Henry, Miller figure prominently into NU's up-tempo plans
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BY BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star
Sek Henry was feeling good about practice. He was finding a rhythm, picking up where he left off last season as Nebraska’s starting point guard.
Then, he twisted his foot and ankle. The injury caused the Nebraska junior to miss four practices last week.
“I was down on myself,” Henry said, “because I knew that would affect me being off-rhythm.”
He also knew that only a couple of missed practices would probably give an edge to Cookie Miller in a competitive battle for the starting spot.
Nebraska coach Doc Sadler confirmed that, saying that if the season started today, Miller, the sophomore, would probably start at point guard.
“I think before Sek got hurt, it would’ve been him,” Sadler said. “And he’s definitely got time to get caught back up, too.”
The good news, as Nebraska faces Marquette today in a scrimmage closed to the public and media, is that Sadler feels comfortable with two experienced point guards. No matter who starts, both Henry and Miller figure prominently into Sadler’s plans.
“If we’re going to play the way I want to play,” Sadler said, “you’re not going to be able to play more than 4 or 5 minutes at a time.”
That’s more evidence that Nebraska, which loses only starting center Aleks Maric from last season’s 20-13 National Invitation Tournament team, will have a more up-tempo look this season — particularly on defense.
Fans can get their first look Friday night, when the Huskers host Chadron State in their lone exhibition game.
“We’re undersized, because we lost Al, and Al was a big contributor to the team,” Miller said, “but I think we’ll be a more fast-paced team this year by having smaller guys who can run the floor for 40 minutes.”
The 5-foot-7 Miller started 24 games last season before a sprained shoulder benched him for three games late in the season. Henry filled Miller’s starting role, and he kept it, even after Miller returned in time for the Big 12 Tournament and NIT.
“I was surprised in some areas,” Sadler said of Henry’s performance. “I knew defensively we could be a better team, but I was surprised at how little Sek missed a beat as far as knowing what we were doing. He was able to get into everything. You’ve never been a point guard, it’s hard to make that adjustment. I thought he did a nice job.”
Miller, whose shoulder healed without surgery, said he’s 100 percent. Sadler said he’s hoping for improved on-ball pressure from Miller, and better ball distribution, as in “getting the ball to guys when they’re ready to shoot the ball instead of over-dribbling.”
Redshirt freshman Brandon Richardson could be a backup point guard, although Richardson’s strength is probably off-guard, Sadler said.
That leaves Miller and Henry as the primary point guards.
“We’ve been pushing each other, but I don’t think we really worry about who’s starting or who won’t start,” Henry said. “It’s all about winning right now. We’ve got to show this state that this basketball team is here to play and win games. Big games, too.”
Henry is among Nebraska’s most versatile players, having playing point guard, shooting guard and on the wing. He’s 6-3, and his length is a prized defensive asset.
Henry is the only Husker who’s played in all 64 games under Sadler, who is beginning his third season.
“I’ve been here for three years,” Henry said. “I’d love to start, and practice has been really, really competitive, which is good, because we’re pushing each other so hard. When game time comes, we shouldn’t have a problem playing hard, because that’s what we’re used to playing.”
Miller, who said he’s focused on improving his shot and feels more confident shooting, said playing time won’t be an issue, regardless of who starts.
“Everybody on this team is really competitive, no matter what drill we’re doing,” Miller said. “Everybody’s trying to win, no matter what. That’s good, and it’s going to help us as the season goes on.”
Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.
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