By KRIS KNOWLTON / Lincoln Journal Star
A duo of point guards representing Nebraska's past and present teamed up to win Cornhusker State Games gold in the men's competitive league at Lincoln High on Sunday.On the court, the mentor, Charles Richardson, and the apprentice, Lance Jeter, worked together in synchronicity. The former and current Husker pushed the tempo during fast breaks in rotation, converged on opposing ball-handlers and led New York Life to a 71-59 win in the championship game.Richardson was the MVP with 23 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Jeter added 12 points.
Off the court, however, the two guards didn't even look like they belonged on the same team. While Richardson stretched on the sidelines before the game to loosen up the knees that have been bothering him for at least two years now, Jeter lounged on the ground next to him, texting on his cell phone and listening to "Beats by Dr. Dre" headphones.But despite their differences, the floor generals became friends playing pickup games at the Devaney Sports Center this summer and have developed a mutually rewarding relationship."He's always talking to me about ways I can get better," Jeter said, "And I'm always listening."Richardson said he shares his knowledge of playing under NU coach Doc Sadler with current Huskers like Jeter whenever he gets a chance to play with them."The more I'm around them, the more we talk about basketball, the more we talk about Doc's system, success, all of that," Richardson said.The starting point guard of the 2006-07 Nebraska teams said he's pleased to see today's Huskers working so hard this offseason."The more these guys at the university play together, the more comfortable they will get," Richardson said. "I think that's the most important thing about winning: knowing what to expect from your teammate."It's that kind of comfortableness that Richardson said allowed his team to repeat as Cornhusker State champions. New York Life returned the majority of its roster from last year's gold-medal team.Jeter said his game has improved just from trying to emulate Richardson's style."He's a point guard how a point guard should be," Jeter said. "He gets his players involved, and he scores when he needs to score. So, that's just how I try to be."Richardson said he sees a bright future ahead for the man following in his footsteps at Nebraska, but would like to see his pupil improve as a communicator on the court.One thing is for sure about Jeter's development as vocal leader, he'll definitely have something to tell his teammates the next time they meet on the hardwood. New York Life defeated a team that included current Huskers Brandon Richardson and Toney McCray to advance past the semifinals."There was a lot of trash-talking going on," Jeter said. "Every open gym, I'm going to let them hear it every game."
Past, present NU guards lead way to Cornhusker State Games gold