Nebraska Men's Basketball Commenced Preseason Practice
The Cornhuskers have opened official team training as they prepare for a trio of preseason exhibition matchups.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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The Nebraska men's basketball team has officially begun its preseason practice sessions in Lincoln. The squad is now working through its offensive system installation and team culture development following a successful 2025-26 campaign.
Why it matters
The coaching staff is prioritizing the identification of key leaders capable of navigating high-pressure game situations. These early sessions focus on communication and cohesion to build upon the team's momentum from their previous Sweet 16 appearance.
The team has scheduled three total exhibition games, including a contest against Saint Louis. Player Colin Rice enters the season standing 6-foot-7 1/2.
The players
Connor Essegian
He is a key member of the Nebraska roster who has returned to full practice participation without any physical restrictions.
Colin Rice
He is a 6-foot-7 1/2 player who has returned to full strength for the start of the preseason.
Braden Frager
He was named the 2025-26 Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year following his performance during the previous season.
The details
Players are currently focusing on a read-and-react offensive scheme and participating in culture meetings to improve communication during game adversity. Connor Essegian has returned to full practice participation without physical restrictions, while Colin Rice has reached full strength.
Timeline
Official preseason practice began in September 2026.
The exhibition game against Saint Louis is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Games against Michigan State and Michigan are set for after January 1, 2027.
Roadmap
The team aims to sustain the high level of performance achieved during their 2025-26 Sweet 16 run. The coaching staff is using exhibition play to experiment with lineups as they prepare for a challenging conference schedule that opens with Ohio State and Penn State.
The management of player workloads during the first exhibition game indicates that the coaching staff is prioritizing health ahead of the competitive conference schedule. These exhibition matchups will be the primary venue for observing how new lineup combinations and the read-and-react system perform under live conditions.
The takeaway
Early season preparation is centered on establishing a communication culture to help the team weather inevitable game adversity. Fans should watch the exhibition series for clues regarding which lineup rotations the coaching staff will favor against Big Ten conference opponents.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, follow the latest coverage of Basketball.
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Do you plan to attend your local team's preseason exhibition basketball games this year?
