Nebraska's freshman sensation, Leo Curtis, has been turning heads with his impressive NCAA Tournament debut. Standing tall at 7-foot-2, Curtis made his mark with a memorable dunk against Vanderbilt, a testament to his rapid rise in basketball after just six years of playing the sport.
Hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, Curtis initially pursued soccer. But a neighborhood change and a missed soccer practice led him to basketball-a decision that’s paying off in spades.
“I was really tall, about 6-6 or 6-7 at 15, so I thought I’d give basketball a shot,” Curtis shared. His journey from playing casually with friends to becoming a key player is nothing short of inspiring.
Curtis admits his early days on the court were challenging. “I was really bad at first,” he said, reflecting on his initial struggles. But with hard work and perseverance, he quickly improved, setting the stage for his move to the United States in 2024.
Landing in Braintree, Massachusetts, Curtis attended CATS Academy, where he showcased his skills by averaging 12.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.1 assists. His efforts helped the team achieve a 28-7 record and a runner-up finish in the NEPSAC Class AA Tournament. His standout performance earned him first-team All-NEPSAC honors and National Prep All-American honorable mention.
Now with Nebraska, Curtis is part of a historic season. The Huskers, boasting a 28-6 record, have secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament wins and are gearing up for their inaugural Sweet 16 appearance. Despite battling a leg injury, Curtis has contributed in 17 games, adding valuable depth and energy off the bench.
Reflecting on his journey, Curtis remarked, “My goal was always to play for a senior team back home. It’s amazing how fast you can improve.” As Nebraska prepares to face Iowa in the Sweet 16, Curtis is soaking in the experience, driven by his love for the game and a desire to maximize his towering presence on the court.
Catch the Huskers in action against Iowa in Houston, Texas, with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on TBS and the Huskers Radio Network.