Mike Schaefer
KANSAS CITY- There is pressure to win at the bottom, too.
That sentiment was shared by Nebraska head coach Doc Sadler following Nebraska's 70-64 quarterfinal loss to Texas A&M on Thursday. It was number 18 on the season.
"Let's be real, I've got to get some wins," Sadler said. "I've got to have a team that doesn't just play hard. We've got to get some wins."
Playing hard comes naturally, but the wins have been elusive as the Cornhuskers (15-18) will more than likely finish the year with a losing record, the first time under the fourth year coach's guidance.
The season never really came together. The Huskers occasionally flashed talent on the hardwood but never showed the capacity to hold the lead or the sense of urgency to complete the comeback.
Such was the case on Thursday when Nebraska battled back from 18 points down, only to watch the Aggies leave them behind again.
Despite the loss and the tough season, Sadler still sees hope for the Nebraska program as early as next year.
"I know a lot of people probably don't like this answer, but I don't think that it's that far off track," Sadler said. "I mean, if you look at our record, it was not good. But if you watched our team for 16 games, I think they gave everything that they had."
The program's darkest days might be over.
"I can't imagine wins and losses being any tougher than it's going to be this year," Sadler said. "And to continue to practice the way we practiced all year, that's what gave me hope each day."
Besides the losses of four-year players Ryan Anderson and Sek Henry, it is possible other players might leave. The coach has admitted his style of coaching and his expectations for the level of play and commitment at Nebraska aren't always shared by today's basketball playing hopefuls.
"I want everybody that's on this team to return if they're committed as much as the most committed person," the coach said. "That's a fact. Right now we're at 13. I hope we don't lose anyone, speaking as of right now, but if I don't like the answers I get when I meet with them individually, if their goals are a little different than what's best for Nebraska, then I'll shake their hand and tell them there's other places to be."
Sadler has a track record to prove it. Since arriving in 2006, Nebraska has been a central train station, bringing in and sending out players across the nation.
There isn't a point to speculating as to who might leave because Sadler wouldn't change his mindset if any number of players decide to trans fer.
"I'm not concerned about that at all," Sadler said. "We've got too good a thing here at Nebraska. I don't expect there to be any, but if there is, hey, that's just the way it is today. We'll deal with it."
The coach is now free to hit the recruiting trail and find the one Sadler calls "Dude".
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