Nebraska Men’s Basketball Thrives with Hoiberg Family Support

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team is currently experiencing a historic season, with a perfect record of 17-0 and the nation’s longest winning streak at 21 games. Ranked at No. 8, this marks the program’s highest ranking in 60 years, creating an exciting atmosphere for players and fans alike. At the heart of this remarkable journey is head coach Fred Hoiberg, who is sharing the experience with his twin sons, Sam and Charlie.

Sam Hoiberg has transformed from a walk-on practice player into one of the Big Ten’s most versatile guards, while Charlie serves as a graduate manager, contributing significantly to the team’s operations. Charlie’s responsibilities include running practices, conducting individual workouts, and producing analytical reports for the coaching staff. “We’re living our dreams right now,” Sam stated. “It’s tough to really reflect at midseason because we have so many things to improve on and so many goals to reach, but it has been an amazing experience up to this point.”

The dynamic of coaching and family is not unique to Nebraska. According to NCAA research, there are 20 Division I men’s basketball teams where the head coach has at least one son playing for him this season. For instance, Daniyal Robinson, the first-year coach at North Texas, reflects on the joy of coaching his son Reece. He emphasizes the value of spending quality time together, stating, “In my mind, there’s no cons.”

A notable moment for Reece occurred during a game against Eastern Washington when he scored crucial points that led to an overtime victory. His emotional connection with his father during that game exemplifies the bond shared by coaching families. Similarly, at North Carolina, senior reserve Elijah Davis made a memorable impact during a game, scoring his first points while his father, head coach Hubert Davis, watched from the sidelines. “That was a really awesome, cool moment,” Hubert said, grappling with emotion as he acknowledged the significance of the experience.

The Hoiberg family has deep roots in basketball. Fred was a standout player at Iowa State and later enjoyed success as their head coach. His other son, Jack, previously a walk-on at Michigan State, now works as a video analyst for the San Antonio Spurs. Their daughter, Paige, is pursuing a career in medical device sales in Chicago. Sam and Charlie played high school basketball together at Lincoln Pius X.

Charlie initially attended TCU as a regular student, while Sam pursued basketball after receiving limited recruitment interest. He walked on at Nebraska, intending to develop his skills and eventually transfer. A series of injuries opened up opportunities for Sam, who has since become a key player, starting 32 of the last 33 games. He currently ranks fourth in the nation for assist-to-turnover ratio at 5.25-1 and leads the Big Ten in steals with 35.

Charlie’s role as a graduate manager has been crucial for Sam’s development. After interning under his father in the summer of 2024, Charlie returned to Nebraska in June. “It’s been a lot of fun having Charlie part of the program,” Fred noted. “He’s been really good for Sam. They share the same DNA, so he has a way of being able to get in his head probably better than I can as a coach and father.”

Sam credits Charlie for boosting his confidence, particularly in offensive play. His scoring average has doubled to 8.2 points per game, with shooting accuracy improving from 43% to 53%. “He’s seen me at my best and he’s there to remind me of that,” Sam explained. “I work out with him every day, and that gives me confidence.”

As the season progresses, Fred acknowledges the challenges of balancing coaching and family. “I haven’t had time to fully savor the experience,” he admitted. In contrast, Charlie is fully immersed in the moment. “I’ve taken my moments to sit back and say, ‘Yes, this is great,’” he shared. “Life’s great right now.”

The Hoiberg family’s journey reflects a unique blend of personal and professional success, highlighting the emotional connections that enhance their shared experience in the world of college basketball.