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Frontcourt
The Huskers’ frontcourt will have a new look in 2015-16, with the departure of NU’s top four posts, including three who signed professional contracts. Sophomore Jake Hammond is NU’s most experienced player at the spot while freshmen Ed Morrow Jr., and Michael Jacobson are both talented players who will have an opportunity to develop early in their college careers.
Hammond saw playing time as a true freshman, as injuries gave him a chance to crack the rotation. Hammond played in 11 contests and put up modest numbers, totaling three points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. As a high school senior, the 6-foot-10, 235-pound forward averaged 26.2 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game at Comanche (Okla.) High School. Hammond has worked hard to add weight and strength in the offseason and it showed on NU’s trip to Spain, when he averaged 6.3 points on 65 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds per game.
“Jake is going to have a chance to play minutes at center for us,” Miles said. “We are not sure if it will be a two- or three-headed monster at center, but Jake is definitely going to have an opportunity to prove himself.”
“Jake has gotten stronger since last season and that was something he needed. I think Jake has also gained a lot of confidence in his abilities and that is important for his development,” Miles said.
One of two top-100 recruits in this year’s freshmen class, Ed Morrow Jr., brings impressive credentials to the Husker program. The 6-foot-7, 225-pounder starred at Simeon High School in Chicago, averaging 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots per game as a senior while playing in a lineup with three Big Ten signees. Despite being slowed by bone spurs earlier in the summer, Morrow has worked hard in the weight room, adding more than 10 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus.
“I love the mentality that Ed plays with. He has no fear on the court,” Miles said. “He is a very physical player who attacks the glass and is a great finisher around the rim.”
“I think he is going to help us in a lot of ways. He is not just an at the rim kind of guy. He can step out and make a shot, especially on the baseline. Ed has a lot of tools to build on.”
Jacobson comes to Nebraska after an impressive four-year career at Waukee (Iowa) High School, totaling 1,287 points, 776 rebounds and 224 blocked shots. He led Waukee to the state tournament in 2015, averaging 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game. The 6-foot-8, 222-pounder was also a standout tight end who had several Division I offers. He has battled early injuries, playing with a broken nose during NU’s trip to Spain, and suffering a stress fracture which has hampered his development. Jacobson looks to return to health by the time the Huskers open exhibition play in early November.
“Michael has been banged up during the preseason. For him, it is just a matter of being healthy and getting back on the court,” Miles said. “He is a really good athlete who can play either at the stretch four or the five for us, and will be in the rotation at those spots. I think Michael is probably the most underrated player in our class. He brings a lot to the table, whether it is on the glass, his shooting or ability to create for others.”