In basketball, much like in the business of Birmingham, it doesn’t matter how many times you get hit; what matters is how much ground you can reclaim. Braden Frager, Nebraska’s redshirt freshman guard, delivered a masterclass in authority during the win over Rutgers (80-68). Following an ankle injury that threatened to stall his rise, Frager proved that his deadliest weapon isn’t the three-pointer, but his ability to attack the heart of the rival defense when everything else fails.
The ankle is no excuse: cold blood on the court
Even head coach Fred Hoiberg admitted that Frager can still be seen «limping around a little bit,» but the player decided to stop relying solely on his perimeter shooting. After missing his first five shots—a moment where any other rookie would have crumbled—Frager shifted his strategy.
Instead of continuing to fire from behind the arc where the ball wouldn’t drop, he trusted his explosiveness to attack the rim. Those two crucial layups that kept the lead at 15 points weren’t just baskets; they were a message that he has regained confidence in his body and his athleticism.
Veteran hierarchy: total protection for the rookie
The most interesting part of Nebraska’s system is the loyalty the veterans show toward the freshman. Senior guard Jamarques Lawrence made it clear after the game: «We run actions for a freshman… that should give you as much confidence as possible.»
In a team with an impressive 21-2 record, the fact that the most experienced players protect and continue to look for Frager in transition proves the youngster has passed the loyalty test. He isn’t just a shooter (with a solid 37% on the season); he is the piece that makes the entire offense unpredictable and dangerous.
The decisive factor: winning without aim
Frager’s true greatness, and what makes him akin to a high-level strategist, is his ability to be productive without hitting a single three-pointer. He did it against Ohio State, and he has done it again now. When the gunpowder is wet, Frager uses the bayonet: he attacks the rim, draws fouls, and secures the victory.
Nebraska remains on a roll, and with a Braden Frager who once again trusts his ability to «break» defenses, the path to the postseason seems to be under the absolute control of the Huskers.