Nebraska basketball fans are laser-focused on the upcoming showdown with Iowa, a game that could catapult the Huskers into the Elite 8. It’s the kind of moment fans live for, but let’s take a quick peek into the future. With three seniors in the starting lineup, Nebraska will have some big shoes to fill next season.
Rienk Mast might be the toughest to replace. While Sam Hoiberg is the heart and soul of the squad, players like Cale Jacobsen could step up to fill part of that void with his defensive skills and playmaking ability.
Jacobsen, along with Connor Essegian, offers Nebraska some intriguing options. However, the team still needs a point guard and a skilled four-man.
Coach Fred Hoiberg’s teams thrive on having talented bigs, and they’re on the lookout for a pick-and-pop specialist.
Enter Treyson Anderson, a Lincoln native who recently entered the transfer portal after playing for North Dakota State. Standing at 6-foot-10 and coming off a solid sophomore season, Anderson could be the perfect fit for Nebraska.
Last season, Anderson attempted three 3-pointers per game and hit 35 percent of them. He also shot 60 percent on 2-point attempts, averaging 10.4 points and 5.3 rebounds. Even though he only started half the season, his per-40-minute stats are impressive-22 points and 11 rebounds, numbers that Rienk Mast hasn’t matched.
Anderson’s defensive rating of 99.3 per 100 possessions is noteworthy, indicating strong defensive play. Plus, he’s a local talent who wouldn’t demand a hefty NIL deal.
Starting 19 of the last 20 games for an NCAA Tournament team, Anderson showcased his skills against top competition, scoring 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting against Michigan State. As a starter, he averaged 12.4 points per game and had eight games with multiple 3-pointers, including two games with four treys.
From every angle, targeting Anderson in the transfer portal seems like a smart move for Nebraska. Once the focus shifts to player acquisition, Anderson should be high on the Huskers' list.