Five

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
 
 

Michigan Info

 
Head Coach: Juwan Howard (5th Season)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Wolverines
Point Spread: Nebraska by 5.5
Typical Rotation Depth: 8+
KenPom rank: 124
Nota bene:  
Michigan has beaten Nebraska 16 out of the 18 times they've played since Nebraska joined the B1G Nebraska has never won at the Crisler Center With a win, this Nebraska team would tie for 2nd in all-time season wins at Nebraska It's a matchup of former NBA players who are also coaching their sons. Jace Howard plays for Juwan while Sam Hoiberg plays for Fred.  While Juwan wasn't a head coach in the NBA, he was an assistant for the Heat for 6 seasons. Forward Olivier Nkamhoua is out with an injury. Dug McDaniel is off his suspension so he'd be playing regardless of whether this was a home or away game  
KenPom most used lineups
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 0 Dug McDaniel
5-11  175  So 4 Nimari Burnett
6-4  200  Sr 5 Terrance Williams
6-7  225  Sr 42 Will Tschetter
6-8  245  So 32 Tarris Reed
6-10  265  So 18.7  
Player to watch: Dug McDaniels
Arguably Michigan's best player, the Wolverines' starting PG didn't play in Lincoln due to suspension. Averages 16.6 ppg, 4.6 apg, and 1.1 spg, which is best on the team.
 
Player to watch:    Will Tschetter
Super efficient offensive player, is shooting 56% from 3 and 62.2% from 2 for the season. Can be foul and turnover prone at times.
 
Player to watch: Terrance Williams 
In addition to his defensive prowess, Williams has stepped up his offensive game and is shooting 39.1% from 3. His shot distribution is split between the 2 and 3 so he's an opportunistic scorer
 
Player to watch: Tarris Reed
In some ways the starting center for the Wolverines might be the most important player on the court today as he very well might determine if Nebraska will double in the post like they have most of the season or play more straight up like vs Northwestern. Reed finishes at high percentage in the paint and is their one true rim protector. He's not a threat from outside and is a terrible FT shooter.
 
Others to watch
Formrer McDonald's All-American Nimari Burnett is an all around efficient player with the caveat that he's a shooting guard who isn't particularly good at shooting. This is his 3rd school after Texas Tech and Alabama. 6'10' 215# backup center and Seton Hall transfer Tray Jackson is traditional center depth for the Wolverines. 
 
UNL Game Notes
 
Out indefinitely 
5   Ahron Ulis     6-3    190 lbs    Junior - Likely out for the season
 
Questionable
15  Blaise Keita     6-11    257 lbs    Junior - Ongoing ankle injury recovery
11    Eli Rice                         6-8    213 lbs    Freshman - Ankle injury
 
Possible starters for Nebraska
10    Jamarques Lawrence  6-3    183 lbs    Sophomore
30   Keisei Tominaga           6-2    179 lbs    Senior
3     Brice Williams               6-7    213 lbs    Junior
53   Josiah Allick                 6-8    231 lbs    Senior
51    Rienk Mast                 6-10    248 lbs    Junior
 
Bench
4   Juwan Gary                   6-6    221 lbs    Junior
0    C.J. Wilcher                  6-5    214 lbs    Junior
9    Jarron Coleman            6-5    213 lbs    Senior
1    Sam Hoiberg                 6-0    183 lbs    Sophomore
21    Matar Diop                 6-10    213 lbs    Freshman
35    Henry Burt                  6-7    216 lbs    RS Freshman
2    Ramel Lloyd Jr.             6-6    210 lbs    RS Freshman
31    Cale Jacobsen            6-4    200 lbs    RS Freshman
24    Jeffrey Grace III         6-3    197 lbs    Sophomore 
 
Hoiberg Presser
 
 
 
The Skinny: 
Nebraska and Michigan will be well rested coming into this one as both teams have had the week off. Nebraska comes in needing this one to ensure a first round bye in the B1G tournament.  Michigan is playing for pride as they're already locked in as the last seed in the conference. The Wolverines do have the home court advantage though it remains to be seen what sort of crowd shows up in the am for this disappointing Michigan team.
 
