Nebraska Women’s Basketball

[Doctor Fate]

Another bad loss (this time to a Quad 2 team) along with a poor open and close to the game. I think Amy Williams' gameplan and play calling continue to be tedious at times. There were multiple key possessions, including the 2nd to last possession, where Britt Prince was either given the ball with 2 seconds left on the shot clock or was left to try and create on her own while being doubled with the rest of the team just standing and watching. Each time resulting in a forced shot for Prince. There were also a number of times where Britt would call a play as she crossed half court, Amy Williams would begin yelling and the entire team would stop to listen to her, and then Britt would call out one or two more plays trying to get on the same page as Amy. each time resulted in a broken play or a turnover because 15+ second was being run off the shot clock in the confusion.

Lastly, l calculated usage rate for the season and the game (this does not include assists) and here are the top 5 in usage rate in order:

Season
Jess Petrie - 26.849%
Petra Bozan - 24.340%
Britt Prince - 23.825%
Eliza Maupin - 22.796%
Amiah Hargrove - 22.583%

vs. Wisconsin
Jess Petrie - 30.328%
Amiah Hargrove - 29.245%
Petra Bozan - 25.088%
Callin Hake - 23.296%
Britt Prince - 21.504%

Again, it is a very poor sign for us that Jess Petrie is consuming so many possessions when on the court. She shoots way too many 3s (has taken 6 more 3s on the season than Britt Prince while playing over 150 less minutes) and her decision making is inconsistent.

[Greg S]

Nice win yesterday over a good Illinois team.

[Doctor Fate]

Nice win yesterday over a good Illinois team.

Agreed. We played with more physicality and were very active on the boards.

Britt Prince has been getting a lot of attention nationally this past week for her efficiency. She is basically shooting 60-50-90, which is incredible. She's getting her flowers as a high efficiency scorer who plays with an elite pace and composure.

[Doctor Fate]

Beat Northwestern after dropping out of the top 25. Britt Prince was 10-15 FG and 2-3 3P for 28 pts, 6 reb, and 6 ast with only 1 turnover. She has made 44-44 FT in conference play. Christy Winters-Scott said she expects Prince to be named a top 10 finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award next week. Prince came out aggressive last night, looking for her own shot early and hit two 3s in the first 5 min or so. Hoping to see that continue against #11 Ohio State on Sunday.

EDIT: In the post-game press conference, Amy Williams said they will be evaluating Natalie Potts over the next few weeks and implied they will then make a decision on her for the season. Since we only have a month left before the conference tournament, I don't see Potts returning this season. If they made the decision for her to return two weeks from now, we would only have 4 games left in the regular season and at that point she's probably not even going to play a double digit number of games.

[OmahaRedWing]

To the surprise of no one here, Hail Varisty is reporting that Natalie Potts will not return to play for Nebraska this year. She is planning to return next year, with up to three years of eligibility remaining.

[Doctor Fate]

Britt Prince was named to the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award Midseason Top 10.

2026 5 star recruit, Ashlyn Koupal, was named an McDonald's All-American and will be playing on the West team.

[OmahaRedWing]

Britt Prince was named to the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award Midseason Top 10.

2026 5 star recruit, Ashlyn Koupal, was named an McDonald's All-American and will be playing on the West team.

Hopefully next year we have a healthy Potts, Prince and now Koupal. That would be a great core.

[Doctor Fate]

Britt Prince was named to the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award Midseason Top 10.

2026 5 star recruit, Ashlyn Koupal, was named an McDonald's All-American and will be playing on the West team.

Hopefully next year we have a healthy Potts, Prince and now Koupal. That would be a great core.

Agree 100%. We really need a player like Koupal who can create her own shot at all 3 levels and also play off Prince. A healthy Potts will be a huge boost. And Ava Miles, another top 100 recruit (4 star) for next year, is a long and athletic wing who has the speed and strength to keep up with players like Jaloni Cambridge and Juju Watkins while also disrupting the passing lanes. She likes to get out and run in transition too.

[Greg S]

[Greg S]

Lost in the excitement yesterday was that the women got into the tournament as well. They are in a play in game. 3rd year in a row that Amy Williams led them to the tournament.

