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My boy was in the hospital due to something outside of his control when the two of us sat in that hospital room & watched on a 20" TV that horrible gut-punch of a ballgame against NW, with opposing guards Boo Buie & Ty Berry htting dagger 3 after dagger 3 whilst mocking Keisei every chance they could. I was livid for a lot of reasons outside of our control. I was just mad and everything sucked. But God's good all the time. My son is starting to heal from his ordeal and on the road to recuperating, and we've been able to attend every single game this season together. It's been a remarkable time to be resilient and have so much resolve, just like the NU team we cheer for. To be honest, my 16 y.o. son is my hero. He hasn't blamed anyone or anything for his misfortune or any of his trials or troubles, instead he bucks up in the midst of pain & anguish and keeps his chin up even though he hasn't been able to fully participate in his H.S. sports thus far in the spring season. He is able to start back to his spring season, albeit generally from the sidelines, but his upcoming surgery has finally been set for about two weeks from now, after the regular season, coincidentally. And, after that, then he ought to be able to slowly get back to doing what he loves, soccer, he's played it since he was around 3!! Not to have this post become too personal, sorry about that... but it is kind of personal to us, I'm saying all this here because I realize that Nebrasketball has been kind of a God-send in a time of fear & unknown circumstances in our lives, and we have made sure to be there at PBA for everyone else we sit by & we cheer our little hearts out for the 2023-24 Huskers -- and watch all the away games together -- because we freakin' care. It's been a fun ride. let's keep this rollin'!! GO BIG RED!! Let's buy our dancin' shoes!! GBR - and we love HHC !!!

Still the most wins in a season for this program since before many of you were born. I'm disappointed. Demoralized. It was embarrassing. The aTm fans were jerks. All of those things. But the sun came up this morning. I have a tee time. And my guys were still the best team we've put out there in close to 3 decades. So, I'm keeping my season tickets and I'll see you all at the vault next fall. Best regards, Norm

I just wanted to say I am happiest for you guys (and others who I unintentionally neglected who have been following Husker Hoops for way more years than Matt & Scott & I). EVERY SINGLE PERSON HERE - I feel great for ALL OF US. But man... I'm so happy for those who have been around since Cipriano and Iba and even before. I just wanted you guys to know I was thinking about you today leading up to the selection - especially you, Jimmy. I haven't met some of you but I consider you friends. OK, off to watch a Nicholas Sparks movie with all this sap.

My favorite play of that game was with ~:50 left and the game entirely in hand, JL jumps a passing lane and gets a tip, then dives for the loose ball. When players can eliminate having context determine their habits and effort you end up with a good team.

Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg is the recipient of the 2023-24 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year award. The award is presented annually to the top head coach in division I college basketball. Hoiberg led the Cornhuskers to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2014. Nebraska finished with 23 victories - the program’s most since 1991. Nebraska was top-40 nationally in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, holding opponents to a top-20 defensive field goal percentage. The Cornhuskers finished third in the Big 10, posting a winning record for only the third time since they joined the league for the 2011-12 season. Hoiberg is the second Husker men’s basketball coach to earn the honor, as Tim Miles was the 2014 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year. The Jim Phelan Award is named in honor of a legendary bow-tied coach who spent his entire head coaching career at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Phelan graduated from La Salle University in 1951 and played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors. After a brief professional career, Phelan went to Mount St. Mary’s as an assistant in 1953. One year later he began his historical career as a head coach. He led the Mountaineers to 16 Division II NCAA tournaments. Five times they advanced to the Final Four and he led them to the DII National Championship in 1962. When he retired in 2003, after coaching for 49 years, he had amassed 830 wins (overall record of 830-524) in all divisions. In those 49 years, 19 of his teams amassed 20 or more wins in a season. In 2008 he was inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com. Here is Fred finding out about the award from his family View full article

So proud of this dude. Stuck it out and now is showing out. Question for the board historians. Wilcher has 50+/40+/90+ shooting % splits. Has that ever been done in Nebraska Basketball history? Keisei was close last year.

Last time we beat MSU I was watching it in the hospital with my youngest son the day after he was born. This time I was also watching it with him. I was getting some work done at my mom's house and he kept getting me score updates. Raising em right...

We need PBA to be completely rocking these next two home games. Playing 2 very dangerous teams and can easily lose to either of them. The average fan might not realize it. We have to help bringh these guys home.

Give a ton of credit to Nate Loenser for forming our identity

Tim was a good person and a coach that was easy to root for. His players seemed to like playing for him, he always represented the university well. He did his best to take this program to a new level and was damn close. I think a lot of people just want to see him do well, myself included. I’d love it if he could take a team to the dance and win some games. I’ll always feel terrible for him that he was bounced from our game vs. Baylor.

