Nebraska Basketball: Huskers lose Kobe King, gain freshman guard Elijah Wood

Nebraska Basketball lands Elijah Wood

A few hours after the announcement that guard Kobe King would be transferring from Nebraska, coach Hoiberg and the staff received some good news. The staff received a commitment from three-star guard Elijah Wood. The name sounds familiar to many as Elijah Wood, the actor, starred in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Nebraska is not going to have Frodo on the basketball court next year, rather they are going to have a four-year player who chose the Huskers over a slew of other high major offers.

The guard is originally from Potomac, MD and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. He committed to Tulane originally before decommitting and committing to play for David Cox and the Rhode Island Rams. Wood yet again de-committed and decided to reclass into the 2021 class and attend Hargrave Military Academy. Hoiberg convinced Wood to reclassify back into 2020 and commit to Nebraska.

The freshman guard has a game that is going to fit well into the offense. He is really quick and can get to the basket with ease. The guard can play both off the ball and run the point as he is a good passer and has great court vision. Wood is a good shooter from deep when he is open, but he is at his best with the ball in his hands and when he is able to create offense. The guard can get his own shot or set up anyone on the floor for easy baskets.

The one thing that is overlooked is how tall and long Wood is. The freshman is 6’6” and is a good rebounder, has quick hands and gets out in transition. Nebraska now has some tall guards, and while the Huskers do not currently have many 7’0” tall players they do have a lot of tall guards who are ranging from 6’6” to 6’8” and that is going to help the defense more than anything as those players are all extremely athletic and can rebound and jump into passing lanes.

Nebraska is not likely a tournament team, but they will be better than last year. The team this year is going to be judged on wins and losses because that is ultimately what matters but expect the team this year to hopefully be more disciplined both on and off the floor. The defense should be better as the Huskers have more depth and a lot more size. Wood is going to help add to the Huskers depth at both guard positions. A downfall of last season other than the size and overall talent was the lack of quality depth at any position.