Huskers Ink Ohio Prep Star

Lincoln, Neb.--Nebraska Basketball Coach Danny Nee has announced the signing of Brian Conklin, a 6-11, 205-pounder from Hubbard (Ohio) High School. The signing is the Huskers' first of the fall early signing period, which began on Wednesday and continues through Nov. 18.

A versatile player, Conklin has seen time at all five positions on the court in his high school career. Conklin averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a junior for Hubbard High and Coach Bernie Tarr. Conklin also has an excellent shooting touch for a big man, hitting 39 percent of his 3-pointers last season and 82 percent of his free throws throughout his prep career. Conklin led Hubbard to a 16-4 record last season in Division II, Ohio's second-largest class. Conklin chose Nebraska over Northwestern, Bowling Green, Cleveland State and Marshall.

Nee said Conklin will give NU a multi-dimensional player who can be used at several different spots on the court.

"We really think his versatility is a huge asset," Nee said. "Even though he is a very tall kid he doesn't just play inside. He can go out on the perimeter and play very well. He is a prolific outside shooter and can pass and handle the ball very well. He brings the ball up the court a lot of the time right now."

Nee said he became aware of Conklin through assistant coach Randy Roth, who is in his second season at Nebraska. Before coming to Lincoln, Roth was an assistant for five seasons at Ohio State and also served as an assitant at Akron and Ohio University. Nee said he expects Conklin to develop into a more complete player on the collegiate level.

"What he doesn't have right now is great strength," Nee said. "He is just a little bit over 200 pounds, but we really like his attitude and work ethic. Right now we are planning on redshirting him his first year and I think once he gets into our weight program he can get up to 225 or 230 pounds in that first year."

The Huskers have at least two more scholarships available for the 1999-2000 season.