Chills.. LET'S DO THIS TODAY!

... in the old Coliseum. Joe Cipriano was the coach. Jerry Fort lost a contact lens and they stopped play for probably 5 minutes while people spread out on the floor looking for it. Never forget it. Guys, I feel like I've paid some dues and earned this.

We won 18 total home games the first 3 years Hoiberg was here. What a treat this season has been.

Two years ago, we were coming off the worst three-year run in the modern history of the program. Maybe ever, but I'm not going to go back to the beginning to verify. Twenty-four wins combined in his first three seasons here and I'm of the understanding Fred thought he was done, which was why he didn't schedule a youth basketball camp that summer after his third season. The only thing that probably saved his job was a potential need to keep our powder dry in order to fire Scott Frost at the helm of the flagship football program. That spring, we picked up a portal commit from a Lincoln kid who wanted to come home and play his last season of college basketball in front of the hometown crowd. Turns out, that pickup was transformational, as Fred recently acknowledged in comments about Sam coming back to watch our game against Penn State. Sam Griesel, according to Fred, changed the culture of the team. It was unselfish ball, and it allowed people (including potential recruits) to see what the finished product was supposed to look like when we ran our system instead of running hero-ball. There was another Summit League standout who was looking for a new home that same spring. A kid who grew up just west of here. We tried to get him to Lincoln. And he was gracious in turning us down. He observed that, while we're starting to build a culture here at Nebraska (which was a nice way of saying we didn't have one), another team just east of us already had one established. Hard to hold that against him. After three of the worst years in program history, it would have been a tall ask to get anyone to believe we were on the cusp of turning things around. You could get a local Lincoln kid to spend his last season of college ball here because it's literally his home. But drawing a kid with more extended eligibility was obviously not as easy. Last season, though, we, as fans, could get a better glimpse of how the pieces fit together when the system was run the way it was intended. And so could recruits. Big men and backcourt players alike could watch our film and envision what their role would be in a Husker uniform. We have a system. We have a culture. We finally have an identity. So, a little more than a year ago, I suggested the following: Fred has said the way things played out last year and the success on the floor that we had at the end put us in position to land guys like Rienk Mast and Brice Williams. And, frankly, Ahron Ulis, but that's a different matter. We got everything from the portal that we needed -- a skilled post to replace Walker, a solid point guard to replace Griesel, and an athletic wing to provide some scoring punch -- we just didn't plan on the extracurriculars that would keep Ulis from participating this year. And now, this year, it's hard to argue the trajectory of the program. And, again, potential recruits can watch our film and -- IMPORTANTLY -- they can easily see how they would fit within our system. I think that's huge when it comes to recruiting. It's like sales. You want the buyer to envision driving that car or drinking that beer. And I think kids will be able to imagine how they would fit in our program and how they could contribute. And the doors we're unlocking with the way this season is playing out ... the NET might not factor in the story lines, but kids hitting the portal sure will. All of this is just to say I think we'll enjoy our portal experience this spring. We have a FAR better chance of landing the kinds of players we were just missing out on a year or two ago.

Happy to announce that despite various openings and opportunities out there that Husker Hoops Central will remain at Nebraska for its 20th season. Just got this puppy today.

I'm glad that CJ stuck it out the last three years. He won us a couple games this year especially the Wisconsin game. He is a guy we should all be rooting for in his final collegiate season.

In other good news, didn't rush Gary back and he gets an extra 4 days of recovery.

Kinda surprised by the anger and dismay from folks about this loss. This is NOT “same old Nebraska”. Same old Nebraska hasn’t ever been here, coming out to a half-dead road crowd after beating the #1 team in the country by 16 three days prior. ANY team - and I do mean any - was going have a letdown there. And there is not enough of a talent delta to overcome it. Teams come out flat. Lose on the road. Coaches get outcoached. It happens. It’s a 31-game season. And I have to tell you, there’s a 4-game stretch coming down the road that looks like an 0-4 deal (look at our schedule, you’ll see it). But that doesn’t mean we can’t still go 22-9 and be a safe tourney pick. So let’s all just keep our poo together. This wasn’t one of the games projected as a win, folks. Sure, you could say it was a “winnable” game. So is any game. Michigan St, Kansas St, Indiana, and Purdue were likely losses and went 4-0 against them. So let’s not lose perspective. We will give Rutgers a good game. They will be ready to go. I swear, some of you act like you haven’t been a masochist NUBB fan for very long. If you have, you should know better and enjoy the 13-4 start! GBR!

