Can Banton make an impact for Nebraska basketball?
When you take a look at the roster that Nebraska basketball as, there is no doubt that there is a lot of new faces to be had for the upcoming season. One of those faces is Dalano Banton. Although he is not new, he enters this season looking to make an impact for the program.
He is in a unique situation in terms of his eligibility, as he played with Western Kentucky 2018. A redshirt sophomore, he enters this new-look roster with game experience. One of the qualities that could make him stand out from the rest of the pack is his height. He measures in at six-foot-nine, and as a guard, that could be very beneficial.
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Now there is no doubt that he needs to improve. According to a report from the Lincoln Journal Star, Banton shot 40% from the field as a freshman, and recorded a 21.6 field goal percentage on three-point shots.
In an up-tempo Fred Hoiberg offense, Banton certainly needs to improve on those numbers. There is no doubt that he has talent, he just needs to be able to put it all together. With so much roster turnover, that extra year with Nebraska basketball last year could be beneficial.
Right now, is just looking to improve. He knows that the ups-and-downs from last year were learning experiences. There are many different roles he could play within the basketball program. Given that he already has major collegiate basketball experience that certainly works well in his favor. We know he can play. Now, he just has to be given the opportunity.
"“I feel like the last year has been a great learning experience for me. I used it, took all the ups and downs that we had and just used it in a positive manner, learning that you have to fight through the fire and adversity when times are rough,” Banton said. “So just learning that, and showing that we have to stick together through everything and just be together and be for each other. And if we do that, we can accomplish anything.”"
His situation reminds me a ton of what Nebraska football did with several of their players . The majority of the 2019 class sat out most of last year in order to preserve their redshirts Now, they are making an impact with a year in the program under their belt. Banton is in a similar situation.
I truly believe that he can make a positive impact on the basketball program. He should be able to get playing time. As Fred Hoiberg enters a crucial second year, Banton may be a player who experiences a ton of growth. He has little pressure to perform, which may work in his favor.