Nebraska Basketball: Analyzing what transfer Kobe King brings to the table
By Cody Larson
After electing to transfer out of Wisconsin mid-season, redshirt sophomore Kobe King has finally found a home in Nebraska Basketball. Here is a look at what Cornhusker fans can expect from their new guard.
It’s been a rocky first couple of years for Kobe King and his college career. A season-ending knee injury his freshman year kept the former Wisconsin Mr. Basketball from getting his career started directly out of the gate.
When he returned for his redshirt freshman season, he was seemingly never able to find his footing within the program (averaging only 4.2 PPG in 19 MPG). And when he finally did start to find a secured role this season, he elected to transfer from Wisconsin Basketball mid-season.
It’s since become public knowledge that King seemed to have not been able to see eye-to-eye with Badger coach Greg Gard (which, as was discussed in a previous piece, is okay). It’s also well-known by now that King has never been meant for the swing Wisconsin system.
Those issues will hopefully be able to transpire for King next season, when he takes his talents to Lincoln, Nebraska where he will play for coach Fred Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers. Considering Hoiberg’s also rocky start with Nebraska Basketball, perhaps this is a match that was destined to happen. His first year over the Cornhuskers has not been the greatest. They hold a 7-20 record and rank 13th in the Big Ten. As of the posting of this article, they are on a 12 game losing streak; they also rank 154th in both Kenpom’s adjusted offense and adjusted defense rankings.
In short, it has been a cold debut for Hoiberg and Nebraska Basketball. But as avid Titus & Tate podcast listeners will understand though, this first season with Nebraska “doesn’t count for Hoiberg” as the duo likes to claim. It’s a “bye season;” it is off the record, imaginarily.
And luckily, next season looks to be a much nicer one for both Hoiberg and Nebraska Basketball. King’s transfer is one of those reasons, as he also looks toward new beginnings in Lincoln. The two found each other at the perfect time.
With that being said, here is a look at what King should bring to the table for Nebraska Basketball, potentially as soon as next year (if his immediate eligibility waiver gets accepted). Let’s break this down by looking at both the positives and the negatives for everyone involved.