Nebraska basketball has hit a rough patch lately, and it's not just about performance on the court. The team's depth has been tested with a string of injuries and illnesses.
The latest challenge? Star guard Jamarques Lawrence, who recently injured his ankle during the Huskers' win over Penn State.
Initially, there were concerns about the severity of Lawrence's injury, especially since he left the game and didn't return to the bench. However, head coach Fred Hoiberg provided some relief on Monday, sharing that Lawrence's ankle should be fine. But, in a twist that seems all too familiar for Nebraska lately, Lawrence is now battling the flu.
The Huskers have been hit hard by illness over the past few weeks. Rienk Mast and Berke Buyuktuncel both missed games due to a severe flu, with symptoms so intense they couldn't keep anything down before games. During a recent appearance on Huskers Radio, Hoiberg mentioned that Lawrence had to leave a film session because of his flu symptoms, expressing hope that the illness won't spread further through the team.
Unfortunately, it seems the bug has already made its rounds. In a game that Mast missed, guard Sam Hoiberg was also under the weather, though his condition wasn't as severe, allowing him to avoid a hospital visit.
Looking ahead, Nebraska's upcoming matchup against Maryland is one they should be able to handle, even if Lawrence sits out. Given the schedule, it might be wise for him to rest and recover fully, especially with tougher opponents on the horizon. The next three games feature teams with 18 or more wins, so having a healthy roster will be crucial.