[Doctor Fate]

ESPN, Her Hoop Stats, and The Athletic (among others) all project Nebraska to beat Richmond tonight. Her Hoop Stats and The Athletic also believe Nebraska has a strong opportunity to then upset Baylor in the first round and move on to play a surging Duke team. We'll see.....I have my doubts lol.

[Doctor Fate]

Older news, but Britt Prince was an All-Big Ten First Team media selection after shooting 55-45-90 and was also names the #36 player in the NCAA tournament by Sports Illustrated.

[Louie]

They win the play-in vs. Richmond 75-56.

[Greg S]

They win the play-in vs. Richmond 75-56.

If memory serves they were only up 1 or 2 at the half. Very strong second half for NU.

[Doctor Fate]

They win the play-in vs. Richmond 75-56.

If memory serves they were only up 1 or 2 at the half. Very strong second half for NU.

Yeah a 17-0 run in the 3rd, led by Britt, was key. We also took care of the ball and played great team defense to make Maggie Doogan (2x A10 Player of the Year and honorable mention All-American) second-guess every move. At one point, she drove to the hoop against Callin Hake and had a really good look at the rim, but hesitate enough to allow help to come and she kicked it back out. Keep in mind Callin Hake is 5'8" and Doogan is 6'2".

We are currently favored by ESPN Analytics and DraftKings to upset Baylor on Friday.

[Doctor Fate]

We were up by 6 at the end of the 3rd. With 6 min left in the 4th we were up by 5. At the 4 min mark, Baylor had tied the game. Jess Petrie then committed an incredibly stupid flagrant fouls that gave Baylor 2 free throws and the ball. On the next play she committed her 5th foul and was done. That was the turning point in the game and we couldn’t recover.

Other than Britt Prince (11 pts in the 4th) only Jess Petrie (3) and Elisa Maupin (1) scored in the 4th quarter for us. Britt played another great game and needs more help.

[Doctor Fate]

Incoming 5 star Ashlynn Koupal was named the 2x South Dakota Gatorade Player of the year. She was also named a McDonald's All-American.

[Greg S]

Incoming 5 star Ashlynn Koupal was named the 2x South Dakota Gatorade Player of the year. She was also named a McDonald's All-American.

Really hope Potts is able to play next year. With Britt, this recruiting class and Potts, next year but be special.

[Doctor Fate]

Jess Petrie is transferring. Good move for both parties. Her minutes were only going to go down next season.

https://omaha.com/sports/huskers/womens ... 48216.html

[Doctor Fate]

Sam McKewon from the OWH was on Hurrdat to talk about the women's basketball team. I don't listen to Hurrdat because their coverage of the women's basketball team is ridiculous in both quantity and quality (they once said that in order to beat Oregon, the Huskers needed to "play hard and make shots" before moving on to a different topic).

Sam had a few statements that I have never heard anyone else say. The two that stood out most to me were:

1. Made it sound like there's a possibility Natalie Potts might not ever come back from her injury
2. Claimed that Natalie Potts is better than Britt Prince

I haven't heard anyone else float the idea that Potts' injury could be career ending. I have also never heard anyone ever say that Potts was the best player on the team. I think she's a great player and a very important piece for us who can be a consistent 2nd or 3rd scoring option and provide defensive versatility both on and off ball and across positions. She was Freshmen of the Year in a weaker Big Ten and in a weaker freshmen class. Before she got hurt last year she was playing really well and had shooting splits of 68-73-80, but that was against Omaha, SE Louisiana, Southern, North Dakota, and Northern Alabama while playing along side Britt Prince and Alexis Markowski.

[Greg S]

Sam McKewon from the OWH was on Hurrdat to talk about the women's basketball team. I don't listen to Hurrdat because their coverage of the women's basketball team is ridiculous in both quantity and quality (they once said that in order to beat Oregon, the Huskers needed to "play hard and make shots" before moving on to a different topic).

Sam had a few statements that I have never heard anyone else say. The two that stood out most to me were:

1. Made it sound like there's a possibility Natalie Potts might not ever come back from her injury
2. Claimed that Natalie Potts is better than Britt Prince

I haven't heard anyone else float the idea that Potts' injury could be career ending. I have also never heard anyone ever say that Potts was the best player on the team. I think she's a great player and a very important piece for us who can be a consistent 2nd or 3rd scoring option and provide defensive versatility both on and off ball and across positions. She was Freshmen of the Year in a weaker Big Ten and in a weaker freshmen class. Before she got hurt last year she was playing really well and had shooting splits of 68-73-80, but that was against Omaha, SE Louisiana, Southern, North Dakota, and Northern Alabama while playing along side Britt Prince and Alexis Markowski.

