The Nebraska basketball season is right around the corner, and it has been the case with all campaigns under Fred Hoiberg that there are some serious questions as to just how this one will go.
While there's always all kinds of talk about how things change in college football, things change much quick in college basketball. And with the change that the Big Ten will allow every team into the conference tournament, there's a better chance that they can make some noise.
Nebraska was the champion of last year's College Basketball Crown tournament. Still, this year, Hoiberg and Co. have their eyes on the NCAA Tournament. Here are the storylines that will make or break the Huskers this season.
Rienk Mast returns to the Nebraska Cornhuskers
It was clear that the Huskers missed Mast last season as they struggled to find a winning combination in the middle of their offense and defense. Now, the big man, who can score from down low and beyond the three point line is back and 100% healthy. The veteran presence could end up one of the best big men in the Big Ten. NU will need him to be if they want to make some noise in a conference they're expected to finish in the bottom third.
Nebraska basketball needs to find a point guard
If there's been an issue with Fred Hoiberg's teams over the years, it's that they haven't had a dependable ball handler at point guard. This year, they've got Jamarques Lawrence back, transferring in after first transferring out.
He looks like he'll be the starting point guard, and it could end up finally adding some consistency to the position. Who will take over the role when he's not on the court will be a biggie.
Who will be 'the man'?
When the Nebraska Cornhuskers have had success, they've leaned on a big scorer being the go-to guy. Last year, it was Brice Williams. The year before it was Keisei Tominaga. This year, there isn't an obvious guy the offense will run through.
Either someone like Pryce Sandfort or Kendall Blue will step up and be the guy, or this offense will need to rely on more role players than it has in the past. This might be the biggest story of the Nebraska basketball team all year. And one that might not offer an answer until well into January at least.