Fresh off a recruiting win that saw the Nebraska basketball team score a dead-eye from beyond the three-point line, Fred Hoiberg has pulled a rabbit out of his hat, even while he prepares for the CBC Final Four in Las Vegas this afternoon.
Earlier this week, the Huskers landed former Iowa forward Pryce Sandfort. While the big man was mostly an offensive substitute who started just twice in 65 games over the last two years, he’ll almost certainly see his role evolve in Lincoln.
Now the Nebraska basketball team has landed a commitment from one of the best big men in the MAC. The commitment from Ugnius Jarusevicius appears to have even kept analysts who are plenty dialed in unawares, with one describing it as “totally unexpected” still, Jon Rothstein was the first to report what was later confirmed. Ugnius Jarusevicius is the newest Husker and will add good size to a roster that struggled around the rim in the 2024-25 season.
Nebraska basketball adds MAC standout Ugnius Jarusevicius
The 6' 10", 220 lb forward out of Lithuania played his first two seasons with Cal State Bakersfield but last year moved to Central Michigan where he really showed what he could do.
Central Michigan transfer Ugnius Jarusevicius tells me that that he has committed to Nebraska.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 5, 2025
Earned first-team All-MAC honors last season.
Averaged 16.2 PPG and 7.3 RPG.
Last year, he averaged 16.2 points and 7.3 rebounds. He also shot 53% from the field and 31% percent from beyond the arc. A big man that has the ability to hit three-pointers has long been one of the biggest draws for Hoiberg and his offense.
If there is one weakness in Jarusevicius’ game it’s that he’s not nearly as impressive on the defensive side of the court. The Huskers have been missing a shot blocking big man for years and it doesn’t appear he’ll fit that bill any better than anyone else who has come through Lincoln lately.
Despite that, it’s hard not to envision him over an upgrade over what the Nebraska basketball team put on the court down low this past year. He could end up being a very impressive tandem with Rienk Mast this winter.