Michigan will present a challenge to Nebraska in the sense that by default they are a team that runs you off the 3pt line and if they're not successful they're throw various zones and other junk at you. If Nebraska can come out firing right away, it might be enough to keep Michigan from caring enough to dip into their bag of tricks. While Dug McDaniels has led the Wolverines offensively, it's been through volume scoring in conference play. Expect Nebraska to keep double-teaming the posts and hoping that McDaniels is willing to take shots vs finding open teammates for 3. 
 
The science department thinks that Nebraska should have juice in their legs. Will they play like it?  Expect that Michigan isn't capable of pulling together 40 minutes like they might against higher pedigree teams or in better timeslots.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 75 - Michigan 67

Northwestern Info

Head Coach: Chris Collins
Location: Evansville, IL
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Wildcats
Mascot: Willie the Wildcat
Last time out: Beat Maryland
Point Spread: Nebraska by 1.5
Typical Rotation Depth: 7
KenPom rank: 59
Nota bene:  
It's alumni weekend and specifically Nebraska is honoring the 1993-94 Big Eight Tournament Champion team including a returning Danny Nee. Nebraska expects around 64 alumni of players and staff to be present dating from Lloyd Castner, a student manager for Jerry Bush from 1954-57, to Derrick Walker, class of 2023 Fred Hoiberg is 0-7 vs Northwestern at Nebraska and the Huskers haven't beaten the Wildcats since 2019 Northwestern ranks 337th in bench minutes as they have 4 starters who average over 30+ minutes per game Nebraska gutted out a 70-66 OT win vs Maryland during last season's alumni weekend game There is supposed to be a football player dunk contest around 12:45 today  
KenPom most used lineups
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 0 Boo Buie
6-2  180  Sr 3 Ty Berry
6-3  185  Sr 5 Ryan Langborg
6-4  195  Sr 13 Brooks Barnhizer
6-6  215  Jr 34 Matthew Nicholson
7-0  280  Sr 19.9  
Player to watch: Boo Buie
5th year starting PG Boo Buie was one of the main catalyst behind Northwestern's surprising run to the NCAA tournament last season and continues to play at a high level, leading the 'Cats in scoring and assists. If Nebraska finds themselves in a close game at the end, NW will be at the advantage simply because they have arguably the best PG in the conference.
 
Player to watch:    Ty Berry
Northwestern isn't quite the defensive team they rolled out last season with Chase Audige graduating but have increased their offensive output in part due to Berry finding his shooting stroke back. After a 38.3% 3pt success two years ago, Berry struggle last season, shooting 29.1% from 3.  This season he's hitting a career high 43.3% from 3 and 52.7% from 2. 
 
Player to watch: Brooks Barnhizer
Barnhizer is Northwestern's glue guy where his most important contribution is grabbing rebounds for a Northwestern team that is one of the worst in the conference at this statistic. Barnhizer will add some rim protection along with competent shooting ability.
 
Player to watch: Ryan Langborg
The Princeton transfer is another high level 3pt shooter for the Wildcats and is currently shooting 37.5% from 3.
 
Others to watch
Matthew Nicholson might be the most noticeable player on the court due to his unmissable stature. He's NW's best rim protector and he almost always makes the right plays. For the last few games 6'10" 255# Luke Hunger has been getting the start over Nicholson, presumably because he allows the 'Cats to play 5 out. Both centers tend to be foul prone. 6'7" forward Nick Martinelli averages 20 minutes of the bench where he brings rebounding and inside scoring.
 
