Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Nebraska Huskers cheerleaders cheer. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Nebraska Huskers cheerleaders cheer. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

. . . Nebraska Cornhuskers. . player. 488

Nebraska basketball is ushering in a new era. With Fred Hoiberg now at the helm, the Cornhuskers will likely look very different over the next few years. And considering the program is bringing in six commits from the 2019 recruiting class (in addition to a few traditional transfers), these changes will be implemented right away. These developments need to happen quickly because the fanbase is anxiously awaiting just its second NCAA Tournament bid of the 21st century.

This class, which is ranked at No. 52 in the nation, features a combination of incoming freshman and JUCO transfers. The freshman perhaps most worthy of discussion is Yvan Ouedraogo. A 6-foot-8, 240-pound big man ranked at No. 167 in the class, Ouedraogo is a bit raw but will compete for a starting spot due to the lack of true centers on the roster. The same can also be said about Kevin Cross (No. 477), another incoming big in this class.

On the wing, Akol Arop is an athletic finisher who was ranked at No. 326. He will have a difficult time cracking the rotation but fellow wing commit Samari Curtis should be poised for minutes. Curtis comes in ranked as the No. 190 prospect and is an elite shooter. In the modern age, there is no such thing as too much shooting. Curtis also brings enough size at 6-foot-4 to play multiple positions.

On the JUCO side of things, both Cam Mack and Jervay Green are set to play major roles in the backcourt this season. Mack, a sophomore in standing, is one of the top newcomers joining the Big Ten this season and should find plenty of success at the point guard slot. He is an elite-level transfer with athleticism and awesome court vision. Green will be a junior this season and he is a great perimeter threat with a green light from anywhere on the court.

In addition to these newcomers via high school and JUCO, Coach Hoiberg also has quite a few traditional transfers joining the roster. It is fair to say that the Cornhuskers will look very different right away under his leadership.

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