Frontcourt Preview

Season Outlook

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One area which could see significant changes from last season is the Husker frontcourt, primarily with the graduation of seniors Brandon Ubel and Andre Almeida. Ubel led the Huskers and ranked seventh in the Big Ten in rebounding (6.7 rpg) and also ranked in the top 20 of the conference in scoring (11.5 ppg). Almeida averaged 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 2012-13.

Nebraska will have some options in the paint, including returnees David Rivers, Sergej Vucetic and Kye Kurkowski as well as transfer Walter Pitchford and junior college transfer Leslee Smith.

Rivers is the Huskers’ most experienced returning frontcourt player, as he averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The 6-foot-7 forward started NU’s final 17 contests and showed flashes of his potential, reaching double figures three times in Big Ten action, highlighted by an 18-point, six-rebound effort at Michigan State and a 13-point, six-rebound performance against Ohio State. The 6-foot-7 Rivers has added 30 pounds since arriving on campus three years ago and could play either of the frontcourt spots.

“He was a slender guy coming in and that was a hard adjustment for him to make. It was never really required of him before, and now in the Big Ten, you don’t survive unless you can play in a physical manner,” Miles said. “David has really made an effort to improve that part of his game, and we have seen the improvements in practice. David is a critical part of us moving forward, and he is going to need to play and play well.”

Vucetic is an intriguing prospect, as the 7-foot-1 sophomore from Vrbas, Serbia, saw limited duty as a freshman. He played just 11 minutes in 18 games, but showed a solid shooting touch, hitting 4-of-6 shots from the floor. Vucetic, who is the tallest Husker in two decades, has added much-needed strength and could put himself in line for more playing time in 2013-14.

“Sergej continues to develop and you can see his improvement from last year,” Miles said. “He is not a prototypical 7-1 low post back to the basket guy. He’s a face-up guy who can consistently knock down shots from 15 to 17 feet. As he increases his movement and strength, he can contribute for us.”

A walk-on, Kurkowski appeared in six games last year, totaling two points and two rebounds in nine minutes of action. The 6-foot-11 junior will provide depth for the Huskers up front.

One Husker who is excited to show what he can do is sophomore forward Walter Pitchford. The 6-foot-10, 234-pounder sat out all season after transferring from the University of Florida. As a freshman two years ago, he played in 13 games in helping UF reach the Elite Eight. Pitchford averaged 17.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game at East Lansing (Mich.) Summit Christian Academy.  His quickness and athleticism could pose problems for opposing frontcourts.

“Walt has a chance to be a dynamic player for us,” Miles said. “He can be an impactful guy because he can fill up a stat sheet. He can score, rebound, block shots and his activity level is really good. His lack of experience will be the biggest thing he has to overcome, but he is going to be on the floor for us.”

Smith looks to provide a physical presence for the Huskers. The 6-foot-8, 255-pounder played at Seward County CC last season, averaging 8.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in helping the school to the Region VI semifinals. He began his career at SMU, where he played in 25 games after recovering from ACL surgery in March of 2011. Smith will be counted on inside, especially during the rugged Big Ten slate.

“Leslee has been injured a little in the fall, and we have worked to maintain his health early,” Miles said. “He is a guy who is powerful and moves well, and I am curious to see how his development progresses. His quickness will help us in screen-and-roll defense, which is critical in late-game situations.”