Big Ten Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Another disappointing season for the Cornhuskers who now could have consecutive losing seasons under head coach Tim Miles. It feels like a long time since Miles took a surprise, upstart Cornhuskers team to the NCAA Tournament in 2013-14 with an 11-7 conference record.

The Cornhuskers had multiple issues this season. They struggled in the front court with a young and inexperienced front line, struggled shooting the ball (33.8% from three in conference play), struggled defending anybody (gave up 39% from three, 46% overall) and in general was mediocre to middle of the road in most other statistical categories.

The one reason you should watch the Cornhuskers? Senior guard Shavon Shields is one of the best scorers in the conference.

The 6’7″ senior guard/forward could be playing in his last game for the Cornhuskers and has lit up teams all season. His 16.4 points per game is top ten in the conference.

Shields’ two best games of the season came against some great competition. In their road victory at Michigan State, Shields scored 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting as the Cornhuskers hung on late in one of the most surprising upsets in conference play. Shields also hung 32 points on Purdue a week ago, guarded by one of the Big Ten’s best defenders – Rapheal Davis. Below is a great collection of highlights from Shields through the years.

His one downside – he cannot shoot. He shoots sub-35% from three, but counters that with an excellent ability to get to the basket, finish and get to the free-throw line.

Nebraska’s second round opponent, Wisconsin, did not see Shields in the team’s only meeting this season. The Badgers won that one 72-61. That game may be closer than expected, but Wisconsin is playing too well right now to lose to the Cornhuskers.

Next: 11. Illinois Fighting Illini