It's definitely crossed my mind that she may not be back. I alluded to that in a previous post. Hope that's not the case though.

[Doctor Fate]

Sam McKewon from the OWH was on Hurrdat to talk about the women's basketball team. I don't listen to Hurrdat because their coverage of the women's basketball team is ridiculous in both quantity and quality (they once said that in order to beat Oregon, the Huskers needed to "play hard and make shots" before moving on to a different topic).

Sam had a few statements that I have never heard anyone else say. The two that stood out most to me were:

1. Made it sound like there's a possibility Natalie Potts might not ever come back from her injury
2. Claimed that Natalie Potts is better than Britt Prince

I haven't heard anyone else float the idea that Potts' injury could be career ending. I have also never heard anyone ever say that Potts was the best player on the team. I think she's a great player and a very important piece for us who can be a consistent 2nd or 3rd scoring option and provide defensive versatility both on and off ball and across positions. She was Freshmen of the Year in a weaker Big Ten and in a weaker freshmen class. Before she got hurt last year she was playing really well and had shooting splits of 68-73-80, but that was against Omaha, SE Louisiana, Southern, North Dakota, and Northern Alabama while playing along side Britt Prince and Alexis Markowski.

It's definitely crossed my mind that she may not be back. I alluded to that in a previous post. Hope that's not the case though.

I'm not an insider but I know some people who have either been in the athletic department (as athletes or employees) and they have said that Potts' being held out was much more psychological than physical, though the physical aspect is still a part of the decision. The fact that the injury was a non-contact injury has created hesitancy for her to plant and explode both north-south and laterally. That, combined with a slower pace in re-strengthening her quad and hamstring, pushed the staff and Potts' to redshirt her this year to ensure she comes back confident and fully ready to play her game, both to avoid more injury and to help mentally.

Granted, this is all second hand info so maybe you or Sam have different information.

[Greg S]

Sam McKewon from the OWH was on Hurrdat to talk about the women's basketball team. I don't listen to Hurrdat because their coverage of the women's basketball team is ridiculous in both quantity and quality (they once said that in order to beat Oregon, the Huskers needed to "play hard and make shots" before moving on to a different topic).

Sam had a few statements that I have never heard anyone else say. The two that stood out most to me were:

1. Made it sound like there's a possibility Natalie Potts might not ever come back from her injury
2. Claimed that Natalie Potts is better than Britt Prince

I haven't heard anyone else float the idea that Potts' injury could be career ending. I have also never heard anyone ever say that Potts was the best player on the team. I think she's a great player and a very important piece for us who can be a consistent 2nd or 3rd scoring option and provide defensive versatility both on and off ball and across positions. She was Freshmen of the Year in a weaker Big Ten and in a weaker freshmen class. Before she got hurt last year she was playing really well and had shooting splits of 68-73-80, but that was against Omaha, SE Louisiana, Southern, North Dakota, and Northern Alabama while playing along side Britt Prince and Alexis Markowski.

It's definitely crossed my mind that she may not be back. I alluded to that in a previous post. Hope that's not the case though.

I'm not an insider but I know some people who have either been in the athletic department (as athletes or employees) and they have said that Potts' being held out was much more psychological than physical, though the physical aspect is still a part of the decision. The fact that the injury was a non-contact injury has created hesitancy for her to plant and explode both north-south and laterally. That, combined with a slower pace in re-strengthening her quad and hamstring, pushed the staff and Potts' to redshirt her this year to ensure she comes back confident and fully ready to play her game, both to avoid more injury and to help mentally.

Granted, this is all second hand info so maybe you or Sam have different information.

Mine wasn't based on inside info. More just observations from a distance. They got real quiet on her rehab and prognosis. Not even updates showing her doing light work or progress. Just seems off.

[Greg S]

Potts returning next year. Here's to her playing and at a top level:

[Doctor Fate]

I've heard some chatter that Nebraska will be pursuing several players that were with Iowa State in the portal. This could include Addy Brown and Audi Crooks.

