Why Keisei Tominaga is one of Hoiberg’s ‘all-time favorites’

Keisei Tominaga arrived to Nebraska’s basketball program as a 3-point shooter who could help the Huskers’ floor spacing on offense. He’ll play his final game at Pinnacle Bank Arena Sunday to rockstar roars.

“He’s going to go down as one of the all-time favorites to wear a Husker uniform,” NU coach Fred Hoiberg said in advance of his team’s game vs. Rutgers.

A favorite of Hoiberg’s, as well. The 6-foot-2 guard from Japan has wowed fans with a 3-point range that stretches to near half court. His meme-worthy reactions to his long-range jumpers go viral. He’s dangerous cutting or driving to the rim, too, and improved considerably as a defender over three years.

Tominaga chose to return this season instead of starting a pro career either in Japan or somewhere else. He hopes to play in the NBA, like his idol, Steph Curry, from whom Tominaga borrows some post-shot reactions and the No. 30 jersey. Tominaga’s third year at NU was designed to get him more ready for the league of his dreams.

“I think I made a good decision to come back here,” Tominaga said. “I’m super happy with the situation.”

So is teammate Josiah Allick, the Lincoln North Star graduate who transferred in from New Mexico for his senior season.

“To see someone like Keisei – the passion and, like, fire he plays with – it kind of ignites that spark that everyone here has inside themselves,” Allick said. “It’s hard not to leech off of it.”

Hoiberg said Tominaga – still mastering the English language – nevertheless led with his “voice” this season, during which he is averaging 13.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Tominaga’s “joy” and “passion” have had a positive effect on the program, Hoiberg said – not to mention how Tominaga’s range and shooting acumen make the top name on an opponent’s scouting report.

Tominaga’s dad, Hiroyuki, will attend Sunday’s game. If Nebraska makes the NCAA Tournament, Keisei won’t play again at home.

“To hear the ovation when he gets introduced – it’s going to be the last time Keisei’s going to suit up in Pinnacle Bank Arena,” Hoiberg said. “So it’s going to be emotional for a lot of people, including me.”

Tominaga said he’s appreciative of the fan support.

“I’ve been here three years,” Tominaga said. “How people treat me, how people support me, that makes me feel like it’s my second home.”

In its first meeting with Rutgers, Nebraska had multiple double-digit leads, including 64-54 with 7:40 left to play.

The Scarlet Knights erased the deficit, holding NU to just five points for the rest of regulation. In overtime, RU won 87-82. Hoiberg said Rutgers played tougher than Nebraska over those final 12 minutes.

“They made all the hustle plays,” Hoiberg said of Rutgers. “We struggled getting a rebound in the flow, we struggled getting a rebound off a missed free throw. And it cost us. It cost us a game. That’s who they are. They’re relentless.”

Rutgers is 5-2 against Nebraska in the Hoiberg era. In the Tim Miles era, NU had a 7-2 record against a RU program just getting started under coach Steve Pikiell. Now, the Scarlet Knights have two five-star recruits – Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper – coming to Piscataway next season.