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Nebraska basketball is fueled by 'unfinished business' of first NCAA Tournament win

Robin Washut profile picby: Robin Washut07/02/24RobinWashut
Juwan Gary Brice Williams Nebraska basketball
Nebraska forward Juwan Gary (4) and guard Brice Williams (3) celebrate after a 3-point shot by Gary against the Minnesota during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. (PHOTO: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports)

Shortly after Nebraska’s loss to Texas A&M in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, a video surfaced of Juwan Gary walking off the court.

“We’ll be back next year,” the junior forward said as he headed to the locker room. “I’m telling you.”

Later that night, in their Memphis hotel room, Gary and his roommate, junior guard Brice Williams, decided to return to Huskers as seniors in 2024-25. There was too much unfinished business left to not.

“After that loss, I was ready to get back on the court the next day,” Gary said. “I was ready to get back to work. Me saying that, it wasn’t a lie. I was letting people know – Nebraska basketball hadn’t been to the tournament in 10 years, so that was the first step for us…

“We know we can compete with anybody in the country… We know what it takes; we know what we’re capable of doing. We’re going to shock the world again this year for sure.”

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Nebraska upgraded its talent, postseason experience for 2024-25

Nebraska’s roster will look much different than last year’s 23-11 squad that made its first Big Dance in a decade. Star shooter Keisei Tominaga has moved on, and a season-ending knee surgery sidelined do-it-all center Rienk Mast.

However, Gary and Williams’ return gave NU a critical foundation to build upon this offseason. Head coach Fred Hoiberg and his staff supplemented their roster with a six-man class that ranks fourth nationally in On3’s Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

Just as important as the incoming talent is that Nebraska also loaded its roster with veteran leadership and NCAA Tournament experience.

A year ago, Gary was the only active Husker who had played in the tourney. This season, they have eight.

“The leadership is easy because nobody came here to lose,” Williams said. “We have to do what it takes to win. That’s what those guys are looking for, and that’s what I want to do anyway because that’s where my feet are.

“Nobody wants a loser, and that’s what makes it so easy to be a leader. I’m not thinking about my own personal accolades or my wants and needs. It’s just about the team and what the team needs.”

While the newest additions are still adjusting to their new homes, Gary and Williams agreed that NU hit summer workouts at a full sprint. For the first time in a decade, the Huskers have a roster of players who have been there, done that, and know what it takes to do it.

“The guys that I have now this year, they’ve got the confidence, for sure,” Gary said. “They’re not afraid to ask questions; not afraid to make mistakes. I love just the passion that they’ve got for the game. I love the competitiveness.

“These guys, there’s definitely no little boys out here. They’ve actually played big boy basketball.”

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