UNL Game Notes
 
Roster/infirmary report
Will update if needed when the B1G releases their injury 
 
Out indefinitely 
5   Ahron Ulis     6-3    190 lbs    Junior - Likely out for the season
15  Blaise Keita     6-11    257 lbs    Junior - Ongoing ankle injury recovery
 
Day to Day
4   Juwan Gary                   6-6    221 lbs    Junior
 
Possible starters for Nebraska
10    Jamarques Lawrence  6-3    183 lbs    Sophomore
30   Keisei Tominaga           6-2    179 lbs    Senior
3     Brice Williams               6-7    213 lbs    Junior
53   Josiah Allick                 6-8    231 lbs    Senior
51    Rienk Mast                 6-10    248 lbs    Junior
 
Bench
0    C.J. Wilcher                  6-5    214 lbs    Junior
9    Jarron Coleman            6-5    213 lbs    Senior
1    Sam Hoiberg                 6-0    183 lbs    Sophomore
11    Eli Rice                         6-8    213 lbs    Freshman
21    Matar Diop                 6-10    213 lbs    Freshman
35    Henry Burt                  6-7    216 lbs    RS Freshman
2    Ramel Lloyd Jr.             6-6    210 lbs    RS Freshman
31    Cale Jacobsen            6-4    200 lbs    RS Freshman
24    Jeffrey Grace III         6-3    197 lbs    Sophomore 
 
The Skinny: 
Nebraska comes into this home game after a two game road skid that finds them without the services of Juwan Gary at the moment. While it seemed that Gary might have endured yet another season ending injury in Piscataway, it turns out the diagnosis is a calf strain. While you never want to be without the services of your starting 4 man, this Northwestern team is one of the better conference opponents to face in that scenario. The Wildcats aren't a very good rebounding team, they play at one of the slower paces in the country, and they're unlikely to get the Huskers into a ton of foul trouble. Anything helps as the Huskers try to notch another conference win. 
 
As bad as Nebraska's defensive effort has been in conference play, it's Northwestern that ranks last in conference defensive efficiency. When you pair these numbers with how well both teams can shoot, any outcome is on the table today. For Nebraska the big key will be holding on to the ball as the Wildcats are a sneaky ball-hawking squad. This game also represents one of the rare games where a 'referee clown show' would benefit Nebraska as the Huskers have the bench depth advantage. Speaking of depth, how will Eli Rice and/or Matar Diap perform as the two players potentially in the rotation to fill in for Gary?  FWIW freshmen tend to play better at home.
 
While you like the chance of winning this game it's worth noting that Nebraska has never defeated a Northwestern team with Boo Buie.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 76 - Northwestern 72

Indiana Info

Head Coach: Mike Woodson (3rd year)
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Conference: B1G
Nickname: Hoosiers
Shirt not to wear: Marvin Harrison Sr. Jersey
Line: Nebraska by 4.5
Typical Rotation Depth: 9+
KenPom rank: 87
Nota bene:  
Fred Hoiberg vs Mike Woodson is a matchup of former NBA coaches Indiana Center Payton Sparks was a teammate of Boogie Coleman last season at Ball St. Indiana boasts one of the tallest lineups in D-1, clocking in at #3 in KenPom's average height metric. Nebraska's secret scrimmage foe Utah is #2. Mackenzie Mgbako attended Roselle Catholic HS last season, playing with Simeon Wilcher. This is the same HS attended by CJ WIlcher and Jamarques Lawrence.  
KenPom most used lineups
  PG SG SF PF C Pct 1 2 Gabe Cupps
6-2  175  Fr 32 Trey Galloway
6-5  205  Sr 21 Mackenzie Mgbako
6-8  217  Fr 5 Malik Reneau
6-9  233  So 1 Kel'el Ware
7-0  242  So 25.1
   
 
Player to watch: Malik Reneau
While not as dominant as Trayce Jackson-Davis, F/C Reneau has taken over as Indiana's go-to scorer in the paint while also ranking 2nd on the team in assists. Does have 3pt range.
 
Player to watch: Mackenzie Mgbako
The 5 star freshman has become the Hoosier's main 3pt threat with PG Xavier Johnson out of the lineup.
 
Player to watch: Kel'el Ware
Another former 5 star, Ware transferred from Oregon and has started at the 5 for Indiana where he's arguably been their best player. Ware looks like a lottery pick at times but sometimes his motor doesn't match.
 
