Half-Court Press

Half-Court Press

The Half-Court Press podcast goes in-depth on all the latest Creighton and Nebraska basketball news.​

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Half-Court Press
Can Nebraska slow down Ryan Kalkbrenner? Previewing Huskers vs. Creighton

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker give a full preview of Friday night's Nebraska vs. Creighton matchup as another edition of the I-80 rivalry is set to take place in Omaha.

The guys first discuss each team's last result over the weekend, including a breakdown of the Huskers' first loss to a real test in Saint Mary's, before diving into the major keys to the NU-CU game.

The duo talk about who might matchup against Ryan Kalkbrenner and how Nebraska's success is dependent on how it defends the Bluejay big man.

While the Huskers might have the physical edge, Wilson explains what he's looking for from the team such as the ability to make more shots. 

00:34:33
Nov 20, 2024 5:6 PM
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More Episodes

Half-Court Press
Mac overtakes Dana's record, Nebraska hanging its hat on defense early

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down the most recent Nebraska and Creighton basketball action, including coach Greg McDermott earning win No. 328 to pass Dana Altman for the most wins in program history.

After discussing a special night in downtown Omaha to honor Mac, Wilson talks about the Huskers' victories over Fairleigh Dickinson and Bethune Cookman.

The guys have a conversation about why NU's offense is lacking behind its defense in the early-going before diving into each team signing just one lone signee for its 2025 recruiting class.

The duo wrap up the episode with a look ahead to this weekend's action.

00:33:11
Nov 14, 2024 3:37 PM
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Half-Court Press
Kalkbrenner's historic night, where Creighton and Nebraska struggled in openers

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down Nebraska and Creighton men's basketball's season openers, both against a pesky University of Texas Rio Grande Valley team that gave NU and CU challenges.

The guys start with Nebraska who earned a 20-point win over UTRGV but didn't always look like a team who was going to win by that margin.

Wilson says the offense was sputtering at times but has to do with all of the Husker newcomers trying to form chemistry.

Jon takes a deep dive into how historical Ryan Kalkbrenner's career-high scoring night was, comparing his numbers to all-time marks in program history. 

The guys have a conversation about how much the Bluejays defense struggled and why it could be a concern as the team continues to ramp up competition during its nonconference schedule.

The duo then wrap up the episode by looking ahead to this weekend's opponents and how coaches may adjust heading into their next matchups.

00:32:31
Nov 7, 2024 4:27 PM
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Half-Court Press
Exhibition takeaways, Nebraska and Creighton's floor/ceiling, gameday atmospheres

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down Nebraska and Creighton men's basketball's exhibition games and what each learned after the final tune-up before the regular season officially begins next week.

Jon starts with the biggest takeaway from Creighton vs. Purdue: Pop Isaacs showed his ability to score the ball. Ryan Kalkbrenner also showed his presence against a young group of Boilermaker big guys.

Wilson talks about Rollie Worster and how he impressed as a true point guard, filling in a role that NU didn't consistently have last season. 

The guys discuss the importance of the first few games with Nebraska's roster mostly being newcomers and how crucial rhythm and chemistry are to a team's success early.

Next the two give their best and worst possible outcomes for the season before wrapping up the episode with a conversation about the best parts of gameday atmospheres at CHI Health Center and Pinnacle Bank Arena.

00:49:39
Oct 30, 2024 4:17 PM
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Half-Court Press
Ryan Kalkbrenner gets his flowers at media days, Nebraska has a lot of dudes

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker hop on for the final time before the regular season begins to discuss takeaways from Big East media days as Ryan Kalkbrenner was named the league's preseason player of the year.

The guys talk about why Kalk got his flowers over the course of the week over some of the other top players in the Big East and some other questions that stemmed from the media days like why Dan Hurley's first-place vote went to Marquette when Creighton finished second in the poll.

Next, Wilson has a dialogue about what he learned from Nebraska's availability including learning that two players are injured but might still play in the season opener.

This leads to a deeper conversation about who might get left out of NU's eight-man rotation as 10 guys seem viable to play minutes.

The duo then have a conversation about both teams' frontcourt groups with Jon exploring the fact that Fedor Zugic may or may not be available for Greg McDermott and is a big question mark at the 3-4 position. 

The guys wrap up the episode by looking ahead to the upcoming exhibition games and what they're most looking forward to watching before Jon closes with this week's "Pressing Question."

00:36:29
Oct 25, 2024 5:18 PM
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Half-Court Press
Creighton's transition between eras, Brice Williams' growth at Nebraska

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker recap the first few weeks of Creighton and Nebraska's preseason and preview both teams' groups of guards.

