It’s been one of those stretches where a team could’ve easily hit the panic button. Nebraska, instead, doubled down on its identity.
The Huskers have been navigating a minefield of injuries and illnesses - Braden Frager sidelined with an ankle injury, Rienk Mast missing time due to illness, and a handful of other setbacks that could've derailed momentum. But the standard in Lincoln hasn’t wavered. And despite a narrow 75-72 road loss at Michigan, Nebraska showed it’s still very much in the fight.
Assistant coach Ernie Zeigler put it plainly on the Huskers Radio Network: “The uncontrollables have occurred to this team throughout our season.” He’s not exaggerating. Nebraska’s dealt with a season-ending injury to Connor Essegian, a lingering back issue for Ugnius Jarusevicius that’s kept him off the floor, and even lost scout team contributor Henry Burt - a behind-the-scenes blow that still mattered.
But through every twist, the Huskers have responded with resolve.
“Every time that it's occurred, we've regrouped,” Zeigler said. “Our standard is the standard, and our guys have continued to display that.”
That mindset starts at the top. Zeigler credits head coach Fred Hoiberg for instilling a culture that doesn’t flinch, regardless of who’s available or who’s on the other side of the court.
“It starts and begins with him,” Zeigler said. “And our guys have embodied that.
Whether it’s Michigan or Illinois coming in on a hot streak, it doesn’t matter. How we play and what we do - we’re going to accomplish that and do it.”
One of the latest examples of that next-man-up mentality? True freshman Leo Curtis.
The 7-foot-2 big man has been told to “stay ready” all season. On some nights, his number wasn’t called.
But at Michigan, it was - and Curtis delivered. He logged 13 minutes, scored six points, and gave Nebraska a much-needed boost off the bench.
“He’s a kid that puts in a lot of work unbeknownst to a lot of people,” Zeigler said. “He’s very skilled and capable, and he’s just starting to scratch the surface of what he can be in our program.”
That development piece is something Nebraska is leaning into - even in the age of the transfer portal. While some programs are building rosters year-to-year through portal additions and NIL bidding wars, Zeigler emphasized that high school recruiting remains a major pillar for the Huskers.
“There are different ways to skin a cat,” he said. “But you still have to get the job done. For us, high school recruits are still going to be a huge part of identifying guys.”
Just look at Frager. He redshirted last year, but even then, there were flashes - moments on the scout team when he looked like the best player on the floor. Now, he’s become a key piece in the Huskers’ rotation, bringing athleticism, energy, and a scorer’s mindset.
“No one’s surprised he’s having success,” Zeigler said. “But the grit and moxie he’s shown in certain games - the shots he’s made - you get the ‘wow’ factor.
The best players I’ve been around have that ‘no fear’ stuff in them. Braden has that.”
The next step for Frager? Learning how to channel that fire - to use his passion as fuel, not just flash. If he can do that, Zeigler believes “the sky’s the limit.”
Now comes another major test. Illinois is coming to town on Sunday for a 3 p.m. tip at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and fans are being asked to WhiteOut the building.
The Illini are riding a 10-game winning streak, fresh off a 75-66 win over Washington - but their last loss? Nebraska.
Illinois is a team that thrives on mismatches and second-chance points. They lead the Big Ten in that category, averaging 16 per game. Even in their loss to the Huskers earlier this season, they racked up 19 second-chance points.
“They crash the glass like crazy,” Zeigler said. “They score in bunches, but it’s those second-chance points that really separate them.”
Nebraska knows what’s coming. And they’re not backing down.
Zeigler gave a nod to the Huskers’ fan base, calling them “the most consistent in the country.” He’s been on staff for four years now, and every season, he’s seen how Pinnacle Bank Arena becomes a true weapon for Nebraska - one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, if not the nation.
Sunday’s going to be loud. It’s going to be intense. And if the Huskers have shown us anything this season, it’s that they’ll be ready - no matter who’s on the floor.