I have been pretty down personally on this recruiting class so I decided to have AI give me some inspiration to drink some basketball kool-aid. I laughed at it... but it does make a little sense, and hopefully Fred can make it work 😅
Why Nebraska Basketball Is Ready to Make a Serious Leap in 2024–25
Fred Hoiberg has quietly built the most balanced, system-ready roster of his Nebraska tenure. This group combines shooting, length, experience, and lineup flexibility, with a core of proven Big Ten veterans, a deep transfer portal class, and a mix of high-upside young talent.
This isn't just a team that can return to the NCAA Tournament—it's a team built to win there.
The Huskers now have all the tools to run Hoiberg’s modern system, built on:
Reink Mast (6’10” F/C)
Smart, versatile big who can shoot the 3, pass out of the high post, and anchor the offense. A returning starter and vocal leader—he’s the heart of Hoiberg’s motion system.
Sam Hoiberg (6’0” G)
High-IQ guard and energy defender. Plays bigger than his size and impacts games with toughness, hustle, and system understanding.
Jamarques Lawrence (6’3” G)
Two-way combo guard with Big Ten experience. Brings scoring, perimeter defense, and composure. Expect him to be a stabilizing presence in the backcourt.
Connor Essegian (6’4” G/W)
Elite catch-and-shoot threat now fully eligible after transferring from Wisconsin. Adds instant offense, spacing, and confidence on the wing.
Cale Jacobsen (6’4” G)
Tough, athletic guard with strength and versatility. A valuable depth piece who can defend multiple positions and bring energy off the bench.
Justin Bolis (6’10” C)
Developing center who provides depth and physicality. Still growing into the system but adds size and rebounding in spot minutes.
Berke Büyüktuncel (6’9” F)
Skilled international forward with upside. Strong feel for the game, good vision, and potential as a stretch 4. Could carve out a role as a floor-spacing, mismatch piece.
Braden Frager (6’6” W)
High-upside young wing. Physical and athletic with scoring instincts. A developmental piece with long-term potential as a two-way contributor.
Henry Burt (6’9” F)
Walk-on forward who adds depth in practice and brings energy to the program culture.
Pryce Sandfort (6’7” F – Iowa)
Big-time shooter and high-IQ wing. Elite floor spacer who rebounds well and knows the Big Ten grind. Perfect fit at the 3 or stretch 4.
Kendall Blue (6’6” G/W – St. Thomas)
Long, athletic perimeter defender with slashing ability. Brings switchability, defensive effort, and fast-break punch.
Jared Garcia (6’10” F – Tulsa)
Mobile stretch big who blocks shots, hits threes, and runs the floor. Ideal stretch 4/5 for Hoiberg’s pace-and-space system.
Will Cooper (6’6” G/W – Air Force)
Hard-nosed, physical wing who plays smart and unselfish. Glue guy who can defend, rebound, and make hustle plays that swing momentum.
Ugnius Jarusevicius (6’10” F/C – Lithuania)
Skilled international big with shooting range and feel. High-IQ passer, comfortable playing inside or out. Can unlock second-unit offense.
Fredric Leo Curtis (7’1” C – Iceland)
True 7-footer with a soft shooting touch. Stretches the floor, protects the rim, and gives Nebraska a rare combination of size + shooting at the 5.
Quentin Rhymes (6’6” W – Arizona)
A tough, athletic wing from Arizona who brings physicality, defensive grit, and slashing ability. Rhymes plays with energy and isn’t afraid of contact—he projects as a two-way contributor with long-term upside.
This is the first time under Hoiberg where every position fits the scheme, with shooters, passers, and defenders who all complement each other.
The Big Ten will be loaded again—but Nebraska has the depth, skill, and identity to climb the standings. With a roster that mirrors Hoiberg’s NBA blueprint and a staff that knows how to develop talent, this is the best shot the Huskers have had in over a decade to win not just in the regular season—but in March.
Hoiberg’s got his guys. Now it’s time to go.
Why Nebraska Basketball Is Ready to Make a Serious Leap in 2024–25
Fred Hoiberg has quietly built the most balanced, system-ready roster of his Nebraska tenure. This group combines shooting, length, experience, and lineup flexibility, with a core of proven Big Ten veterans, a deep transfer portal class, and a mix of high-upside young talent.
