Hoiberg Focuses on Improvement, Not Nebraska’s Ranking

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg is directing the Huskers’ attention toward improving their play rather than their place in the AP poll. The team entered the rankings after a nine-point win over Providence on a neutral court, but Hoiberg said the number beside Nebraska’s name is mainly meaningful to its supporters.

Speaking on November 9 ahead of Wednesday’s game against Lindenwood at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Hoiberg said Nebraska’s players should keep outside attention at a distance. He credited the ranking in part to the team’s accomplishments last season, while noting that the current roster includes four new starters.

Hoiberg identified Lindenwood’s guards as a major challenge. He said they are athletic, can drive into the paint and score in bunches. The Lions are averaging 98 points per game, and Hoiberg also pointed to their size: they have started two 6-foot-11 players in recent games.

Nebraska’s returning players will be important in helping newcomers learn the team’s defensive system, Hoiberg said. He praised the group’s progress and execution against Providence, where Nebraska forced 18 turnovers and turned them into points. He also said the Huskers need to improve their rebounding.

Nebraska hosts Lindenwood at 8 p.m. Central on November 11, with the game airing on FS1. The Huskers then face Boise State at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls at noon on November 15; that game will be shown on BTN.