kyle, Green

Does this mean everyone performs at or greater in Lincoln? Absolutely not, but hot damn folks - that's some serious talent.

I don’t put the Omaha guys not playing for Nebraska at Hoiberg’s feet. If there’s one thing that this era of Omaha kids has made clear, it’s that they would rather shove a railroad spike up their ass and out their urethra than play for the University of Nebraska.

 

[Huskers633]

Hoiberg missed a golden opportunity, not just with guys out of high school but the inability to land a single one out of the portal. We can talk about Abdelmassih screwing him over with recruiting, but Fred is the head coach & Matt has been gone for 3 full seasons (following 2024-2025)...

Fred landed Arop (hold over from Miles recruiting), Griesel (portal), Allick (portal) & Bolis (JUCO).

Every single player here was in the portal at one time (minus Green):
Sallis - 19 ppg, 2.7 apg, 4.6 rpg
Tonje - 18 ppg, 1.9 apg, 4.9 rpg
Hepburn - 15 ppg, 6.5 apg, 3.4 rpg
Lliteras - 12 ppg, 1 apg, 4.7 rpg
Wrightsell - 11.5 ppg, 2 apg, 1.8 rpg
Thomas - 11.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, 6.1 rpg
Mitchell - 10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 rpg
Wur - 9.1 ppg, .7 apg, 4.4 rpg
Fidler - 8.7 ppg, 1.2 apg, 3.4 rpg
And to a lesser extent; Traudt, Kyle, Green

Does this mean everyone performs at or greater in Lincoln? Absolutely not, but hot damn folks - that's some serious talent.

I go to state basketball every year. Tonje averaged around 25 ppg at Omaha Central. The two games I saw him I didn't understand why he didn't have an offer to Nebraska. However, in high school he didn't shoot well from the outside. I'd guess that's what held back more offers. He's really developed a nice jump shot in college.

 

[PonyBoy]

I don’t put the Omaha guys not playing for Nebraska at Hoiberg’s feet. If there’s one thing that this era of Omaha kids has made clear, it’s that they would rather shove a railroad spike up their ass and out their urethra than play for the University of Nebraska.

Hepburn is a Husker with Tim Miles, and odds were, literally, all in Nebraska's favor that Sallis was coming too. I had multiple conversations with them back then. Whether they stayed or not is unknown. Green likely follows as well, but I never heard that directly.

And who knows what happens, but Fred and staff dropped the ball. Big time, and it kicked us in the ass when all of them entered the portal.

 

[HCFord1]

Hepburn is a Husker with Tim Miles, and odds were, literally, all in Nebraska's favor that Sallis was coming too. I had multiple conversations with them back then. Whether they stayed or not is unknown. Green likely follows as well, but I never heard that directly.

And who knows what happens, but Fred and staff dropped the ball. Big time, and it kicked us in the ass when all of them entered the portal.

You know I appreciate you and your info but I don’t believe this for a second about any of them.

 

[PonyBoy]

You know I appreciate you and your info but I don’t believe this for a second about any of them.

It wasn't a secret back then.

 

[Frogsker30]

It wasn't a secret back then.

^

 

[Huskers4420]

There was 100% a proposal for a 5th year granted to students who spent their first 4 years at one school.

That may have been tabled, but it was on the docket at least up until a few weeks ago.

Source: coach who saw it.

Obviously this wouldn't affect any of our players who transferred in, so it's moot in that context.

I’m not saying the proposition didn’t ever exist. I’m just saying we all pretty much assumed from the beginning it was a long shot. And Goodman’s tweet today confirmed as much.

You shouldn’t be relying on guys to get another year out of thin air in Year 6 of building a program anyway, but sure seems like Hoiberg could use it considering the entire roster is gone and we have to buy a whole new roster with mid NIL. What could go wrong.

 

[Southendzonehusker]

I don’t put the Omaha guys not playing for Nebraska at Hoiberg’s feet. If there’s one thing that this era of Omaha kids has made clear, it’s that they would rather shove a railroad spike up their ass and out their urethra than play for the University of Nebraska.

Hoiberg ignore half those kids. It is literally his own fault that they didn’t end up in Lincoln. A majority of them didn’t end up at major schools out of high school.

 

[Huskers4420]

^

I also thought Chucky was actually committed to Nebraska then bailed after Miles was fired but maybe I’m wrong. Sallis was never coming here regardless.