Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg is known for his calm demeanour, standing out among the head coaches remaining in the NCAA Tournament. However, his players say there’s more to him than meets the eye.
According to Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence, Hoiberg has an intense side that the public doesn’t often see. Hoiberg’s son, Sam, who is also the team’s starting point guard, describes his father as a ‘goofy guy’ and the ‘family clown’.
Nebraska’s Sweet 16 Journey
Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers are set to play Iowa in the Sweet 16. This marks the first Sweet 16 appearance ever for Nebraska and the first in 27 years for Iowa.
Nebraska, a No. 4 seed in the South Region with a record of 28-6, is aiming for its first Elite Eight appearance. A victory over No. 9 seed Iowa (23-12) would secure that spot. Should No. 3 seed Illinois beat No. 2 seed Houston, Nebraska would then face Illinois for a spot in the Final Four, a team they split with during the season.
A Potential Cinderella Story
Nebraska’s journey is being described as the closest thing to a Cinderella story remaining in the tournament. This is due to the program’s history and the fact that Nebraska fans ‘deserved something like this’.
Hoiberg also has deep family connections to the university, with a grandfather who used to coach Nebraska basketball and another who taught sociology there. He is also sharing the experience with his son Sam and Sam’s twin brother, graduate manager Charlie.
Seven-Year Build
The current success is the result of a seven-year journey, which included two seven-win seasons, a pay cut, and a change in philosophy. The team also boasts several likeable players, including Lawrence, Pryce Sandfort, and Lincoln’s own Braden Frager.
Hoiberg himself has previously spoken about the ‘meltdown’ he would have as a kid when his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers football team would lose.
Nebraska’s next challenge is whether they can keep their momentum going, and how much further they can advance in the tournament.