14. Nebraska (4-seed)
Berke Buyuktuncel (Junior – Forward)
A Turkish forward who was a bench piece at UCLA before finding success with the Cornhuskers, Buyuktuncel has certainly carved out his role with Nebraska. His numbers don’t blow you away, but they get plenty out of him while he averages 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a full-time starter in this frontcourt. He’s scored 21 points combined in Nebraska’s first two Tournament games and brings intensity and shot-blocking ability on defense.
Sam Hoiberg (Senior – Guard)
More than just the head coach’s son, Hoiberg is a very important piece to Nebraska’s success now in his fourth season on the court with this program. A full-time starter for the first time, Hoiberg averages 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists and has been a stat stuffer and high energy guard for this team. The numbers may not pop from this Tourney run but Hoiberg is a threat to score from all over the court and clearly makes the rest of the lineup better with his prowess.
Jamarques Lawrence (Senior – Guard)
Believe it or not, Lawrence began as an underclassman with the Cornhuskers, started as a junior with Rhode Island, and is now back with his original team again. He doesn’t regret that return and now puts up 9.8 points and 3.9 assists per game as a starting guard during his first postseason success. Outside of some decent shooting numbers, Lawrence has been an important presence to make both the offense and defense operate at a high level and just had 13 points against Troy in the first round.
Rienk Mast (Senior – Forward)
The Cornhuskers really missed Mast, who was out for the season with injury last year, and this success is in large part due to his return and impressive performance. The Bradley transfer and former All-Big Ten forward is averaging 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. You’re getting a double-digit scoring performance from Mast basically every outing and he brings intensity as a shooter and rebounder. Mast made three 3-pointers against Vanderbilt, had 7 boards against Troy and just does the like things to be a strong big for the Cornhuskers.
Pryce Sandfort (Junior – Forward)
The All-Big Ten honors that Sandfort earned this season were no mistake and the former Iowa bench piece has certainly taken to his new role and new team in this league. Sandfort’s been electric as a scorer with 17.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, making 41% of his 3-pointers and greater than 61% from inside the arc. He’s one of the nation’s best 3-point shooters and just had 23 points against Troy in Nebraska’s opening round win, with his eyes on an even greater performance in a Sweet Sixteen revenge game.