Husker Corner
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Nebraska Basketball: Three pressing thoughts before the NIT tournament

By Danny Jaillet

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Aleem Ford #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers attempts a shot while being guarded by Tanner Borchardt #20 of the Nebraska Huskers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Aleem Ford #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers attempts a shot while being guarded by Tanner Borchardt #20 of the Nebraska Huskers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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How will the seniors do?

I know the NIT is not a place where many fans want Nebraska basketball to be. They would have rather seen them in the NCAA tournament. However, the fact of the matter is we are lucky to have gotten in NIT berth, especially with the way this season has gone at times. As result, we should savor these next couple of days.

For one, we are nearing the end of James Palmer Jr.’s career as a Nebraska basketball player. This kid has done everything in his power during his time here to put Nebraska in a position to win every single night. His playmaking ability and his will to win have been unmatched during his time here. This year in particular was exemplary of that, as he was able to take over games with his ability to drive to the hoop and his sharpshooting from mid-range. Palmer averaged 18.4 points in two seasons for Nebraska.

Glynn Watson Junior is another player to watch for in this tournament. In what was an up-and-down senior season, he certainly made the most of it. He averaged 13.4 points per contest in 2019, his highest total out of any of his for years in Lincoln. Although he had tough stretches, he had a great year overall. In the Big Ten tournament, he saved his best for last. In Nebraska basketball’s 66-62 loss to Wisconsin, Watson was one of the few bright spots. He finished the game with 23 points on nine-of-21 shooting. Although the loss wasn’t the result that Watson wanted, he is certainly ended his Big Ten career on a high note.

Tanner Borchardt was another player who performed well for Nebraska basketball at times. He struggled rebounding the basketball during the first half of the season. That changed in the second half of the season as he began to look more comfortable in his role. He really shone brightly during the team’s 93-91 win over Iowa. In that contest, he recorded eight rebounds and eight assists in 23 minutes of play. Those numbers certainly are not too shabby for a converted football player.

It will be fun to watch all seniors in the NIT Tournament. They have nothing to lose and a trophy to gain if they make it that far. These are the last games of their college basketball careers. They need to make them count. They have already put a lot on the line so far this season and they just need a few more games of effort for the chance at success.

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