The Huskers' Doc Always Makes Things Better

It was not long ago that teams in the Big 12 were excited to play the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Teams would roll into Lincoln expecting an easy win.

I won't pretend that everything miraculously changed the moment Doc Sadler was hired as the Huskers head coach before the 2006-2007 season.

Nevertheless, he has certainly made things better.

I have a feeling that in 20 years, people will come to know Nebraska basketball in two periods: before and after the Doc arrived. Doc Sadler is in his third year as Nebraska's Head Coach. He had a good first two seasons, but it is this year that signifies the turnaround of this program.

One should realize that Doc Sadler puts one of the smallest teams in the country on the court every game. Yet, even with that small group, the Huskers have the No. 11 ranked defense in the nation.  

I would go as far as to say that no one has done more with less than Doc Sadler. Nebraska does not have a pure shooter, play-maker, or even a post man. Yet, without any of that, the Doc has led Nebraska to victories over Creighton, Kansas State, Texas, and Missouri.  

Texas was especially emotional for Doc Sadler as he shared tears with reporters after the game. By and large, it was a turnaround game for the Huskers. 

Now, when coaches prepare for the Huskers, they make sure their teams take Nebraska seriously. The Huskers play the most disciplined basketball in the Big 12. If a team steps on the court with the Huskers and play sloppy basketball, they are bound to lose. 

However, in an attempt to not overplay the Huskers success, we should also look at the lows of the season.

Nebraska has suffered heartbreak losses to Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Kansas. In all of their close losses, the Huskers were only a few plays away from a win.

What is the difference between this season and the last decade for the Huskers? 

The Doc has instilled confidence and character. I have never watched the Huskers play with confidence like I have this year. Although they are always smaller and less talented, the Huskers have an edge which says, "we're here to win."

Previously, whenever Nebraska faced obstacles in games, the team would simply fold. But now that Doc has instilled character into the team, they fight to the end, whether it ends up bitter, or sweet.

There is a reason that I have not mentioned one single player by name.  If it weren't for Doc Sadler, these players would be having the same season the last decade of Nebraska players had.

Hiring the Doc is the best thing that has happened to Nebraska basketball, and it will be the Doc that will continue to transform the Huskers from the laughing stock of the Big 12, to Big 12 champions and beyond.

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