The guys open with thoughts from Creighton's first practice and the transition between eras that is underway as the Bluejays move on from Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman, with Ryan Kalkbrenner as the bridge in between. 

The duo break down CU's big question which is how can Greg McDermott make these new pieces work?

Jon talks about Jasen Green who's been the bright spot of the preseason for Creighton and how he improved in the offseason.

Wilson then breaks down what he learned from Nebraska media days which is the Huskers still have leadership in Rienk Mast but Juwan Gary and Brice Williams have taken those roles as the leaders of the program and were the team's representatives in Illinois.

Wilson also takes a look at NU's backcourt group which includes two point guards — a big difference from last year.

Jon's preview of the backcourt includes a breakdown of Pop Isaacs who will try and fill Alexander's spot. Another question he ponders is who will fill Francisco Farabello's important role off the bench?

The guys roll through a few preseason notes including TV times for several Jay games, who's intriguing to watch at the Red-White scrimmage, who's to blame for Nebraska's new court design at Pinnacle Bank Arena and more.

00:42:57
Oct 10, 2024 4:27 PM
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Half-Court Press
Creighton and Nebraska land four-star recruits, and preseason expectations

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker talk recent recruiting successes for Nebraska and Creighton and preseason expectations for both teams.

The duo starts with the Huskers landing four-star Quentin Rhymes and four-star guard Hudson Greer committing to Creighton.

They give updates on the latest recruiting news for both teams and talk priority targets for CU and NU.

Wilson talks Nebraska's brutal Big Ten schedule and the potential benefits and disasters that come with it. Can the Huskers weather the storm and reach the NCAA tournament again?

Jon talks Creighton's hardest stretch this season and how it is happening during the part of the season that the Jays usually start to peak. He also talks how that six game, 17 day stretch could decide a lot of the Big East standings.

They talk Creighton having a true homecourt advantage for the majority of the start of the Jays' schedule and how Nebraska's schedule is more balanced this season, with fewer back-to-back games.

Wilson talks Fred Hoiberg's recent media availability and what the Husker coach had to say about this year's team.

Heading into the Jays' first preseason media availability, Jon talks his questions for Creighton, including where does Jasen Green fit into CU's team and how do they kick the door down and finally reach the Final Four.

00:46:52
Sep 25, 2024 1:29 PM
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Half-Court Press
Creighton signs international star; Nebraska's unchanging expectations

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker make their debut in the brand-new Omaha World-Herald podcast studio with an end-of-summer update on both Nebraska and Creighton's basketball programs.

Jon begins the episode with news that had been on the rumor mill for a while: Greg McDermott and the Bluejays have completed its 2024-25 roster by signing international star Fedor Zugic (2:08) and dives into what the Montenegro native will bring to the Bluejays (7:34).

Next, Wilson recaps how former Huskers Keisei Tominaga and Jack McVeigh fared at the 2024 Paris Games (9:30) before the guys discuss why Keisei wasn't more involved in Japan's rotation.

The duo then discuss Purdue agreeing to a charity exhibition with Creighton and why events like these are important for college basketball and the communities its top schools serve (14:49).

The guys wind down the episode by looking ahead to Big Ten and Big East Media Days later this fall and determining each team's biggest storyline entering this season (18:10).

The two then give an update on 2025 recruiting, which players Creighton and Nebraska are targeting and what their strategy will be in the coming months along with what positions are a need (28:28). 

Lastly, the crew debut a new segment on the show called "Pressing Question" to wrap up the episode (36:30).

00:40:33
Aug 22, 2024 3:25 PM
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Half-Court Press
Recapping Creighton players to NBA, why Nebraska is even more motivated

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker discuss two former Creighton players making it to the NBA plus why two key Nebraska players were motivated to return to Lincoln.

The guys open the episode with a look at where Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander ended up post-NBA draft week and how the players will fit in their respective new organizations.

Next is a conversation about the scene of Scheierman's draft party in downtown Omaha before pondering whether or not Alexander should have returned to CU.

Wilson then breaks down why Brice Williams and Juwan Gary felt it was necessary to return to NU and attempt another shot at March Madness glory.

Lastly, the duo trade nonconference schedule notes, including the announcement of Nebraska playing another game at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. 

00:42:23
Jul 3, 2024 3:27 PM
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Half-Court Press
How Creighton, Nebraska will look different in 2024, NBA draft notebook

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker discuss Creighton and Nebraska men's basketball news that have transpired during the summer thus far.

