Hoiberg's message to Nebraska fans and what lies ahead in postseason play
In the moments after Nebraska’s NCAA Tournament bubble officially burst following its loss to Iowa, Fred Hoiberg reflected on his team’s long list of missed opportunities this season.
“We’re going to be back next year and hopefully do a better job,” Hoiberg said. “We had some great wins this year but too many one-possession (losses) where you’ve got to find a way, whatever it takes.”
Notably, amid some fan social media speculation that NU might move on from the sixth-year head coach, Hoiberg confidently stated: “We’re going to be back next year…”
However, many focused on “hopefully do a better job” as a less-than-inspiring message. During his monthly appearance on the Huskers Radio Network on Monday night, Hoiberg made his goals and expectations abundantly clear.
“I promise you this, Husker Nation: We are going to do everything we can to get this thing back to where we are in the tournament, and we are going to be there consistently,” Hoiberg said. “This place means the world to me. I absolutely love it. I’m passionate about it. We’ve got staff right now that are out on the road recruiting, and once the portal opens up, obviously, we’re going to be active in it.
“We’re going to put a team on the court that’s going to fit the values of Huskers. I think this team was. It was a hard-working team; we just did not close out games the way we needed to. We’re going to do everything in our power to get this thing right and to get a consistent winner on the court.”
RELATED: Nebraska says its season isn’t over, but another critical offseason awaits
The Huskers continue to await their next postseason fate
The NCAA Transfer Portal opens on March 24. As Hoiberg mentioned, Nebraska should be as aggressive in it as any team in the country.
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However, the Huskers don’t view their 2024-25 season as over just yet. While they missed their shot at the Big Dance, they should be shoo-ins for the new College Basketball Crown or National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Nebraska won’t know its postseason fate until Sunday after the NCAA Tournament’s Selection Show. A source told HuskerOnline on Monday that the Crown – a 16-team tournament in Las Vegas consisting primarily of power conference schools – would be the likely destination.
Hoiberg said NU would focus primarily on skill work and recovery this week until it learned who, where, and when it will play. He’s already met with Nebraska’s sports science team and strength coaches to formulate a schedule to keep players sharp while allowing for needed recovery.
Wherever the Huskers end up, Hoiberg was just excited to have a few more weeks with his 2024-25 group and a chance to end this season on a high note.
“I’m sick with how it ended with these last five games and the close losses that we had…” Hoiberg said. “But it happened, and you learn from it. The opportunity to continue to coach these guys – we’ll know on Sunday what direction this thing is headed. But, yes, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be able to continue on and play basketball.”
