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Fred Hoiberg reaffirms confidence in Nebraska after loss

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report01/26/23
Fred Hoibert, Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball coach
Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg points while coaching in a game on Dec. 13, 2019. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have now lost four of their last five games and sit with a 3-7 Big Ten record, but coach Fred Hoiberg reaffirmed his confidence in Nebraska all the same.

Hoiberg didn’t leave much room for ambiguity, either. He’s a big fan of the group he has to work with, even if the results have been lacking.

“I’m really confident in our guys,” he said. “I’m going to stay confident in our guys. I love this group of players. I’ve said all along it’s one of the more fun groups I’ve had to coach and they’re going to bounce back tomorrow and we’ll have a good practice and get ready for Maryland.”

The offense has been a bit of a problem of late. In the past five games Nebraska has averaged just 59.2 points per game. Opponents have been able to win without needing to score in bunches.

Worse, Nebraska has been hit with some injury news that will further thin the ranks Hoiberg is turning to for answers right now. Guard Emmanuel Bandoumel was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered against Penn State.

Still, Hoiberg maintains his confidence in Nebraska.

Emmanuel Bandoumel to miss the rest of the season

Guard Emmanuel Bandoumel suffered a knee injury against Penn State and will miss the rest of the campaign. Prior, he had been a consistent part of Nebraska’s mission, averaging 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

“Coach Hoiberg has announced that Emmanuel Bandoumel will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in Saturday’s game at Penn State,” tweeted Nebraska. “Best wishes on your recovery, @EBandou5.”

Moreover, Bandoumel came to Lincoln via the NCAA Transfer Portal earlier this season, following three seasons at SMU with the Mustangs. Now, his future is murkier than ever, but Hoiberg and company would love to welcome him back after his injury is healed.

Nebraska will be back in action on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET with a tip at Maryland that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.