By Ana Bellinghausen, Reporter
The Mavericks’ men’s basketball team is in official practice mode as of Sept. 28. Omaha aims to complete their first winning season since 2018.
With two of their top three leading scorers graduated from UNO, the team has starting spots to fill.
Head coach Derrin Hansen said this new group of faces is refreshing for the program.
“It’s a really good nucleus of returners, said Hansen. “It’s a good nucleus of young guys, experience and still trying to learn our system.”
Hansen’s team finished eighth in the conference last season and missed the trip to Sioux Falls, SD. Omaha has yet to capture a Summit League title since its alignment in 2012.
Junior guard Kyle Luedtke said the conference tournament is on his mind, but creating team chemistry is the first step.
“We just want to come together, play hard every game, and just be ready to go to try and get back to the tournament,” Luedtke said.
Omaha added three transfers to the rotation this offseason, including Wichita State’s Isaiah Poor-Bear Chandler. Chandler was in the starting five for the Shockers and brings along March Madness experience.
“We’re excited to have Isaiah in the mix,” Hansen said. He brings a different dimension with his size and his skill.”
The solo freshman Frankie Fidler also joins the program after a super-state career at Bellevue West.
“He can shoot it, score it from all three levels, so he’s really going to help us put some points on the board,” Luedtke said.
The current Maverick squad contains ten returners, and after recording a 5-20 season, players like Luedtke know there’s something to prove.
“This year we just want to show that last year was a fluke,” Luedtke said.
With mandatory practices just starting last week, this Omaha team begins the path to not only the Summit League tournament, but also a chance for a bid to the Big Dance.
The Mavericks’ regular season begins on Nov. 11 at Ralston Arena, as Omaha welcomes the Hastings Broncos for an in-state matchup.