Late Monday morning I plan to let you know if I think Fidler is under or over rated

I know a lot of our fanbase thinks the sky is falling and that Fred somehow hasn't earned his extension (yes, there are people saying this). But on April 1, 2023, our Nebraska Basketball scholarship roster for 2023-24 looked like this: Keisei Tominaga (did not announce his return until June 1) Blaise Keita Juwan Gary C.J. Wilcher Jamarques Lawrence Ramel Lloyd Wilhelm Breidenbach (would enter portal in May) Quaran McPherson (would enter portal in late April) Eli Rice Rienk Mast committed April 12 Brice Williams committed April 12 Josiah Allick committed May 2 Matar Diop committed July 23 Deep breaths everyone, it will be OK. We are in a much better spot than we were at this time last year.

Why are we collectively so afraid to call it a great season? Yeah, we got boat raced in the tourney. One and done, I get it it. But the YEAR is on the Mount Rushmore of Husker Hoops seasons. And beyond the wins and losses, this team was a joy to cheer for. The year was fun and exciting and full of far more ups than downs. Don't be afraid to call it what it truly was: great.

Tonight hurts. But I refuse to say this season was a failure. So many good memories from this season. Let's do it again next year.

I want to thank my dad who bought 4 season tickets in 1988. He said “I think this Danny Nee could get us pretty good”. Enjoyed a fun run in the 90’s. Saw some great finishes against KU and other teams. Endured the end of Nee’s tenure, was hopeful for BC and his “disciplined” style of coaching. Was a proud member of the “6500” as one writer from the OWH coined us. Marveled at the talent of seeing Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant in person. Was entertained by Doc’s personality and him rolling out a bunch of under 6’ guards. Still can hear him call Sek “Sack” And I remember his emotional last press conference like it was yesterday. Introduced my son to PBA and Florida gulf coast’s dunk city - as we continued our season tickets w Tim Miles and Tommy Lee and the UNL drum line - and got hot w the Petteway 26 footers in east Lansing. No Sit Sunday is still my favorite sports moment I’ve ever had with my family. I remember not loving the Baylor matchup and marveled how tall they were. Took my son to every single Nebraska Basketball Buddies with my kids. I was a Miles fan. But was excited and hopeful when we hired Fred. And now, 10 years after Coach Miles got tossed from the game and watched it from the Creighton locker room, here we are. I will cry if we beat Texas A and M. I’m almost 50 and will cry and won’t care who sees me. Go Big Red!!!!!

Husker Nation, you know how this story goes, please pray or give positive vibes to this young buck.

I'll go ahead and say it. Keisei is not the best player to ever play in a Husker uniform. Not even top 10. He'll never have his jersey hanging in the rafters (or will he?). But he ignites like no one I've ever seen. When he's on, with our defense, his offense alone makes us difficult to beat. I've seen him hit so many clutch shots no one else would even attempt. And I'm not talking about deep, heat-check threes. There was one he was cutting baseline from one side of the hoop to the other, catches a bounce pass, and in a single motion, catches, turns, elevates, shoots, makes. From about 8-10 feet. Nobody else takes that shot, let alone makes it. There was no hesitation. No time to think. Didn't give the defense any time to react. Just catches and nails a shot. He's not always on. But when he is, he's scoring at all three levels and defenses don't know what to do about him except try to grab and hold him and hope the officials don't call it. Yeah, he might not be one of the best Husker players of all time. Maybe not even top 10. But he sure as hell has been one of the ten most fun to watch of all time. Even if he wasn't Japanese, the word that would seem to best describe him is "Ninja." Quick, precise, technically masterful, and deadly. And he's going to win us our first NCAA tourney game. Just watch.

We'll have our program's first NCAA tourney win. That's it. That's the post.

His biggest play tonight? That sweet, sweet dish to Gary inside.

J-Law quickly vaulted up my list with how genuine he greeted my bro and I after such a painful defeat in Memphis. He was so kind and gracious with his time (while his own 'bro' waited...) that I leaned in for a hug. He wished us well on our journey home. Wow, that's an impressive young man. He could have been surly and sulked, he chose to be a great human being. And that means a lot to a big NU fan, I'll sing his praises as long as I live. That's a good dude, J-Law. GBR Always.

Ulis if he has to battle Perkins again at PG for minutes

Need to bring William Kyle home. He's gonna have a lot of offers. He is turning into an absolute monster. Same dawg mentality as Allick, but a bit taller, more explosive and a lot longer. 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan and 40+ inch vertical. I heard that he led the country in dunks this year. Can't figure out how to verify if that's true. Summit League DPOY, first team all-conference, conference tournament MVP. Shoots 62% from the field and is a real rim protector. Humble kid, academic all-conference. I'd take him over Omoruyi or any other big in the portal and not because he's from Omaha.

