Sam Orme is in the boat, and it looks like Drew Fielder could be soon. Should Nebraska indeed get both those wins, it might be time for Fred Hoiberg and the Huskers to move their focus from the frontcourt to the backcourt. There are a couple of names NU is reportedly looking at to replace Sam Hoiberg and Jamarques Lawrence, but Malik Mack could be right at the top of the list.
According to several reports, Mack is a top target of both the Huskers and Tennessee. Considering his road to the Transfer Portal this year began at Harvard and included a stop in Georgetown, he's moving right up the ladder.
One reason why Nebraska could win this recruiting battle is that while Mack has been very good at times, he has also been someone who left his coaches wanting more. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Mack was on the Preseason Watch List for the Bob Cousy Award (top 20), which honors the nation’s top point guard. This preseason, he earned conference recognition, securing a spot on the Preseason All-BIG EAST Third Team in 2025.
Malik Mack could give Nebraska basketball a proven option at point guard
This past season, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. Where he has some issues is in turnovers. He was second on the team in turnovers this past season and has never finished with fewer than that in any season.
He's also not the deadeye that Fred Hoiberg normally loves for Nebraska's offense. He shot just 38% from the field and just 29.8% from beyond the arc. Of course, it's clear that with the Huskers and the Volunteers reportedly very much in pursuit, there's a role for Mack where he could be a pass first point guard who isn't depended on to score.
The next step for Nebraska basketball and Malik Mack will be hosting him on campus. If that happens, the Huskers could be close to landing its new point guard.