Fred Hoiberg deserves to stand alone as Big Ten Coach of the Year

Nebraska basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg was named Big Ten Co-Coach of the Year on Tuesday, alongside Purdue’s Matt Painter.

Hoiberg had a tremendously successful 2023-24 season. He led the Huskers to a 22-9 record and third place in the Big Ten. This included a 12-8 mark in conference play.

This was a remarkable turnaround, considering they were picked to finish 12^th in the Big Ten and preseason polls.

The consistency of Nebraska basketball at home was equally as impressive. They finished with an 18-1 home record, with the only loss being to Creighton back in December.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 to @HuskerMBB's Fred Hoiberg – the #B1GMBBall Co-Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/vSlV53E0Cb

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 12, 2024

When you look at how Hoiberg has built this basketball program, it’s been nothing short of impressive. He has chosen to build his teams to the transfer portal, much like how he built Iowa State. After a couple of rough seasons to begin his tenure, he really started to find a formula over the last two years. Looking at this year’s roster, several transfer portal additions were key assets. Josiah Allick, Brice Williams, and Rienk Mast have been a major part of the program the season.

Let’s not forget one of the most electrifying players in Nebraska basketball history in Keisei Tominaga. That has been perhaps one of his biggest pickups to date. Tominaga is a fan-favorite and a massive point-producer, especially around this time of year. This also gave a bit of insight into Hoiberg’s ability to develop players.

There were many who were calling for Hoiberg to be fired. I even did so in February 2021, as Nebraska basketball muddled through another difficult season. Even still, athletic director Trev Alberts threw his support behind the coach. It was one of the smartest decisions he has made as athletic director.

Nebraska basketball is far from done

Now, Nebraska basketball will get ready to play in the Big Ten tournament, beginning on Friday. NCAA tournament aspirations are also very much on the table.

Truthfully, Fred Hoiberg should have won this award on his own. Hoiberg has done an incredible job this season with Purdue, there is little doubt about that. However, Hoiberg not only had a tremendous season. He’s built back the entire men’s basketball program, in what was a very difficult process.

it’s great to see Hoiberg get rewarded for his efforts, and it’s been quite the journey. As far as this season is concerned, the journey is just beginning.

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