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Braden Frager Makes Exciting Official Debut

In his first official collegiate game, Braden Frager's hot hand helps give Nebraska a 1-0 start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Trevor Tarr|
Braden Frager shoots a three-point basket against West Georgia Wolves forward Kenneth Chime during the first half.
Braden Frager shoots a three-point basket against West Georgia Wolves forward Kenneth Chime during the first half. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

LINCOLN—Braden Frager "got it going" against the West Georgia Wolves.

The Huskers are off to a hot start following a strong second-half scoring performance in Pinnacle Bank Arena on Monday night. After going into the half leading 30-25, Nebraska turned in a 56-point second half, which saw the Huskers shoot 20-for-32 (62.5% FG) to put them at 1-0 on the year.

Braden Frager warms up before the game.
Braden Frager warms up before the game. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Nebraska saw four players turn in double-digit scoring performances, but redshirt freshman forward Braden Frager was the star of the show. The 6-foot-7 Lincoln Southeast product shot 8-for-11 on field goal attempts and added several highlight-reel plays, leading the Huskers to a win in convincing fashion.

After spending all of the 2024-25 season on the bench as a redshirt, Frager's hot start to his second season shows promise for his future in the scarlet and cream. In 22 minutes of play, the forward also had five rebounds, two assists, and an alley-oop that got everyone in the arena out of their seats.

Recapping his first official performance for the Big Red, Frager said that despite it being a first, he didn't treat it as such. "I don't really go at the games different depending on the opponent, I just want to go out there, play and have fun," he said afterward.

From the video above, it's clear to see that the forward was playing loose and enjoying the moment. Joining him for media availability post-game was senior guard Jamarques Lawrence, who was awarded the assist. When remembering the moment, Lawrence suggested the two made eye contact prior to the pass, knowing full well the intentions on the fast-break opportunity. "I had a feeling I was throwing it up to him", he said, complimenting Frager's ability to run the floor as something he's taken notice of in practice this season.

While Frager's performance may have come as a surprise to Nebraska fans, at least this early in his career, Lawrence made it clear it's nothing new. "It's not [surprising]. He does this in practice," his teammate said, suggesting the forward has a level of confidence that made Monday night's performance possible, and more will come.

When asked if he felt he was in a zone, Frager's response carried the same sentiment. "I always am," he said with a smile. That confidence will be key for Nebraska moving forward, an encouraging sight to see in game one of the new season.


The redshirt freshman's 22 points placed him third in program history for points scored in a debut. Frager's performance also helped lead head coach Fred Hoiberg to his 200th collegiate win and 85th at Nebraska. In his 16 years as a head coach, both in college and the NBA, it was his 355th win.

Overall, the Huskers should be feeling good following the win. While it didn't look great to start, they answered the call in a big way during the second half. As a team, Nebraska shot 30-64 (46.9%), and 12 different players saw varying roles. For a team that's still finding its groove, despite it being the third time they've played together this season, early indications point to a squad with several offensive options. Frager's night was tonight, and it more than likely will happen again; however, the Huskers have seen 3+ players score in double digits in all three contests (two exhibitions) this fall.

As they prepare to host an FIU squad on Saturday afternoon, don't be surprised if Frager and several teammates find successful shooting outings yet again. With one win down, Nebraska is already focused on getting the next, and the basketball season is fully underway. After tonight, the last time the Huskers lost was 239 days ago in their final regular-season game. With momentum building, look for Nebraska to continue to take advantage of that success early on this year. And don't be surprised if Hoiberg's squad comes out and does it again this weekend.

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Trevor Tarr
TREVOR TARR

Trevor Tarr is the founder of Skers Scoop, a Nebraska football media outlet delivering original coverage through writing, graphics, and video content. He began his career in collegiate athletics at the University of South Dakota, producing media for the football team and assisting with athletic fundraising. A USD graduate with a background in journalism and sports marketing, Trevor focuses on creative, fan-driven storytelling in college football.

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