Big Ten Basketball: Updated 2021-22 preseason rankings after NBA Draft decisions

In the first two years with Fred Hoiberg leading the massive rebuilding effort, Nebraska has a combined record of 14-45 overall, including 5-34 in Big Ten Basketball play. But there’s real hope that the program can take a big step towards becoming much more competitive next season.

They’ll have to do it without two key players, including last season’s leading scorer Teddy Allen (16.5 ppg), as well as starting point guard Dalano Banton, who opted to stay in this year’s NBA Draft. But the Cornhuskers do have some starpower joining the fold that could be the difference.

After de-committing from Florida State, five-star shooting guard prospect Bryce McGowens, brother of double-digit senior guard Trey McGowens, will provide instant offense and likely will start in place of Allen. And look for Trey to replace Banton as the starting point guard, with Kobe Webster taking on the backup duties.

Nebraska also recently brought in a major scoring transfer in Alonzo Verge, who scored 14.3 ppg in two years at Arizona State. He and the McGowens would form a quality backcourt trio, although there would be some questions as to how they would mesh on the court together.

The Cornhuskers are hoping for more consistent frontcourt production to balance things out, with Lat Mayen, Derrick Walker, and four-star Wilhelm Breidenbach set to get minutes. If Junior College transfers Blaise Keita and Keisei Tominaga can have an impact, this team should get at least five wins in Big Ten Basketball play next season.