Digging into Nevada basketball 2011-12

Not to downplay what appears below but it's always critical to keep in mind that some of the players on any team will move forward over the summer, some will remain in a static state and some will regress. Coupling that with 'determining' the impact of new (unseen) recruits make the following a fun exercise but not much else.


Nevada appears to rolling the same dice used last season but with the expectations of a different outcome than 13-19, 8-8. Actually, correct that as Marko Cukic transferred as did point Derrell Conner but neither had a major effect in 2010-11. It's the 'a year older and wiser' difference that is expected to drive the program in a different direction as six frosh have become sophomores.

Right now, it's the Malik Story and Deonte Burton show, with Dario Hunt accoladed as a strong supporting piece. But both Story and Burton need to demonstrate greater consistency as the former's 40% overall shooting from the floor needs at least a 5% jump as does the latter's 42%. It's a nice duo because Story is more of a catch-and-shoot scorer while Burton went to the foul line a team-leading 185 times due to his dribble-drive talent. Hunt slowed down a bit towards the end but he is the top big in the WAC for this coming season.

That's a mighty solid trio to build around.

Add Olek Czyz and the Wolf Pack should have zero trouble regarding consistent point production. But Czyz needs to add a dribble-drive weapon to his repertoire plus tally a much better free throw shooting percentage than 60%.

As for the remaining backcourters and wings, Jordan Burris will shoot better, it's simply a matter of when. What other plus skill he offers remains to be seen. Jerry Evans will also connect on a better percentage of his attempts but he has already carved out a role as a defender as he puts his 6-foot-8 height and long arms to very good use. As Evans progresses with other aspects of his game, Patrick Nyeko will be forced to develop ball skills or he'll see even less playing time. Jordan Finn is a backup point who should eventually provide steadiness if not necessarily creativity.

Kevin Panzer likes to face the hoop and shoot from distance offensively and PTW sees him as a nice change-of-pace player once he gains further experience. Devonte Elliott has the chance to be very effective if he brings some fire in the belly and focus to the court. He possesses All-WAC potential but it's anyone's guess when/if he displays that level of effectiveness. His advancement would also ease some of the pressure of finding a replacement for Hunt a year hence.

Jordan Burris G 6-7 205 So.   
Deonte Burton G 6-1 185 So
Jerry Evans G 6-8 188 So.
Patrick Nyeko G 6-6 180 Jr.
Malik Story G 6-5 225 Jr.
Jordan Finn G 6-4 190 So.
Keith Fuetsch G 6-0 170 Jr. (walk-on)

Olek Czyz F 6-7 240 Sr.
Devonte Elliott F 6-10 220 So.
Dario Hunt F 6-8 230 Sr.      
Kevin Panzer F 6-9 205 So.            
Keith Olson F 6-10 270 Sr. (walk-on)

SUMMARY

If you can't land immediate better or even those with the potential to be better than what exists, then sideline your schollies and that's what Carter has done. In fairness, it is a very difficult task to convince a player to come when the entire roster is returning, even if it's a borderline blue-chipper being pursued. For example: a Burton-level talent wouldn't come to Reno if someone at his position and with his skills set was already on the roster. 

The Wolf Pack progress in 2011-12 if their top guns display improvement in the aspects outlined. But better -- more consistent -- bench play is a must in order to prevent a major dropoff in proficiency when two or more of the starters are resting.

If Devonte Elliott is pressing others for playing time then the Wolf Pack could really surprise.