This isn't just a team that can return to the NCAA Tournament—it's a team built to win there.
Hoiberg’s Vision: Fully Realized
The Huskers now have all the tools to run Hoiberg’s modern system, built on:
- Spacing and movement shooting
- Interchangeable defenders and positionless offense
- Skilled bigs who can pass, shoot, and play in space
- Relentless energy and smart ball movement
Returning Core: Veteran Leadership + Key Continuity
Reink Mast (6’10” F/C)
Smart, versatile big who can shoot the 3, pass out of the high post, and anchor the offense. A returning starter and vocal leader—he’s the heart of Hoiberg’s motion system.
Sam Hoiberg (6’0” G)
High-IQ guard and energy defender. Plays bigger than his size and impacts games with toughness, hustle, and system understanding.
Jamarques Lawrence (6’3” G)
Two-way combo guard with Big Ten experience. Brings scoring, perimeter defense, and composure. Expect him to be a stabilizing presence in the backcourt.
Connor Essegian (6’4” G/W)
Elite catch-and-shoot threat now fully eligible after transferring from Wisconsin. Adds instant offense, spacing, and confidence on the wing.
Cale Jacobsen (6’4” G)
Tough, athletic guard with strength and versatility. A valuable depth piece who can defend multiple positions and bring energy off the bench.
Justin Bolis (6’10” C)
Developing center who provides depth and physicality. Still growing into the system but adds size and rebounding in spot minutes.
Berke Büyüktuncel (6’9” F)
Skilled international forward with upside. Strong feel for the game, good vision, and potential as a stretch 4. Could carve out a role as a floor-spacing, mismatch piece.
Braden Frager (6’6” W)
High-upside young wing. Physical and athletic with scoring instincts. A developmental piece with long-term potential as a two-way contributor.
Henry Burt (6’9” F)
Walk-on forward who adds depth in practice and brings energy to the program culture.
2024 Transfer Portal Additions: Tailored for the System
Pryce Sandfort (6’7” F – Iowa)
Big-time shooter and high-IQ wing. Elite floor spacer who rebounds well and knows the Big Ten grind. Perfect fit at the 3 or stretch 4.
Kendall Blue (6’6” G/W – St. Thomas)
Long, athletic perimeter defender with slashing ability. Brings switchability, defensive effort, and fast-break punch.
Jared Garcia (6’10” F – Tulsa)
Mobile stretch big who blocks shots, hits threes, and runs the floor. Ideal stretch 4/5 for Hoiberg’s pace-and-space system.
Will Cooper (6’6” G/W – Air Force)
Hard-nosed, physical wing who plays smart and unselfish. Glue guy who can defend, rebound, and make hustle plays that swing momentum.
Ugnius Jarusevicius (6’10” F/C – Lithuania)
Skilled international big with shooting range and feel. High-IQ passer, comfortable playing inside or out. Can unlock second-unit offense.
Fredric Leo Curtis (7’1” C – Iceland)
True 7-footer with a soft shooting touch. Stretches the floor, protects the rim, and gives Nebraska a rare combination of size + shooting at the 5.
2024 Freshman Addition
Quentin Rhymes (6’6” W – Arizona)
A tough, athletic wing from Arizona who brings physicality, defensive grit, and slashing ability. Rhymes plays with energy and isn’t afraid of contact—he projects as a two-way contributor with long-term upside.
Why This Team Works
- Size and length everywhere (6'6" to 7'1")
- Multiple stretch bigs who open the floor
- Experienced guards who know Hoiberg’s system
- Shooter-heavy wings to space the court
- Switchable defenders across the board
This is the first time under Hoiberg where every position fits the scheme, with shooters, passers, and defenders who all complement each other.
Bottom Line: Nebraska’s Best Shot Yet
The Big Ten will be loaded again—but Nebraska has the depth, skill, and identity to climb the standings. With a roster that mirrors Hoiberg’s NBA blueprint and a staff that knows how to develop talent, this is the best shot the Huskers have had in over a decade to win not just in the regular season—but in March.
Hoiberg’s got his guys. Now it’s time to go.
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