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30 Facts About Nebraska Basketball

Georgie Parish

Written by Georgie Parish

Published: 17 Nov 2025

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Source: Huskers.com

Nebraska basketball has a rich history filled with memorable moments, passionate fans, and unique trivia. Ever wondered what makes this team stand out? Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball isn't just about the game; it's about the stories, the players, and the traditions that have shaped it over the years. From their early beginnings to their current status, there's a lot to learn and appreciate. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, these 30 facts will give you a deeper understanding of Nebraska basketball. Ready to dive into some fascinating tidbits? Let's get started and uncover what makes this team truly special!

Table of Contents
01Nebraska Basketball History
02Memorable Players
03Coaching Legends
04Iconic Moments
05Fan Culture
06Records and Achievements
07Nebraska Basketball: A Legacy of Passion

Nebraska Basketball History

Nebraska basketball has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. Here are some fascinating facts about the Cornhuskers' journey through the years.

  1. Nebraska's First Game: The Cornhuskers played their first basketball game on February 2, 1897, against the Lincoln YMCA. They won 11-8.

  2. First Coach: Nebraska's first basketball coach was E.J. Stewart, who led the team from 1916 to 1919.

  3. Big Eight Conference: Nebraska was a founding member of the Big Eight Conference, which later became the Big 12.

  4. First NCAA Tournament Appearance: The Cornhuskers made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986 under coach Moe Iba.

  5. Bob Devaney Sports Center: Opened in 1976, this arena served as the home for Nebraska basketball until 2013.

Memorable Players

Nebraska has produced some incredible talent over the years. These players have left an indelible mark on the program.

  1. Tyronn Lue: Before becoming an NBA coach, Lue played for Nebraska from 1995 to 1998, earning All-Big 12 honors.

  2. Eric Piatkowski: Known as "The Polish Rifle," Piatkowski is Nebraska's all-time leading scorer with 1,934 points.

  3. Dave Hoppen: Hoppen was the first Cornhusker to score over 2,000 points in his career, finishing with 2,167 points.

  4. Stu Lantz: Lantz played for Nebraska from 1965 to 1968 and went on to have a successful NBA career.

  5. Rich King: Standing at 7'2", King was a dominant force in the early '90s and was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1991.

Coaching Legends

Coaches play a crucial role in shaping a team's success. Nebraska has had its share of influential coaches.

  1. Danny Nee: Nee is the winningest coach in Nebraska history, with 254 victories from 1986 to 2000.

  2. Doc Sadler: Sadler led the Cornhuskers from 2006 to 2012, earning a reputation for his defensive strategies.

  3. Tim Miles: Miles coached Nebraska from 2012 to 2019, leading the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.

  4. Fred Hoiberg: Known as "The Mayor," Hoiberg took over as head coach in 2019, bringing a wealth of NBA and college coaching experience.

  5. Joe Cipriano: Cipriano coached from 1963 to 1980, leading the team to multiple postseason appearances.

Iconic Moments

Nebraska basketball has had its share of unforgettable moments that fans still talk about today.

  1. 1994 NIT Championship: Nebraska won its first major postseason title by defeating Xavier 71-62 in the NIT Championship game.

  2. Upset Over Kansas: In 1999, Nebraska stunned the No. 4 ranked Kansas Jayhawks with a 64-59 victory.

  3. First Big Ten Win: Nebraska's first win in the Big Ten Conference came against Penn State on December 27, 2011.

  4. Pinnacle Bank Arena: Opened in 2013, this state-of-the-art facility became the new home for Nebraska basketball.

  5. 2014 NCAA Tournament: Nebraska made a memorable run to the NCAA Tournament, their first appearance since 1998.

Fan Culture

Nebraska fans are known for their passion and loyalty. Here are some facts about the Cornhusker faithful.

  1. Sellout Streak: Nebraska has a long-standing tradition of sellout crowds, especially during key matchups.

  2. Husker Hoops Central: This fan site is a go-to resource for news, stats, and discussions about Nebraska basketball.

  3. Red Zone: The student section, known as the Red Zone, creates an electric atmosphere at home games.

  4. Husker Power Chant: Fans often chant "Husker Power" to rally the team during crucial moments.

  5. Tailgating: Tailgating isn't just for football; basketball fans also enjoy pre-game festivities outside Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Records and Achievements

Nebraska basketball has set numerous records and achieved significant milestones over the years.

  1. Most Wins in a Season: The 1990-91 team holds the record for most wins in a season with 26 victories.

  2. Longest Winning Streak: Nebraska's longest winning streak is 14 games, achieved during the 1919-20 season.

  3. Most Points in a Game: The Cornhuskers scored a record 132 points in a game against Iowa State in 1976.

  4. Most Three-Pointers in a Season: The 2017-18 team set a record with 268 three-pointers made in a single season.

  5. First NBA Draft Pick: Stuart Lantz was the first Nebraska player to be selected in the NBA Draft, picked by the San Diego Rockets in 1968.

Nebraska Basketball: A Legacy of Passion

Nebraska basketball has a rich history filled with dedication and passion. From its early days to the present, the team has seen remarkable players and unforgettable moments. The Cornhuskers' commitment to excellence is evident in their consistent efforts on the court. Fans have always been a crucial part of the team's journey, providing unwavering support through thick and thin. The team's achievements and challenges have shaped its unique identity in the world of college basketball. As we look forward, the future holds promise for more exciting games and new milestones. Nebraska basketball isn't just about the sport; it's about the community, the spirit, and the unbreakable bond between the team and its fans. Here's to many more years of thrilling basketball and cherished memories.

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