Nebraska Basketball: Getting to know newest commit Trevor Lakes

What to Expect?

The latest commitment for Nebraska and Coach Hoiberg comes via the Division 2 route. Trevor Lakes is a wing from Division 2 powerhouse University of Indianapolis. Lakes chose Nebraska over Xavier, Illinois and Wichita State. The 6’7” forward is a different transfer than most as he must sit out a year and only has one year of eligibility remaining. Lakes was so coveted, and many teams were willing to give out a scholarship for one year of eligibility because the forward can do something that many other players in the country cannot.

If you have watched Lakes play, one thing stands out and that is his ability to shoot. Lakes is one of the best shooters I have ever seen. The comments should be rolling in soon about no player has ever put up those kinds of numbers at Nebraska and they are cursed. Also, another question that is going to arise is what type of competition he was playing Division 2 can translate to major power conference basketball. The answer to both questions is those are valid concerns, but nothing to worry about.

Let us address the Nebraska curse theory for a second. Nebraska has had its fair share of shooters and a lot of them have not lived up to the hype. Walter Pitchford, Thomas Allen and Jack McVeigh all had good years shooting the ball and those players were able to help Nebraska win games they otherwise would not have had they not had that shooting ability. None of those players has ever been as a prolific of a shooter as Lakes. Lakes is tall, has an extremely quick release and a repeatable shot. His mechanics are great, and he doesn’t get flustered by defenses coming at him. He stretches the floor like few in the division one game. He is in range when the lights come on.

As far as the lack of competition goes at the Division 2 level. University of Indianapolis is one of the best teams at that level and would have beaten Nebraska last year most likely. Shooting travels, it doesn’t matter division. The line is the same and the ability to put the ball in the basket is the same especially from deep. Lakes is going to be just fine at the Division 1 level. Many have compared him to former Michigan Wolverine and current NBA player Duncan Robinson.

Many forget that Robinson also came from a lower division. Outside of Robinson who came from a Division 3, Baylor star Freddie Gillespie and former DePaul player Max Strus both got started in the Division 2 ranks. Strus was also a player known for his shooting. There is a tremendous amount of good basketball in the lower divisions. Lakes will be just fine.