1. Overall: The fundamental strength of this team is the balance and depth.
2. Still extremely young (Arguably our 7 best players have 3-4 years of eligibility left after this season) but it gained a ton of experience last year and it shows. This is a veteran, young team.
3. Nearly every kid looks better than last year. Kopp can score off the dribble, Buie is more aggressive and consistent, Nance is better in all phases, Young is a menace when he gets going on offense (did you see that spin move vs a future NBA guy).
4. Buie: Leader on the floor, plays with swagger, aggressiveness, resilience, sets the tone offensively. Can take over games as we all know--if he can find ways to get himself going more consistently he could be an all big-ten candidate.
5. Nance: I will controversially say that he has been our best player in the big ten. He literally snatches balls out of the air with his length even over top big men which almost gives the energetic jolt of a blocked shot. He has the most upside of any NU player I've seen in 25+ years and is still just scratching the surface. If he can play 80% this well throughout the big ten, I'd be thrilled.
6. Kopp: efficient, strong, can now shoot better off the dribble and has the gravitational effect of defenses needing to know where he is at all times. Lacks lateral quickness and gets burned at times, but a huge player for us overall.
7. Audige: He looked horrendous and incredible in the same game. Like Buie if he can learn to get himself going more consistently we'll have 2 guys who can create offense and draw fouls, when usually we have none.
8. Gaines: Tough on defense as always, a couple nice drives. His lack of a 3 pt shot keeps him from being on the floor all the time.
9. Greer: Steady on both ends, legit big ten caliber back-up PG and can score when left open so keeps teams honest.
10. Young. His footwork, touch and nifty moves are amazing. He makes as much with his limited athleticism as any player I've seen at NU. Defenses will continue to underestimate him.
11. Berry: Prettiest shot on the team along with Kopp. Plays veteran defense and you can see he is used to playing among elite players so his adjustment to D1 bball is impressive.
12. Beran: Hope he gets healthy. Tough defense, length and athleticism along with Nance and others make our team really tough. Amazing we can lose a talent like him and not miss a beat at IU.
2. Still extremely young (Arguably our 7 best players have 3-4 years of eligibility left after this season) but it gained a ton of experience last year and it shows. This is a veteran, young team.
3. Nearly every kid looks better than last year. Kopp can score off the dribble, Buie is more aggressive and consistent, Nance is better in all phases, Young is a menace when he gets going on offense (did you see that spin move vs a future NBA guy).
4. Buie: Leader on the floor, plays with swagger, aggressiveness, resilience, sets the tone offensively. Can take over games as we all know--if he can find ways to get himself going more consistently he could be an all big-ten candidate.
5. Nance: I will controversially say that he has been our best player in the big ten. He literally snatches balls out of the air with his length even over top big men which almost gives the energetic jolt of a blocked shot. He has the most upside of any NU player I've seen in 25+ years and is still just scratching the surface. If he can play 80% this well throughout the big ten, I'd be thrilled.
6. Kopp: efficient, strong, can now shoot better off the dribble and has the gravitational effect of defenses needing to know where he is at all times. Lacks lateral quickness and gets burned at times, but a huge player for us overall.
7. Audige: He looked horrendous and incredible in the same game. Like Buie if he can learn to get himself going more consistently we'll have 2 guys who can create offense and draw fouls, when usually we have none.
8. Gaines: Tough on defense as always, a couple nice drives. His lack of a 3 pt shot keeps him from being on the floor all the time.
9. Greer: Steady on both ends, legit big ten caliber back-up PG and can score when left open so keeps teams honest.
10. Young. His footwork, touch and nifty moves are amazing. He makes as much with his limited athleticism as any player I've seen at NU. Defenses will continue to underestimate him.
11. Berry: Prettiest shot on the team along with Kopp. Plays veteran defense and you can see he is used to playing among elite players so his adjustment to D1 bball is impressive.
12. Beran: Hope he gets healthy. Tough defense, length and athleticism along with Nance and others make our team really tough. Amazing we can lose a talent like him and not miss a beat at IU.
