Friday, November 5, 2010

Huskers add third commit

Filed by Lee Barfknecht

4:55 p.m., Friday: Various recruiting sites are saying the Nebraska men's basketball team has a third oral commitment for the 2011-12 season.

David Rivers, a 6-foot-6, 185-pound wing from Little Rock, Ark., picked NU over Tulane, Wichita State and UTEP, according to rivals.com, which ranks him as a three-star.

Rivers' commitment would put Nebraska one over the scholarship limit for 2011-12. He joins 6-1 point guard Corey Hilliard of Kansas City, Mo., and 6-5 wing Josiah Moore of suburban Atlanta.

Injuries were a topic at NU's practice Friday.

Guard Brandon Richardson, who suffered a high ankle sprain Wednesday when he stepped on a referee's foot in an exhibition game, was doing rehab and isn't expected to practice until next week, coach Doc Sadler said.

Wing Toney McCray, slowed by plantar fasciitis, returned after two days away, but was limited.

Center Christopher Niemann, who had arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday, already was up walking Friday and taking part in rehab with a small bandage on his knee.

Nebraska plays next Monday at home in an exhibition against Bellvue. »

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Good news on Husker's surgery

Filed by Lee Barfknecht

6:25 p.m.: Nebraska basketball center Christopher Niemann got good news from his knee surgery on Wednesday.

Apparently, the only damage was from the meniscus (basically a shock absorber pad), which had been causing irritation in his twice-repaired knee (ACL).

Niemann could be back playing by mid-December.

We're about ready for the Nebraska vs. Peru State exhibition. Two Huskers won't play tonight after missing a study hall: Toney McCray and Eshaunte Jones. »

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Third surgery for Husker

Filed by Lee Barfknecht

1:45 p.m.: Somewhere in the Devaney Center, the black cat of bad luck is still running loose during Nebraska men's basketball practices.

Husker center Christopher Niemann will undergo surgery on his right knee Wednesday for the third time in 20 months.

The 6-foot-11, 275-pound sophomore orginally tore his ACL in that knee in March 2009. During rehab from that surgery in August 2009, Niemann tore the same ligament, sidelining the projected starter for the season.

Now, coach Doc Sadler said Tuesday, Niemann has been bothered by persistent soreness and swelling during practice and needs the knee reopened.

No timetable on Niemann's return is possible since it is unclear what damage may be found. »

Friday, October 29, 2010

More bad news for Colorado

Filed by Lee Barfknecht

1:55 p.m.: Bad luck with injuries has spread to another part of Colorado's athletic department.

Men's basketball center Shane Harris-Tunks is out of the season after suffering a torn ACL in practice Thursday. The 6-foot-11 sophomore, who added 25 pounds in the offseason to get to 250, was slated to start and help the Buffs who were last in rebounding a year ago.

Colorado's football team has suffered at least five season-ending injuries, including No. 1 quarterback Tyler Hansen (ruptured spleen) last week.

And the talk about football coach Dan Hawkins' firing and the potential hiring of Bill McCartney continues. »