It's getting to be a nasty recurring theme in Lincoln.
Nebraska basketball was dealt yet another crushing blow Wednesday evening, when sophomore forward Ed Morrow Jr. announced his intent to transfer from the program.
Morrow's statement was brief, but telling:
“I want to say thank you to my teammates, coaches, the fans and the University of Nebraska Athletics Department for giving me the opportunity to play Division I basketball,” Morrow said. “It is hard to leave home, and Nebraska is my home. I was born and raised here, it is my parents’ alma mater, and I have a lot of friends here. But sometimes you have to venture out to pursue dreams and aspirations in a career. This is a sacrifice I have to make to better myself.”
Quite simply, this can't be a part of the equation for Nebraska any longer. Every season in recent memory the Huskers have lost some of their most promising talent with eligibility remaining.
Terran Petteway. Walt Pitchford. Tarin Smith. Andrew White III. Jeriah Horne. Jake Hammond. Bakari Evelyn. Nick Fuller. And now Ed Morrow Jr.
All have left Nebraska with years on the table for one reason or another. All were guys that at some point, showed potential to help the Huskers cause.
I understand that players transferring in college hoops is an epidemic that reaches far beyond Lincoln. But for a team that is trying to build something from the ground up, and has at times shown potential and real growth, its an impossible pill to swallow.
Every time you feel like the Huskers are close to turning a page, they're dealt another blow like this one.
Yes, players are going to do what they believe is in their best interest, which includes transferring schools. But part of the coaching staff's job is to make it so staying at Nebraska is in their best interest. That seems to have gotten away a bit recently.
From a strict basketball perspective, this is a tough one to take as well. Morrow brought a certain toughness and energy level to the floor that will be difficult to replicate. It's no coincidence that when he missed time with a foot injury, the team slid into a rut they never really recovered from.
He's also a "Nebraska guy" - both of his parents were athletes at NU. By all accounts, Miles and his staff loved Morrow and the elements he brought to the team. It stings at numerous levels. All eyes now shift to Georgetown transfer Issac Copeland to replace what Morrow brought, with the hope he's granted a medical waiver so he can play immediately.
To his credit, Miles is saying the right things.
“We appreciate (Morrow's) hard work over the last two years. Although I am disappointed, we will continue to recruit young men who are committed to our mission of building Nebraska Basketball with a culture of success in all areas...life, school and winning basketball at its highest level.”
It's the right thing to say, and I'm glad Miles supports his player's decision. But simply put, this can't keep happening.
AD Shawn Eichorst has already given his seal of approval to Miles, and that won't change heading into next season.
Look forward to next season of @HuskerHoops under @CoachMiles leadership...the future is bright! GBR!
— Shawn Eichorst (@BigRedAD) March 8, 2017>
I've been a Miles supporter all along, and that hasn't changed, even after Wednesday night's announcement.
But the pressure is sure to ramp up next year - and this won't make things any easier.
The Huskers now have three open scholarships for next season, and Nebraska is on the trail of numerous high end juco players. The next few months of recruiting efforts could be some of the most important of the Miles era.
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