LINCOLN — The buzz surrounding Braden Frager is palpable, especially among his teammates and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who has consistently praised him since June. The Nebraska basketball team is witnessing the emergence of Frager, who is quickly transitioning from a local success story to a vital contributor on the court.
In the season opener against West Georgia, Frager made headlines by scoring a game-high 22 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the field. This performance came in only his fourth college game after redshirting last season. He also recorded five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, showcasing his all-around game. “I had a blast out there,” Frager stated. “It was fun to get out there finally and play my first ever game. It”s been so long since I have been out there for an official game, so it was good to get out there and play.”
Frager”s impressive outing was no coincidence, as he has now scored over 20 points in consecutive games, including a strong showing in the exhibition finale against Midland. While the competition may not have been the toughest, his ability to make a significant impact is undeniable. In the previous game against the Warriors, Frager hit six three-pointers at a time when his teammates struggled to find their rhythm.
During the match against West Georgia, Frager was instrumental in a scoring surge that flipped a 21-15 deficit into a 30-25 halftime lead for the Huskers. He ignited the crowd with a three-pointer within the first minute of his entry, setting the tone for his team”s performance. In the second half, he showcased his athleticism with a powerful dunk through contact and finished an alley-oop from teammate Jamarques Lawrence. “I know he is an athlete,” Lawrence remarked. “He sprinted the floor and I saw him sprinting. We made eye contact and I had a feeling he was going to go up.”
Frager”s confidence and competitive spirit make him a perfect fit for Nebraska”s rotation. He not only scores in clusters but also brings a tenacious defensive presence. His unique athleticism is unmatched on the roster, and he isn”t shy about displaying it. “I love the 22 points, the 8-for-11 shooting,” Hoiberg noted. “It was a very efficient offensive game. But what I really, really liked was his physicality on the defensive end. He was busting through screens, getting his hands on passes, creating deflections, pushing the ball without hesitation, and I think he really did a good job of playing in attack mode. That”s who Braden is, especially when he gets it going like that.”
Frager”s experience, having spent a year on the sidelines observing the Big Ten, has prepared him for this moment. Although Nebraska and Hoiberg want to temper expectations following this single game, the potential for Frager to elevate the team is clear. Nebraska is ready to unleash Frager, and it appears he will continue to play an essential role moving forward.
