With two words — “I’m back” — Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga announced on social media he has withdrawn his name from the upcoming NBA draft and plans to play one more year of basketball for the Huskers.
His return gives NU an elite shooter — 40% from 3-point range — who averaged 13.1 points last season. Tominaga had a particularly torrid stretch late in the season, scoring 20 or more points seven times in the last 12 games as he became a fan favorite in every arena.
“We are excited to have Keisei return for the 2023-24 season,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said in a statement. “I think the process was very beneficial because it allowed Keisei to get feedback from NBA personnel and what he needs to keep working on. He showed the ability to be one of the best players in the Big Ten and was a catalyst for our success in the second half of the conference season.
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— 富永 啓生/ keisei tominaga (@KeiseiTominaga) June 1, 2023
“Keisei has really worked hard since the season ended and has the opportunity to have a special senior season.”
Without fanfare or public announcement in April, Tominaga explored his NBA options with a handful of team workouts. He did not receive invitations to either the NBA Draft Combine or G League Combine, so his options of being selected for either league, after his most recent season, were slim.
Tominaga could at any time return to his home country of Japan and play pro basketball there but he widely expected to play one more year at Nebraska in hopes of improving stock for the NBA.
where Tominaga’s favorite player, Steph Curry, continues a Hall of Fame career.
Photos: Nebraska hosts Minnesota in Saturday hoops matinee
Nebraska’s Wilhelm Breidenbach and Minnesota’s Jamison Battle vie for a loose ball in the first half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota’s Ta’Lon Cooper attempts to block a shot by Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota’s Ta’Lon Cooper guards Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg as he drives to the basket in the first half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Derrick Walker celebrates against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Derrick Walker Jr. scores against Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia during the second half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga (30) reacts after a timeout call by Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota’s Pharrel Payne defends Nebraska’s Derrick Walker as he drives to the basket in the second half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Dylan Raiola, the top football prospect for the 2024 class takes in the Nebraska men’s basketball game on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Derrick Walker (13) scores past Minnesota’s Jamison Battle (10) and Jaden Henley (24) in February at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Class of 2024 basketball prospect John Bol watches Nebraska play Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Derrick Walker takes the floor to take on Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Emmanuel Bandoumel pumps up the crowd as the Huskers extend their lead against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg scores against Minnesota’s Joshua Ola-Joseph on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Dylan Raiola, the top-rated Class of 2024 football prospect, throws the bones after the crowd began to chant his name on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Griesel dunks the ball against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Griesel dunks the ball against Minnesota during the second half on Feb. 25 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence grabs a rebound over Minnesota’s Braeden Carrington in the first half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Hitomi and Hiroyuki Tominaga (from left) cheer on their son, Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga, during the game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota’s Jamison Battle (left) loses possession of the ball to Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg in the second half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Keisei Tominaga makes a three-pointer over Minnesota’s Ta’Lon Cooper in the second half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Dylan Raiola, the top-rated football prospect in the Class of 2024, throws the bones as the Husker crowd cheers his name during the Nebraska basketball game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Dylan Raiola, the top-rated football prospect in the Class of 2024, throws the bones as the crowd cheers his name during the Nebraska basketball game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Griesel scores against Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia on Feb. 25 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Dylan Raiola, the top-rated football prospect in the Class of 2024, reacts as the crowd cheers his name during the Nebraska basketball game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg (1) is helped up by his team during the game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska’s Sam Griesel fist bumps Derrick Walker before they are introduced ahead of the Minnesota game on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Huskers celebrate after helping up Nebraska’s Sam Hoiberg (1) during the game against Minnesota on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota’s Ta’Lon Cooper attempts to block a shot thrown up by Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence in the second half on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
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