Courtside for a different kind of Husker Mania

Now that was fun!
At my age, it’s been a while since I parked myself on a hard gym floor for two hours, but having a front-row seat to a new brand of Husker Mania unfolding at Pinnacle Bank Arena was worth every minute of it.
As often as local standouts have helped ANR land working credentials for Husker football games, this was our first time with some skin in the game for Nebraska men’s basketball. Cale Jacobsen may not be a native son, but his father and grandfather have deep hoops roots in Hamilton County. That connection provided a reason to be there, and a pretty good angle for yours truly.
There’s an energy around this team that’s palpable. You don’t have to be courtside to feel it, but it doesn’t hurt. These Huskers are in territory the program hasn’t seen before with more wins, a higher national ranking and real March expectations, and yet they carry themselves like they belong.
What stood out in my conversation with Cale, and later listening to Coach Fred Hoiberg in the postgame press conference, was how clearly this team has adopted the coach’s demeanor. Hoiberg has been there, done that. Now his players talk like they have, too.
Jacobsen, meeting me for the first time, was humble and thoughtful when describing his role.
“I think my role kind of changes on a nightly basis,” he said after a game against Maryland in which early foul trouble limited his minutes. “Whatever it feels like we need from night to night is how I want to impact the game. My focus is just continuing to find ways to make an impact and help us keep winning.”
That’s not the voice of a wide-eyed role player. That’s the voice of someone who understands the moment, and the mission.
Blend that mindset with top-tier talent across the roster, and you’ve got a recipe for a March that feels different. Not just hopeful, but expectant.
For a fan base that has waited a long time for this kind of ride, it’s refreshing to see a team that doesn’t just want to go dancing, it expects to be one of the last ones on the floor.
GBR.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net