The guys break down the Huskers latest transfer signing in UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel and what he adds to NU's rotation before diving into a CU-heavy episode.

Jon and Wilson discuss how NU and CU will look different this season, with obvious pieces no longer around, who will take those empty spots and how both teams seem to have more options and versatility than last year.

The two then talk about the Jays' draft hopefuls and why Trey Alexander decided to stay in the NBA draft conversation before having a conversation about Creighton skipping the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in November and signing a deal to play in a NIL-driven festival in Las Vegas.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about CU's decision to honor Greg McDermott and family by renaming the practice facility after him. 

00:39:13
Jun 5, 2024 2:47 PM
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Half-Court Press
Nebraska, Creighton rosters taking shape after eventful week

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker recap an eventful week for both the Nebraska and Creighton men's basketball programs. 

For Creighton, Trey Alexander declared for the NBA draft, and the Bluejays brought in transfer Pop Isaacs days later. Centers Fredrick King and — more notably — Ryan Kalkbrenner both announced that they'd be returning for another year. 

Nebraska also had plenty of frontcourt news. Starting center Rienk Mast will return, but miss next season due to offseason knee surgery. However, the Huskers have added 7-foot-1 Washington transfer Braxton Meah, and earned a preferred walk-on commitment from Justin Bolis during the recording. 

The two break down all these moves, and close the episode by giving their predictions on who may start on opening night for both teams next season. 

00:36:22
May 2, 2024 4:20 PM
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Half-Court Press
Creighton makes its first moves, I-80 rivalry renewed in late November

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker discuss the latest Nebraska and Creighton transfer portal news, as well as the schedule announcement for the next NU-CU basketball game.

The guys talk about what went into the decision to move the Huskers-Bluejays game originally set for Saturday, November 23 to the Friday night prior due to the Nebraska home football game on the 23rd.

Next, the duo break down what the teams got in their latest portal additions before briefing the audience on the latest from Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner and their upcoming decisions.

Finally, the guys end the episode by talking about CU's assistant coach hire after Jalen Courtney-Williams left for LSU.

00:27:46
Apr 25, 2024 4:22 PM
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Half-Court Press
Grading Nebraska's offseason moves, Creighton's sticky situation

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker discuss how transfer portal season is going for Nebraska and Creighton men's basketball. 

The two analyze the three Husker additions, including recent commits Rollie Worster and Gavin Griffiths. Creighton hasn't had as much significant movement, putting the Bluejays in an intriguing predicament.

They close out the episode discussing potential destinations for portal talents from the state, such as Chucky Hepburn and Frankie Fidler.

00:24:49
Apr 18, 2024 4:20 PM
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Half-Court Press
Nebraska and Creighton's pivotal, uncertain offseasons

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down the latest Nebraska and Creighton transfer portal news and begin to look ahead to the offseason after the Bluejays loss to Tennessee. 

The guys predict each team's starting five based on who's left on the roster, and Jon goes into a deep dive on CU's challenges with Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner's futures undecided. 

Lastly, the duo look at the potential transfer targets and who may be coming this spring. 

00:25:50
Apr 4, 2024 4:13 PM
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Half-Court Press
How Creighton matches up vs. Tennessee, Nebraska transfer portal watch begins

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker recap the past week of March Madness, with Creighton winning a classic 2nd round matchup over Dana Altman and Oregon, and Nebraska's dream season coming to a close.

The guys begin by talking about why the Huskers fell to Texas A&M in the first round and what the future for the program looks like.

Next, the two break down how the Bluejays match up against the Volunteers, what the keys to a CU win will be and Jon gives a prediction for the game.

The duo also discuss potential transfer targets for both teams before giving a brief update on each other's bracket. 

00:41:45
Mar 27, 2024 3:14 PM
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Half-Court Press
How does Nebraska beat Texas A&M and the importance of Ryan Kalkbrenner

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down the matchups and give their predictions for Nebraska and Creighton in the NCAA tournament.

The duo talk Nebraska vs. Texas A&M. Will the Huskers win their first NCAA tournament game and what will it take to beat the Aggies? How big of a role will Keisei Tominaga play?

They also discuss the importance of Ryan Kalkbrenner, particularly in the Akron matchup, and how far the Bluejays will go? Will the Jays reach the Final Four?

The two close out with their predictions for both teams.

00:39:06
Mar 20, 2024 4:20 PM
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Half-Court Press
Half-Court Press: How far will Nebraska and Creighton go in their conference tournaments?

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down the upcoming Big Ten and Big East tournaments and give their predictions for Creighton and Nebraska.

