Nebraska Basketball: Sam Griesel already emerging as leader

One of the big mantras over the offseason for the Nebraska basketball team is that this year was going to be different. This year, the team was going to play like a team rather a bunch of different parts.

After two games, the jury is still out on whether that mantra will prove accurate. If the team does indeed come together and start playing the way that Nebraska basketball fans are hoping it will, Sam Griesel is likely going to play – pun intended – a big part.

Griesel has already emerged as a leader on the court. The 6-foot-7 guard is a handful to defend, especially when it comes to Maine and Omaha standards. That’s why he’s averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. However, it also looks like Sam Griesel wants to take the leader’s mantle off the court.

There’s been quite a bit of talk about how Sam Griesel got here. Not just to the Nebraska basketball program but at this point in his life. There was a time when it seemed like there was a chance his life would be over.

Now he’s got a new lease on life and a chance to play for his hometown Huskers, and he’s making the most of it. The latest sign that he might be a real leader came when he took to Twitter not long after the Huskers beat the Omaha Mavericks.

Nebraska basketball star winning over fans quickly

The tweet was one of those that will almost certainly win over Cornhusker fans. It’s worth noting it will also likely win over teammates. It appears Sam Griesel is a natural at this kind of thing.

"“Together for 40 every time we’re out there. Big thank you to Husker Nation for the support at PBA this week. This group is looking forward to seeing you out there more and more as the season continues. GBR”"

Sam Griesel is in the unique situation of growing up a Nebraska basketball fan, so he knows that the team can be overlooked at times in favor of football. He likely also knows this year could be a year where Nebrasketball could capture some hearts and minds if they have real success.

It’s not going to hurt in the effort to win over hearts and minds if there is a real leader on and off the court. Despite being a new addition to the squad, it looks like Sam Griesel is stepping up and willing to take that role. So far, it suits the Nebraska basketball star.