Nebraska lands a hometown commitment from 2025 Lincoln Southwest wing Braden Frager

As a young basketball player growing up in Lincoln, 2025 Southwest wing Braden Frager always idolized Sam Griesel.

A former Lincoln East standout, Griesel transferred from North Dakota State to Nebraska last year for his final college season. Seeing Griesel’s success as a Husker, Frager couldn’t help but think about following a similar path.

While the 6-foot-6 three-star prospect had several other high-major options, Frager decided to stay home and committed to Nebraska on Friday. He chose NU over Iowa State and Creighton.

Assuming he signs in during the early signing period next November, he would become the first Lincoln player to sign with Nebraska out of high school since Jake Muheisen (Southeast) in 2001.

“Honestly, growing up as a kid, I looked up to Sam Griesel,” Frager said. “To see what he has done, I just want to step into his shoes and carry on that tradition. I know that’s going to be a big role, but I’m ready for it…

“It just really means a lot to me to get to play in front of my friends and family on the big stage. Staying home and playing for this team, it just means a lot. I’ve got a great group of coaches and a great group of guys I’m going to be playing with.”

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110% COMMITTED #GBR pic.twitter.com/eUoGasx6rs

— Braden Frager (@BradenFrager) October 13, 2023

Nebraska sealed the deal by making Frager a clear priority

Going back to late August, Frager has been a regular on Nebraska’s campus. He attended the Fred Hoiberg Elite Camp on Aug. 26 and returned two weeks later for an unofficial visit.

Frager was back again for an official visit from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, where he took in the Huskers’ “Opening Night” event and the NU football game vs. Michigan.

Hoiberg and lead recruiter Nate Loenser maintained regular contact throughout, including the entire Nebraska staff stopping by LSW on Wednesday morning.

Frager said the Huskers left no doubt about how much of a priority he was in their recruiting efforts, and Wednesday’s visit officially sealed the deal.

“What really settled it for me was when their entire staff came out to see me at school,” Frager said. “That really meant a lot to me and kind of ended the decision. I just really like what they do and the connections they have, and what Hoiberg is turning their program into.

“I really think that they’re on the rise and that it’s just a great fit for me in their program.”

Frager sees Huskers as a perfect fit

Frager first put himself on Nebraska’s radar with an impressive sophomore campaign last season at Southwest.

He averaged 11.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game to guide the Silver Hawks to a 15-9 finish and a trip to the second round of the district tournament.

That interest continued during a breakout summer on the AAU circuit with his ETG Midwest 16U program. He averaged over 16 ppg and earned offers from NU, Creighton, Northwestern, Iowa, and Iowa State.

Along with his hometown connection, Frager said one of the biggest draws to the Huskers was Hoiberg’s versatile system.

“They’ve just said that I’m a great fit for their program,” Frager said. “With what they do, multiple handlers can bring the ball up the court. So, if I get a rebound, I can push it because that’s what they like. My strength is driving into that open space and getting a layup. They really space the floor well. As I’ve been watching them, it just looks like a perfect fit for me.”

Those who have seen Frager play agree that he also plays with a chip on his shoulder. That trait aligns with Nebraska’s new emphasis on toughness and physicality.

“I feel like that gives me an advantage sometimes,” Frager said. “There’s obviously way more talented people out there than me, but I feel like my toughness and grit makes me rise to the top.”

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