Nebraska basketball will be shorthanded for exhibition opener vs. Doane
Nebraska will unofficially open its 2023-24 season on Sunday with a home exhibition game against in-state Doane.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg said the Huskers’ roster would be shorthanded for the contest.
Junior forward Rienk Mast was the victim of “a random act of violence” last week and would not play vs. Doane. The 6-foot-9 transfer from Bradley, who is projected as NU’s starting center, also missed last Saturday’s closed scrimmage vs. Utah.
Hoiberg declined to give any further details other than local authorities were investigating the situation.
Nebraska will also be without senior forward Josiah Allick, who tweaked his knee during the second Utah scrimmage. Hoiberg said they would be “very cautious” with the New Mexico transfer, who recently returned to full strength after offseason ankle surgery.
The Huskers are hopeful that Allick and Mast will be ready to play in their regular-season opener vs. Lindenwood on Nov. 6.
Then there is junior forward Juwan Gary, who is out Sunday for what Hoiberg called “a violation of team policies.” Gary was also held out of the scrimmage with the Utes.
Hoiberg said it was still to be determined whether Gary would miss any further action beyond Sunday. The former Alabama transfer is coming off offseason shoulder surgery.
Lastly, Hoiberg announced that guard Ramel Lloyd Jr. and forward Blaise Keita would miss the Doane game. Lloyd is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in Nebraska’s opening fall practice. Keita continues to work his way back from offseason ankle surgery.
“It’s a tough situation, but it is what it is,” Hoiberg said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. Our guys come in every day and work. It’s a team that I know what I’m getting every day with their spirit, with their intensity, the way that they work, and how they do it together.
“I’ve been very impressed with that regardless of who’s on the floor.”
Step right up, Matar Diop
With potentially three of their top front-court options unavailable, the Huskers will likely lean on a smaller lineup against Doane. The NAIA Tigers only boast one player listed taller than 6-8.
Hoiberg said true freshman Matar Diop would likely get the start at center on Sunday and see extensive action in the exhibition. The 6-10 forward has impressed during his first couple of months on campus.
Sunday could be an opportunity for Diop to take another step toward solidifying his place in Nebraska’s rotation this season.
“Matar is showing some really good signs,” Hoiberg said. “I thought he did a very nice job in his first opportunity to play against another team in the scrimmage against Utah. He does some things that nobody else on our roster can do with his ability to protect the rim and his ability to catch the lob.
“He’s a very forceful rim-roller; puts heat on the rim. I’ve been impressed with Matar.”
Beyond Diop, Hoiberg said Nebraska would have to play a lot of smaller lineups on Sunday. Brice Williams (6-8), C.J. Wilcher (6-5), and Cale Jacobsen (6-4) have worked at the five spot in practice.
“There’s going to be a lot of lineups that you probably won’t see in the regular season once we get our guys back,” Hoiberg said.
