Nebraska Basketball: The Debate About Tim Miles’ Future

It’s been a rough few weeks. Nebraska basketball fans have not had much to cheer for as of late.

Four straight losses to finish out the Big Ten regular season and a blow out loss to Michigan this past Sunday has people wondering about head coach Tim Miles’ fate.

Husker fans seem fairly divided on whether it is time to move on or keep the faith and continue with Miles. One thing is certain, both sides have a legit argument.

I am not going to try to convince you if Miles should stay or go because, in all honesty, the only real opinion that matters is athletic director Shawn Eichorst’s. Instead, I will lay out some of the arguments for both sides and let you develop your own thoughts.

Miles Just Needs A Little More Time

Let’s face it, this might not be the most popular opinion after Sunday’s blowout loss. Yes, this capped a four-game losing streak to finish out the slate, but Nebraska’s schedule this season was no cake walk. The Huskers have the third hardest schedule in the country according to CBS Sports and the toughest schedule overall according to ESPN. Talk about having the odds against you.

Now, consider Nebraska’s close losses. Had those games gone the other way, the sting of the last four may not be as severe, especially because of some of the quality wins against teams like Purdue and Maryland. Sounds a lot like the 2015 Nebraska football season.

Fans also have to remember this team’s overall youth with Tai Webster being the lone senior. Then, you throw in a few injuries to key contributors and you have a tough situation.

Now, you might argue, “Teams win all the time with young guys and injuries”. True, but this is not Kentucky or Duke where five-star guys line up at the door ready to play for two years and move on to the NBA. While Nebraska brings in talented players, they need a little more time to develop.

Make no mistake, Miles has brought in some talent. A strong argument can be made that he needs more time to develop them. Also, firing Miles could mean some talent leaves for another program before making an impact at Nebraska.

Keeping Miles for at least one more year may not be such a bad idea after all.

Times Up, Tim! Let’s Move On

Enough is enough, already. The blow outs and embarrassing losses are inexcusable. It has been five years, and not much has changed. Four out of five seasons resulted in a losing record, assuming this year ends in one as well. Only one post-season appearance. All valid arguments.

The Nebraska basketball team has been inconsistent this year. They can beat Purdue and Maryland, but somehow lose to Gardner-Webb. (Yes, they are a real team. I googled it.) Losses to inferior teams is not something new just this year, either. It has been an epidemic for a while now. Something needs to change.

The talent is young, but at this point in the season they have had time to develop. The team should be playing better together by now. The turnovers and inability to guard the three ball shows lack of discipline. Also, the failure to close out games and seasons has been an issue.

Scoring has been a repeated flaw for the Big Red during Miles’ career as the Huskers have found themselves right near the bottom of the Big Ten in points per game. The highest ranking coming last year at No. 7 according to ESPN. Not surprisingly, Nebrasketball has not fared well in field goal percentage, either. The best ranking also coming last year at eighth in the Big Ten.

Miles may have the ability to bring in talent, but it does not seem like he is doing enough with it. Year after year the same issues arise and development takes longer than it should. Nebraska should be moving up in the Big Ten standings.

Aside from the 2013-2014 season, the highest the Huskers have finished during Miles’ career is in tenth place. That came in his first season with the program in 2012.

What’s Your Opinion?

There are definitely more arguments for both sides. However, you can see that each has some fair points. If you were Eichorst, what would you choose to do?

Of course, there will be repercussions no matter what the final verdict ends up being. Time and deliberation is needed. Not too much time, though. The players, fans, recruits, and boosters need to know where the program is headed.

Your move, Mr. Eichorst. What’s the play call?