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Fred Hoiberg discusses Nebraska’s disappointing end to season, early outlook for 2021
By Paul Harvey
Published:
It was always unrealistic to expect a deep run in the B1G Tournament from this Nebraska squad, but a strong first half against Penn State appeared to have the Huskers on the brink of moving onto Day 2 in Indianapolis.
Unfortunately, Nebraska squandered a 14-point lead in the second half as Penn State stormed back for the 72-66 victory. It also gives the Huskers a three-game losing streak to end the year after back-to-back B1G wins against Minnesota and Rutgers.
In two seasons under Fred Hoiberg, the Huskers are now 5-34 in B1G competition, though it goes without saying that the 2020-21 season was unlike any we have seen in college basketball history. Still, the 14-44 overall mark is not what fans were expecting out of Hoiberg after he previously led Iowa State to a 115-56 overall mark in five seasons with the Cyclones.
Following the disappointing loss to Penn State, Hoiberg discussed the end to the season and an early outlook for next season. Despite the poor results, it sounds like he is remaining optimistic for what this team and program can achieve moving forward:
Fred Hoiberg on the opening minutes of the second half: "It's too bad, because we played one of our best halves of the year in the first half." #Huskers
— Chris Basnett (@ChrisBasnettLJS) March 11, 2021
Hoiberg says NU had about 40 fewer practices this year as opposed to last year with everything went on. That was the biggest reason for the lack of consistency, he said. #Huskers
— Chris Basnett (@ChrisBasnettLJS) March 11, 2021
Hoiberg: "We won't have a whole new team next year."
— Chris Basnett (@ChrisBasnettLJS) March 11, 2021
Hoiberg said he loved coaching this team – wouldn't normally say that with a team with this record – and looks forward to a "normal" offseason.
Expects a good "core" to return. Won't be an all-new team in 2021-2022.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) March 11, 2021
Along with returning a solid core of players from this season, Nebraska will add some impact recruits. Five-star shooting guard Bryce McGowens is the No. 21 player nationally and will join the Huskers, along with four-star center Wilhelm Breidenbach out of California as a part of Nebraska’s 2021 recruiting class.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.