Pryce Sandfort has quickly become a standout player for Nebraska, earning first-team all-Big Ten honors from the coaches. As a new addition to the Husker roster, Sandfort has showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His ability to score in various ways has made him a key player to watch.
While Sandfort earned top honors from the coaches, Iowa's Bennett Stirtz was the media's first-team pick. Joining them as consensus first-team selections by both coaches and media were Illinois' Keaton Wagler, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan State's Jeremy Fears, and Purdue's Braden Smith.
Sandfort also secured a second-team all-Big Ten spot from the media, while Stirtz received the same recognition from the coaches. Other notable second-team selections included Ohio State's Bruce Thornton, Northwestern's Nick Martinelli, Michigan's Morez Johnson, Wisconsin's Nick Boyd, and Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson.
The spotlight shone brightly on Michigan's Lendeborg, who was named Big Ten Player of the Year.
Nebraska's roster also saw other honors: Sam Hoiberg made the all-defensive team, Braden Frager earned a spot on the all-freshman team and was named 6th Man of the Year by the coaches. Hoiberg and Rienk Mast received honorable mentions from both coaches and media, with Mast also recognized for sportsmanship.
In coaching accolades, Fred Hoiberg was named Coach of the Year by the coaches, while Michigan's Dusty May received the honor from the media.
Sandfort's junior season has been marked by his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, often facing intense defensive attention. Reflecting on his performance, Sandfort expressed confidence in his shooting, attributing much of his success to his teammates and coaches. "It's probably the best my shot has felt in my career," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in his achievements.
Michigan's coach, Dusty May, acknowledged the challenge Sandfort presents to opponents. After a close win over Nebraska, he noted, "We don't guard guys like Sandfort very often." Sandfort's unique ability to sprint, set up, and shoot with impressive range makes him a formidable presence on the court.