BREAKING NEWS: Nebraska Cornhuskers Men’s Basketball Fans React in Shock as Coach Fred Hoiberg Makes Surprising Statement Announcing That Connor Essegian Has Been Made the Starting Point Guard
In a stunning development that has left fans of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team buzzing, Head Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Monday morning that sophomore transfer Connor Essegian has been named the team’s starting point guard heading into the 2025-26 season.
The announcement, made during an off-season press conference at Pinnacle Bank Arena, caught many by surprise. Essegian, who transferred from Wisconsin after the 2023-24 season, is best known for his sharpshooting ability from the perimeter and has primarily played as a shooting guard throughout his college career. The move to slot him into the point guard role marks a significant shift in the Cornhuskers’ offensive strategy.
“This was not a decision we took lightly,” Hoiberg told reporters. “Connor has impressed everyone on this staff with his leadership, work ethic, and vision on the floor. He’s more than just a shooter—he sees the game at a high level and has really embraced the challenge of running our offense.”
Fan reactions flooded social media within minutes of the announcement. While some praised the decision as bold and forward-thinking, others expressed concern over moving a natural scorer into a position requiring extensive playmaking responsibilities.
“I love Essegian’s energy and shot, but I’m not sure he’s a floor general,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Hope Hoiberg knows what he’s doing.”
Another fan chimed in with cautious optimism: “If he can stretch the floor and run the point, this could be dangerous. I’m here for it.”
Essegian, who averaged 11.7 points per game during his freshman season at Wisconsin and saw limited minutes last year due to injury, said he’s “honored and humbled” by the trust Hoiberg has placed in him.
“I’ve been working hard all summer to grow in every area of my game,” Essegian said. “Coach Hoiberg believes in me, and I’m ready to step up and lead this team.”
The Cornhuskers are coming off a promising 2024-25 campaign that saw them make it to the NIT quarterfinals. With several key returning players and a highly rated recruiting class incoming, expectations are growing in Lincoln.
Whether this unconventional position shift pays dividends remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Fred Hoiberg era continues to be full of surprises.
More updates to follow as off-season workouts begin.
