Nebraska Basketball May Be Under the Radar but Eyeing NCAA Tournament Success
The countdown continues! We’re highlighting the top 100 preseason college basketball teams leading up to the season’s start. Each day, we’ll unveil the next team on the list until we reach number one. Today’s focus: Nebraska basketball.
Nebraska had a respectable performance last season, though they struggled against a challenging conference schedule. With a strong non-conference record of 10-1, marred only by a narrow loss to a solid Saint Mary’s team, they faced a tough Big Ten journey.
Achieving back-to-back 20-win seasons is significant for Nebraska. With three key players from last season returning, new talent entering from the transfer portal, and a star player returning from injury, the Cornhuskers are gearing up for an improved performance in 2025-26.
Under Coach Hoiberg, Nebraska is evolving into a competitive program. While they may not consistently vie for Big Ten titles, they are likely to be on the radar of bracketologists in many seasons.
Head Coach: Fred Hoiberg (12th season overall, 7th at Nebraska)
2024-25 Record: 21-14 (7-13)
2025 Postseason Finish: College Basketball Crown (CBC) champions
Key Departures:
- Brice Williams (20.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG)
- Juwan Gary (14.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.2 SPG)
- Rollie Worster (7.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.6 APG)
Highlight Non-Conference Games:
- vs. Oklahoma (Nov. 15) – Sioux Falls, S.D.
- vs. New Mexico (Nov. 20) – Hall of Fame Classic
- vs. Kansas State OR Mississippi State (Nov. 21) – Hall of Fame Classic
- vs. Creighton (Dec. 7)
Nebraska Basketball’s MVP: Rienk Mast
Originally from the Netherlands, Mast has extensive competitive experience, including FIBA play and five years in Division 1. He started his college career at Bradley, earning honors before transferring to Nebraska in 2023. Once fully recovered from an injury, Mast is expected to be a central figure in the offense, aiming to replicate the output of the departed Williams and Gary.
Make-or-Break Player: Jamarques Lawrence
Lawrence returns to Nebraska after a year at URI, where he showcased scoring ability but now faces greater expectations. With the team lacking genuine point guards, he needs to step up not just scoring-wise but also in facilitating play to take pressure off his teammates.
Key Analytics: Shooting Proximity
Shooting proximity indicates the average distance from the basket for field goals attempted by a team. Nebraska’s 2024-25 proximity was 2.14, ranking first in the Big Ten and 14th nationally. The team is expected to continue emphasizing outside shooting, distinguishing themselves in a league with a low overall three-point attempt rate.
Nebraska Basketball 2025-26 Projections
Projected Conference Finish: 14th in the Big Ten
Projected Postseason Outcome: NCAA Tournament Round of 32 Exit
