A clear difference is immediately seen when comparing Nebraska to the rest of college basketball. Since their first season of 1897 the Cornhuskers have never won a NCAA tournament game. Further, the Big Red has made the Big Dance only seven times in their history. Husker hoops always operates under the large shadow of the football program. Yet there is a noticeable change in their betting on college basketball expectations. “The Mayor” is in town. Fred Hoiberg took over as head coach in April. With his arrival comes the impossible dream of a Nebraska Final Four berth.
2019 Nebraska Cornhuskers College Basketball Betting Futures
Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule: Season Opens November 5
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Nebraska 300/1 to win the National Championship
Miles to Go for Big Red
Now Hoiberg replaces the failed and fired Tim Miles. By all accounts Miles is a nice and beloved individual. Nebraska peaked in 2013-14 under Miles when they made the NCAA Tournament. In fact, it was their only Big Dance appearance under his guidance. While Miles led Nebraska to the NIT in 2017-18 and 2018-19 it was not enough. In particular last year was a betting on college basketball failure. NU finished in 13th place in the Big Ten. Too many times key players took games off. Direction and purpose lacked. In turn Nebraska underachieved under Miles.
Enter “The Mayor”
Fred Hoiberg is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. His grandfather coached Husker Hoops in the 1950’s. Most important of all to NU fans is that Hoiberg was actually recruited for their football team. But Hoiberg chose to play basketball at Iowa State instead. Eventually he became coach of his alma mater. Hoiberg was so successful that he earned the nickname “The Mayor.” In fact, he was so successful he took the Chicago Bulls job in the NBA. Chicago’s roster turnover proved to be an online wagering liability. Hoiberg was caught in the middle and fired last fall.
Expectations Soar
By reason of Hoiberg’s success at Iowa State do many see potential for the Cornhuskers. To illuminate “The Mayor” led ISU to the NCAA Tournament in his last four seasons there. His 2013-14 team made the Sweet Sixteen. Along the same lines Hoiberg’s teams were exciting to watch. Fast pace and high tempo sparked the Cyclones success. Fans ate it up. For that reason, Husker Hoops fans have legitimate hope. Nebraska has not only failed to succeed but has often been boring. They lacked a coherent plan and identity. Hoiberg is going to change that.
Who Are These Guys?
At the beginning of Hoiberg’s tenure was a purging of the roster. A total of seven players that had eligibility remaining have departed the program. And “The Mayor” has been on a recruiting rampage. His ace recruiter, Matt Abdelmassih, has not gotten a moment’s rest. Much needed change has arrived.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation Hoiberg steps into the toughest conference in college hoops. The Big Ten offers some of the biggest betting on college basketball names found anywhere. Yet Hoiberg’s arrival has been met with near universal acclaim. Few doubt that “The Mayor” will prevail.
2019 Nebraska Cornhuskers betting on college basketball future Odds Picks
In particular Hoiberg is uber motivated to succeed after the only failure of his career. “The Mayor” is using his firing as rocket fuel. The Golden Age of Nebraska Basketball beckons.
2019 Nebraska Cornhuskers betting on college basketball Futures Online Pick: Nebraska to make the NCAA Tournament!
Catch new Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg’s comments on taking over the Big Red!