LINCOLN — Though Bo Spencer has lived in Nebraska just 16 months, the LSU transfer quickly learned about the empty spot in the Huskers' basketball record book.
No NCAA tournament bid since 1998. No NCAA tournament victories ever.
As the only NU player with March Madness experience — he started on LSU's 27-win team three seasons ago when he averaged 11.4 points — Spencer hopes to show his new teammates how to fill that blank space.
"I think I can be a spark," said the 6-foot-2 point guard from Baton Rouge, La. "I try to stay aggressive at all times and get everyone involved.
"I want to give our guys a sense of competitiveness that we can't be stopped."
Nebraska, which starts the 2011-12 season Friday against South Dakota, was in the NCAA conversation last season at 18-8 after a Feb. 19 upset of No. 3 Texas. But five losses in the final six games ended the dream.
"I thought we were just a few minor hard-working plays away from the NCAA tournament last year," said Spencer, who sat out as a transfer. "Now we're older and more mature and have the same focus. It's our time. We're really trying to do something special with this team."
Nebraska has seven upperclassmen back from last year's regular playing rotation, with Spencer, junior college wing Dylan Talley and freshman wing David Rivers in line for regular playing time.
"The talent is finally good enough," NU coach Doc Sadler said, "that if we get everybody healthy, we'll have a chance."
Health issues still slow two Husker big men — 6-11 senior Andre Almeida and 6-11 junior Christopher Niemann. Both fight chronic knee pain from multiple surgeries.
Also, Talley (calcified deposit in thigh) and senior wing Toney McCray (foot surgery) are behind on conditioning after having to rest for more than two months in the summer.
So Sadler keeps his fingers crossed.
"To take the next step," he said, "this team talent-wise has the opportunity to do that."
Nebraska will play 22 BCS conference opponents this season — at least 19 in the Big Ten (18 regular season, one tournament), plus USC, Oregon and Wake Forest.
"It starts fast," Sadler said. "We go on the road to USC (Monday night). Then look at the five games after that (Rhode Island, Oregon, South Dakota State, Wake Forest, Creighton).
"It can get frightening. But I think this team will be ready for it. I like this team."
• NOTES: South Dakota returns four starters from last year's 18-15 team. Senior guard Charlie Westbrook scored 24 against NU last season in a 76-68 loss. ... After a month of practice, Sadler said he feels his team is behind schedule on defense and a little ahead of schedule offensively. ... Sadler said he would speak individually with his three freshmen Thursday night to discuss redshirting. The most likely candidate is 6-5 wing Josiah Moore. Junior guard Ray Gallegos also still plans to redshirt.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com
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