Others to watch
Trey Galloway is a glue guy having to do more because of limited guard play. Freshman guard Gabe Cupps is mostly just bringing the ball up the court and shoots at a Benny Parker like rate. 6'8" 215# Miami transfer Anthony Walker is nice depth but he's yet another post player who doesn't take outside shots. Xavier Johnson would be a real boost for the Hoosiers in terms of ball handing and 3pt shooting should he play.
 
UNL Game Notes
 
Roster/infirmary report
Will update if needed when the B1G releases their injury 
 
Out indefinitely 
5   Ahron Ulis     6-3    190 lbs    Junior - Likely out for the season
15  Blaise Keita     6-11    257 lbs    Junior - Ongoing ankle injury recovery
 
Have been showing up on the injury report
35    Henry Burt                  6-7    216 lbs    RS Freshman
2    Ramel Lloyd Jr.             6-6    210 lbs    RS Freshman
 
Game Time Decision
51    Rienk Mast                 6-10    248 lbs    Junior - Knee Scope
 
Possible starters for Nebraska
10    Jamarques Lawrence  6-3    183 lbs    Sophomore
30   Keisei Tominaga           6-2    179 lbs    Senior
3     Brice Williams               6-7    213 lbs    Junior
4   Juwan Gary                   6-6    221 lbs    Junior
53   Josiah Allick                 6-8    231 lbs    Senior
 
Bench
0    C.J. Wilcher                  6-5    214 lbs    Junior
9    Jarron Coleman            6-5    213 lbs    Senior
1    Sam Hoiberg                 6-0    183 lbs    Sophomore
11    Eli Rice                         6-8    213 lbs    Freshman
21    Matar Diop                 6-10    213 lbs    Freshman
31    Cale Jacobsen            6-4    200 lbs    RS Freshman
24    Jeffrey Grace III         6-3    197 lbs    Sophomore 
 
Hoiberg/Wilcher Presser
 
Hoiberg talks about Mast being a game time decision and ramping up on Keita's rehab
 
The Skinny: 
 
2023-24 has been a down enough season for the B1G to the point that Indiana comes in as a Quad 3 opponent. Nebraska is simultaneously looking to rack up conference wins at home while avoiding resume killing loses. Indiana's 3 loses have come against some of the best in the country...can Nebraska make the grade?
 
Indiana presents a great style matchup for the Huskers. There won't be a ton of 3pt shooters for their defense to chase as the Hoosiers are one of the most 2pt heavy teams in D-1. Defensively, the Hoosiers should present plenty of open 3pt shots and expect Nebraska to take advantage. What could decide this one is Nebraska's ability to defend the paint without fouling as Indiana draws plenty of contact and Nebraska could be without Rienk Mast. Things could get real dicey if Nebraska has to play Diop or even CJ Wilcher at center. Despite their height, Indiana isn't an elite rebounding squad so it's possible for Nebraska to limit 2nd chance shots.
 
This is a getable game for the Huskers and look for them to have a great shot in this one, especially with their edge in FT shooting.
 
Prediction: Nebraska 78 - Indiana 73 

Alabama transfer Juwan Gary announced via his instagram that he has committed to play for Nebraska.  Gary was a sophomore this season and the 6'6" 218# forward will have two years of eligibility left.
 
Gary projects to be a 3 or 4 with the Huskers and is known for his defensive ability, driving ability, and energy.  A history of injuries have slowed down Gary, but he started 19 games for Alabama despite an ankle injury and a facial injury which caused him to wear a protective mask. Originally a 2019 HS graduate, Gary spent his first year redshirting due to a torn ACL.
 
Fred Hoiberg on the addition of Juwan Gary:  "Juwan adds a different dimension to our roster with his combination of athleticism and versatility. He plays with physicality and can be used all over the floor.  Juwan also has the experience of playing in two NCAA Tournaments and winning an SEC title in 2021, which gives him the understanding of what it takes to be successful at the highest level."
 
Gary is from Colombia, South Carolina where he was a 4 star recruit coming out of high school.