When Ugnius Jarusevicius entered the Transfer Portal just before the window closed, it was a bit of a shock to most Nebraska basketball fans. It was especially surprising because he had claimed he planned to come back earlier in the spring. Now that he's landed with Arizona, it seems as though he could be the biggest loss (both in size and stature) of any of the portal departures for the Huskers this year.
Ugnius Jarusevicius gives Nebraska basketball a portal loss that suddenly looks much bigger
Jarusevicius certainly took his time and shopped around. In fact, it took long enough that some Cornhuskers fans even believed there was a chance he could come back. But on Monday, the 6-foot-11 center signed with the Big 12 power.
Formerly of Cal State Bakersfield and Central Michigan, Jarusevicius was a bit of a surprise signing for the Huskers in the portal last year. But after a breakout season with the Chippewas, there was hope he could be a key piece for Fred Hoiberg and Co.Â
However, he appeared in only one game for the Huskers, battling a back injury throughout the campaign. In his lone game - an 86-55 win over New Hampshire - Jarusevicius scored 7 points, pulled down 2 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots in 11 minutes while shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field.
Ugnius Jarusevicius leaves Nebraska basketball with a what-could-have-been feeling
While it was possible he could play later in the year, the initial plan was for him to preserve his eligibility and return for the 2026-27 season.Â
In the locker room after Nebraska lost in the Sweet 16 to Iowa, he assured reporters he planned to come back for another run.
Signing with a team like Arizona certainly indicates that Ugnius Jarusevicius is a talented big man, and not having him on the roster will sting, even with the pickups the Huskers made this offseason. If there is any good news in this announcement, it's that Nebraska would only have to deal with him if they played Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.
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