This is the first time I have been to watch Nebraska basketball this season, and I was certainly impressed with what I saw. In particular, Bryce McGowens popped off the television screen. He certainly showed why he was a five-star recruit.
He scored 18 points and had 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. He looked every bit the flashy player that he was billed as coming into the program. I was impressed with the way he was able to get to the line, as well as his speed heading downhill. Those two things in particular are going to make him a dangerous player. McGowens was able to blow by defenders with ease all afternoon.
Things he needs to work on
Now, I did see a couple negatives in his game. For one, he took some questionable shots. This is something that can be fixed and probably will be fixed with time. Right now, he is just focused on making an impact when he is on the floor, and he has been doing that.
Secondly, he turned over the basketball. His four turnovers were the most in a game for him so far this season. Again, this is something that can be fixed. In some cases on those turnovers, I think he was trying to do too much. This is something that can be fixed as he continues to grow as a player.
The bottom line…
McGowens is making an instant impact. That much can be said. Nebraska basketball’s solid recruiting skills are beginning to pay off. This was extremely evident when watching McGowens play. he is a player that came into Lincoln ready to play college basketball. From what I can see, there is going to be no grace period where he is trying to learn the ropes of the college game. He is ready to go. Are there instances where he can use a little bit more refinement on his skills? Yes, as a freshman you expect him to be raw.
In addition to what he brings on the basketball court, his intangibles are good too. A six-foot-seven freshman is always a bonus for a program.
I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop and grow. He definitely has a ton of potential, and he has a chance to be a cornerstone of this program. He has started off this season in a big way, and my guess is that he will continue to play at a high level.
