Go Big Red March

Talking Nebraska basketball in March seems like a fairy tale dream land.
Just a couple years ago, I lived vicariously through the eyes of a bandwagon Creighton fan, for obvious selfish reasons. Same reason why I spent a large chunk of my weekend hooked on Boston Celtics games on national TV.
But this year, probably moreso than any other in my lifetime I’ve had a heightened focus on the happenings in the Haymarket.
This is the best season in Husker hoops history, right? A tournament win in a couple weeks and it’s a virtual guarantee? 
If the Huskers can’t win a tournament game with this group, it’s just not in the cards for us, I’m afraid. 
Cale Jacobsen in overtime Sunday afternoon. Pryce Sandfort if he’s got an inch of space. Reink Mast down low. Someday hopefully being able to successfully pronounce Berke Büyüktuncel. Braden Frager, the hometown kid slinging jumpers. Jamarques Lawrence when the going gets tough. Sam Hoiberg, the mayor in waiting. 
Nebraska has spent a large chunk of the season in the AP top 10, something unheard of with Husker hoops. The Huskers were in the top five at one point. 
Fred Hoiberg was gifted an extension Monday, deservedly so. In this case, patience definitely paid off. Remember the COVID fiasco and using football players in a game? It’s unbelievable, really.
Think of it like this. The Huskers have had plenty of success in recent years, but the start of Hoiberg’s tenure was so tough that his career record in Lincoln is still below .500 (110-113) following the Iowa win. 
One more win this season and it’s a program record. The Huskers are a two seed in the Big Ten tournament and likely a top three seed in the national tournament. 
Tell me which expert had that predicted six months ago. Again, just bananas. Let’s dance! Hopefully, the fairy tale dream world doesn’t fall into the fiery pits of doom. 
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at sports@hamilton.net.