Nebraska Basketball: Three pressing thoughts before the NIT tournament

Can Trueblood keep it up?

There is no doubt Johnny Trueblood has provided a spark for Nebraska basketball over the past couple of days. It started in the team’s regular season finale against Iowa when he recorded six rebounds, four assists and two steals to provide a defensive sark. That was only the beginning as he would figure to play a big role in the Big Ten tournament.

His best game in the Big Ten Tournament came against Maryland. In 25 minutes, he recorded four rebounds two assists, and five points. Those do not seem like crazy numbers. However, for a player that is not normally used to having the spotlight, he did a great job. Especially on an undermanned Nebraska basketball roster, he did all they could ask from him and then some.

Nebraska basketball will need Trueblood to be that same spark if they want to advance far in the NIT tournament. He also has to make sure he does not do too much. Nebraska has its scorers and playmakers. All he should focus on is filling the role of a “dirt dog.” He needs to dive for loose balls, try to get that extra rebound, and continue to provide that same spark he has over the past couple of games. This is a team that is still undermanned. Not only are they undermanned, they are tired. Many have played three challenging games over the past week in back-to-back stretches. Trueblood certainly has as well, but he has played slightly less minutes. He will need to pick up any potential slack due to fatigue if this program wants to make noise in the tournament.