A former Nebraska basketball player could return via transfer portal

Nebraska basketball extended its season on Monday night with a come-from-behind win in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown.

That means the Huskers will play Georgetown on Wednesday, and while Nebraska is focused on winning the postseason tournament, they are also focused on building their roster for next season, and that’s where former Nebraska guard Jamarques Lawrence comes in.

Lawrence started 35 games in two seasons for the Huskers in two seasons, and played well, I might add, before entering the transfer portal last season and ending up with Rhode Island, where he averaged 9.9 points per game last season and shot 39 percent from 3-point range.

Could a return to Nebraska basketball be possible?

Lawrence averaged 2.5 assists and 0.8 steals in 31 starts for Rhode Island. Needing a point guard, and some backcourt help with defensive prowess, a return makes perfect sense, and according to Robin Washut of Husker Online, it could be in the works.

At the very least, the Huksers are in contact with Lawrence, who told Washut, “There’s a chance” he could return.

It would be a positive first step for Nebraska basketball in the transfer portal. Things have been slow going so far. Nebraska has expressed interest in plenty of prospects, but the College Basketball Crown hampers the ability to host prospects for visits.

Lawrence shouldn’t even need to do that. His biggest concern is probably the role he would play, which is why he left Nebraska basketball in the first place. His departure was one I lamented, and I would celebrate his return.

Nebraska needs a point guard, and while Lawrence isn’t a dynamic playmaker or scorer, he’s a solid defender, can shoot the ball, and would be an upgrade over the point guard position in 2024-25. Lawrence can play the two guard as well. He’s versatile, especially with his ability to guard off-ball guards.

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