[Greg S]

I've heard some chatter that Nebraska will be pursuing several players that were with Iowa State in the portal. This could include Addy Brown and Audi Crooks.

That would be awesome to add either. What a mess at Iowa State.

[Doctor Fate]

Petra Bozan announced she will be entering the portal as well. This leaves us with two post players next season in Amiah Hargrove and 5 star recruit Ashlyn Koupal.

Assuming no one else enters the portal, we will have 12 players on our roster in 2026-2027. That leaves 3 open spots to grab players from the portal. I think we could see another guard enter the portal too, like Claire Johnson or Alanna Neal.

[Doctor Fate]

Petra Bozan announced she will be entering the portal as well. This leaves us with two post players next season in Amiah Hargrove and 5 star recruit Ashlyn Koupal.

Assuming no one else enters the portal, we will have 12 players on our roster in 2026-2027. That leaves 3 open spots to grab players from the portal. I think we could see another guard enter the portal too, like Claire Johnson or Alanna Neal.

Claire Johnson has entered the portal. We now have 4 spots open.

EDIT: Nebraska also listed in ESPN's 2026-2027 Way Too Early Top 25 at #23

[Doctor Fate]

Petra Bozan announced she will be entering the portal as well. This leaves us with two post players next season in Amiah Hargrove and 5 star recruit Ashlyn Koupal.

Assuming no one else enters the portal, we will have 12 players on our roster in 2026-2027. That leaves 3 open spots to grab players from the portal. I think we could see another guard enter the portal too, like Claire Johnson or Alanna Neal.

Claire Johnson has entered the portal. We now have 4 spots open.

EDIT: Nebraska also listed in ESPN's 2026-2027 Way Too Early Top 25 at #23

Alanna Neal has also entered the portal. We now have 5 spots open.

I have heard that Tilda Trygger, a 6'6" center from NC State. She is a stretch 5 who shot 52% from the floor, including 34% from 3, and has good mobility and footwork to score and defend in the post. Her shooting % and rebounds and blocks were all better than the Petrie/Bozan combo. In fact, she averaged more rebounds and blocks than Petrie/Bozan combined.

[Doctor Fate]

According to On3, Ellie Brueggemann is planning a visit to Nebraska in addition to OK State, Iowa, and Indiana. She is a 5'11" guard transferring from Lindenwood where she averaged 14 points (44% from 3 on 6.6 attempts per game) and 3.1 assists last season as a junior.

[Doctor Fate]

According to On3 Nebraska is in the mix to land Edessa Noyan, a 6-3 junior forward from Indiana.

On3 is also saying that Jess Petrie is being target by Indiana.

Claire Johnson is heading to Murray State

[Doctor Fate]

Jess Petrie has committed to Indiana. Probably a better fit stylistically than the Huskers.

[Doctor Fate]

Edessa Noyan, a 6-3 junior forward from Indiana, has committed to Nebraska.

[Doctor Fate]

Nebraska added 6'9' Ark Angui from Auburn from the portal. She will be a redshirt sophmore.

https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/rec ... angui-2026

[Louie]

Nebraska added 6'9' Ark Angui from Auburn from the portal. She will be a redshirt sophmore.

https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/rec ... angui-2026

Tallest player in program history by quite a margin.

[Greg S]

Nebraska added 6'9' Ark Angui from Auburn from the portal. She will be a redshirt sophmore.

https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/rec ... angui-2026

Tallest player in program history by quite a margin.

Hopefully she develops and can contribute. Slow start to her career so far.

[Doctor Fate]

Nebraska added 6'9' Ark Angui from Auburn from the portal. She will be a redshirt sophmore.

https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/rec ... angui-2026

Tallest player in program history by quite a margin.

Hopefully she develops and can contribute. Slow start to her career so far.

Yeah, she has only been playing basketball for 4 years. Apparently she has good mobility both north-south and lateral, as well as high level defensive instincts and a soft touch around the rim.

Another good note is that Natalie Potts was participating in full contact scrimmages against the scout team.

[Doctor Fate]

Nebraska has secured verbal commits for its 2027 recruiting class from:
- Addison Medeck: a 6'3, 4 star forward from Omaha. Ranked #75 by ESPN and #43 by 247
- Brinley Altenburg, a 5'10, 4 star guard for South Dakota. Ranked #83 by ESPN and #65 by Prep Girls Hoops