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Outside Looking In: Nebraska Basketball
I have confession to make: I’m not a Nebraska basketball fan.
Now, before you start throwing rocks and hate messages my way for living in Nebraska, let me state that I support ALL Nebraska sports. While I’m not quite the fan of Nebraska basketball as I am of Nebraska football, it does not mean I don’t have respect for Doc Sadler and the team he is trying to build. In fact, after this season, my respect has grown even more for “Nebrasketball.”
So now I’m sure you’re wondering, “If you’re not a Nebraska basketball fan, Erin, then what the hell are you?” Now, I’m going to warn you, Nebraska basketball fans. You won’t like the answer much. But for the sake of transparency, I’ll tell you. I’m a Kansas basketball fan. And I know what you’re thinking and how you’re reacting (Well, most of you anyway) because I’ve heard it all. But before you jump to too many conclusions, let me tell you how I feel about the Nebraska basketball team.
What a season.
Nebraska will enter the Big 12 Tournament as the #8 seed against Oklahoma State Wednesday. Maybe that’s not where most Huskers hoped their team would end up. And yes, there were some heartbreaking losses at the end of the season. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited and cheering when Nebraska beat Texas and Missouri. I would also be lying if I said I wasn’t paying close attention and feeling the disappointment when Nebraska lost to ISU and Colorado. And somewhere along the season, I noticed something happening: I was starting to care how Nebraska did.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still extremely loyal to KU. And I have been for many, many years. I’m still cheering for KU and still want them to win the tournament, but at the end of the day, if ONE team had to beat them, I’d be okay if it was Nebraska. Nebraska is a heck of a team, and once they get their rebounding down and learn how to finish a game strong, they will be tough to stop. So maybe it’s a good thing they’re going to the Big Ten. I don’t think Texas basketball will be complaining about it too much.
So from the perspective of someone who isn’t a die-hard loyal Nebraska fan, let me say this: Nebraska, you did well this season. And you still have a chance to prove yourself in the tournament. At the end of the day, you can’t be too disappointed in this season, Nebraska fans. I know you like to say that just when you put your hope into the team, they let you down. But I don’t think they have this year. Sure, there were those upsetting losses but there were a lot of bright spots.
And it’s those bright spots that will carry Nebraska basketball into the Big Ten as not only the new team, but a team worth watching out for.