The duo opens with Greg McDermott's contract extension and how it will allow the coach to retire at Creighton.

They then move onto Nebraska clinching a No. 3 seed — and more importantly, a double bye — in the Big Ten tournament, and break down what the Huskers' potential matchups will be.

The two discuss Creighton's potential matchups in the Big East tournament and the elite basketball that will be played in New York this week.

They also look at what will happen in the Big Ten tournament if Purdue gets knocked out.

They close out with their predictions for Creighton and Nebraska in their conference tournaments.

00:40:15
Mar 12, 2024 11:2 AM
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Half-Court Press
Why Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga was built for March Madness

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker talk why Nebraska and Keisei Tominaga particularly are the perfect Cinderella story for March Madness. Plus why Creighton's Baylor Scheierman is the unicorn of college basketball.

The duo open with Nebraska's win over Minnesota — that keeps looking like a better win — and the unfortunate, but understandable, loss to Ohio State.

They also discuss how the Huskers, particularly Keisei Tominaga, are the perfect Cinderella story for the NCAA tournament.

The two also look at Creighton's loss to St. John's — and Rick Pitino's now iconic white suit — and dominant win over Seton Hall. 

Wilson and Jon discuss how matchups, not seeding, is what matters to the Jays in the NCAA tournament, and the impact Baylor Scheierman has had for CU.

They also break down where both teams currently are in the bracketology and which players will be walking in both upcoming Senior Days.

00:34:51
Mar 2, 2024 10:0 AM
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Half-Court Press
Creighton beats No. 1 UConn or Nebraska wins on road, which was more unlikely?

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker discuss which was more unlikely: Creighton's win over No. 1 UConn or Nebraska's road win over Indiana.

The duo opens with the Jays' historic win over the top-ranked Huskies and how Creighton didn't really do anything different to defeat UConn.

They then turn Nebraska's road win over Indiana, including Keisei Tominaga's performance and what the victory does for the Huskers' NCAA resume.

The two take a quick look at where both teams will possibly see themselves seeded in the NCAA tournament.

They take a look at Creighton coach Greg McDermott's comments on the rumors of him taking the Ohio State or Louisville jobs. 

The duo closes out with a discussion on what teams do after upsetting a No. 1 team and other big wins.

00:35:11
Feb 22, 2024 11:53 AM
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Half-Court Press
How the Big East 'cannibalizing' itself helps Nebraska basketball

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down the Big East teams beating up on each other benefits Nebraska basketball's NCAA tournament hopes.

The duo also discuss Nebraska's continued struggles on the road, and how history has shown that the Huskers must win one or two of their final three road games to make the NCAA tournament.

They close out with a look at Creighton's difficult run through the final leg of the regular season, and what one more marquee win could mean for the Jays' seeding in the Big Dance.

00:29:07
Feb 16, 2024 10:54 AM
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Half-Court Press
What a crazy week of basketball means for Creighton's and Nebraska's NCAA goals

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker recap of crazy week of basketball for both Creighton and Nebraska and look ahead at their NCAA tournament chances.

00:39:34
Feb 8, 2024 12:49 PM
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Half-Court Press
Why can't Nebraska win on the road? Plus Creighton's NCAA tournament prep

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down Nebraska's continued struggles on the road and how Creighton's February schedule is tournament prep for the Jays. 

The duo open with a at the night-and-day difference between the Huskers playing at home and on the road.

They then move onto Creighton's win over DePaul during the Pink Out game.

They briefly look at the Jays upcoming game against Butler before moving onto Nebraska vs. Wisconsin.

They close out with a look at how the difficult final run of Creighton's regular season is prep for the NCAA tournament and a broad look at college basketball.

00:26:18
Jan 30, 2024 12:21 PM
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Half-Court Press
Will Nebraska make NCAA tournament? And Creighton's schedule ramping up

In the latest episode of Half-Court Press, Wilson Moore and Jon Walker break down Nebraska basketball's chase for a spot in the NCAA tournament and look ahead to Creighton's upcoming schedule.

The duo opens with Nebraska men's basketball's recent wins (Northwestern on Alumni Day and Ohio State) and if this could this mean a potential return to the NCAA tournament for the Huskers.

They also discuss the status of Juwan Gary's calf strain and his impact on Nebraska basketball.

They also break down Rienk Mast's performance against Ohio State. 

They also discuss Creighton's recent wins over Seton Hall and Xavier and the Jays' schedule ramping up this February. 

00:35:01
Jan 26, 2024 1:45 PM
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