The scoop: Fred Hoiberg's most important player is back! When healthy, Mast is a masterful manipulator of defenses, and he will be the hub of everything the Huskers try to run offensively. Jarusevicius, a Central Michigan transfer, should give Nebraska some extra low-post scoring. Mast will get him the rock with some high-low looks. Essegian and Sandfort are high-level, off-movement shooters. Mast will get 'em the ball. Blue, a St. Thomas transfer, is a 6-6 lead guard who Nebraska hopes can step into the vacated
Brice Williams role as a shooter/driver off the dribble handoffs that litter Nebraska's gorgeous scheme. The Huskers have plenty of shooting, real positional size and more than enough frontcourt depth. Buyuktuncel and Garcia can both undoubtedly play in the Big Ten, and Nebraska could easily bring those guys off the bench.
But the Huskers do not have that dynamic, proven lead guard who can break down defenses in late-clock scenarios, and there are legitimate trepidations about this defensive personnel. Also, will Nebraska continue to flood the paint, limit shots at the rim and invite an avalanche of 3-pointers?