Nebraska basketball is heading into the Chicago tournament with a well-earned 2 seed, a far cry from their preseason ranking of 14th. That early dismissal by the media might not have been a frequent topic of conversation among the team, but it certainly fueled players like Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort.
Mast shared, "I know it motivates me," while Sandfort echoed, "It's motivating for sure. I’ve gotten used to being underestimated."
Their impressive season saw players like Sandfort, Sam Hoiberg, Braden Frager, and Mast, along with coach Fred Hoiberg, earn postseason recognition. Mast expressed pride in the acknowledgment, saying, "With Nebraska's history, we get underestimated. So getting that credit after the season is pretty cool."
While the NCAA Tournament looms large, the Huskers are focused on making a splash in Chicago. Coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized their aim: "We're going to play a great team on Friday, and whatever the result, we'll grow from it. Hopefully, we're there for three days."
The tournament kicks off with Northwestern facing Penn State, with the winner meeting Indiana, and then Purdue, before a potential showdown with Nebraska on Friday.
Indiana is fighting for an NCAA spot, while Purdue seeks to regain momentum. Hoiberg, reflecting on past triumphs, noted, "You just got to stay in the moment. Cutting down the net in the Big 12 was unforgettable."
Despite the stakes, Nebraska isn't just looking for participation. "We're not going in there to lose.
We're going in there to advance," Hoiberg stated. The team is using this tournament as a stepping stone for the big dance.
The Huskers practiced Monday, took a break Tuesday, and plan a rigorous session Wednesday before heading to Chicago. They'll practice at DePaul and aim to get a feel for the United Center, setting the stage for what they hope will be a memorable weekend.