Wanted to mention how many good minutes Diop gave us - he got really lost on defense only once, but he battled in there overall. And that little baseline jumper was pure. For someone who's played as little as he has, to be on that stage and look like he belonged against Illinois' front line was nice to see. It'll be a big offseason for him developmentally.

Keisei was amazing but don’t forget Brice had 23 points on 8 attempts. Damn that’s efficient.

Two things 1) We are playing with house money right now and we are really clicking 2) and… this is the most fun with my pants on I can ever remember

Some may find of interest - nice payoff of silently compiling stats over the last few decades of a rough program I cannot help but love. Note: these rankings are over the last 44 seasons (1980-present) and include the coaching tenures of Iba, Nee, Collier, Sadler, Miles, Hoiberg. Rienk Mast’s 7.8 RPG is the best for a NU player since 2007-08 (Maric, 10.2) NU’s KenPom rank of #32 would be their best final ranking of all time (previous best: #35 (2007-08) NU’s scoring differential of +7.5 PPG is their 3rd-best in the last 40 seasons, behind +9.0 (1990-91), +7.6 (2003-04) NU’s scoring average of 76.8 PPG is NU’s best since 1995-96 (80.2) NU’s free throw shooting percentage of .754 is their second-best since 1980. In 2011-12 they shot .767. NU’s 12 conference wins is their second-most all time behind their 13 in 2017-18. NU’s NET ranking as of 3/11/24 is #37. Including NET’s predecessor RPI, that would be NU’s best ranking since their RPI of #19 in 1993-94. Double-Digit Wins: NU won 18 games by double-figures this year (9 non-con, 9 conference). This is the most since at least 1980. The top 10 in double-digit conference wins: 2023-24: 9 (18 total) *11 vs P6 teams* 1981-82: 8 (12 total) *8 vs P6 teams* 1997-98: 7 (13 total) *8 vs P6 teams* 2017-18: 7 (12 total) *7 vs P6 teams* 1990-91: 6 (18 total) *8 vs P6 teams* 1998-99: 6 (14 total) *7 vs P6 teams* 1980-81: 5 (7 total) *6 vs P6 teams* 1991-92: 5 (11 total) *7 vs P6 teams* 2005-06: 5 (11 total) *6 vs P6 teams* 2015-16: 5 (12 total) *6 vs P6 teams*

What I really love about this team is we are kind of being led by underdogs. All the naysaying about these guys over the years. Will Juwan give us the same or better numbers than what he did at Alabama? Yup and some, maybe the true team MVP as that do everything glue guy. Can mast go from the valley to the big 10? Yup, he’s had two bad games and been a monster other than that. Will Brice be able to be a 3 level scorer in the big 10? Yup, not a doubt that this dude has played like a top 25 player in the league. Will Josiah or KT be able to produce with the physicality in the league? No question there, will we be able to develope guys? Jlaw, Sam, CJ and even Eli before he got hurt have shown they can. What an amazing coaching job and player evaluation by this staff after some tough yesrs

20 wins and we have four games more games for sure. This is the kind of season I hoped we’d be having when we hired Fred. I hope like hell we get over our big hump the second half of March, but this has already been one of the most fun seasons I’ve known. Can’t wait to watch the rest play out. GO BIG RED!

Can't wait for the media to stop talking about our winless road wins in conference play and start talking about our winless record in the NCAA tournament. Don't bet against this team.

CJ over the last 14 games: 3-PT: 35-63 (.555) FT: 22-22 (1.000)

After Allick gave his Post Game interview in Iowa City he must have looked himself in the Mirror & said “I’M going to Lead by Example” & that’s exactly what he did. Love It…!!!

My favorite part of Wednesday was that FH was locked in and pissed about stuff. He lit into the guys once, sat KT for quite a while, and knew he had to be on refs all game. All that and he kept the team together. 10/10 coach.

Huskers are -6 and o/u is 175. Too soon?

Hearing he might have left because the coach was sleeping with him mom

Hoiberg in the post game (when asked about the AD): "I'm all in on this place. I love it. I want to be here."

CJ, for all of his faults, has spent his time here perfecting a craft that fits his build, style, and athleticism. I’ve come to appreciate him more and more over the years. He’s not going to be the star night in and out, but he’s accepted his role. For the most part, he never tries to do too much and accepts his role each night. He’s an important reason, I believe, as to why we’re sitting at 10 wins before Christmas.