Can Nebraska basketball keep proving it's for real in Minneapolis?

An NCAA Tournament invite all but certain, the third-seeded Huskers should see plenty of upside to this week's Big Ten Tournament.

Nebraska forward Josiah Allick dunks during the Huskers’ 67-56 win over Rutgers March 3. | Courtesy Nebraska Athletics

So you’re telling me that Nebraska men’s basketball—the only major program never to win an NCAA Tournament game—gets to put its feet up and relax until Friday night of the Big Ten Tournament like some sort of hoops elite while the hoi polloi toils on weekdays?

Yes, actually, that’s how things shook out thanks to the Huskers taking care of business at Michigan Sunday, a notable win in more ways than one. That win earned Nebraska the 3-seed this week in Minneapolis, which means it gets to watch the first two rounds play out before knowing its opponent. It’s good non-work if you can get it, and the Huskers did.

Of course, once the work starts, Nebraska will be expected to produce something that looks like 3-seed-caliber craftsmanship. It’s uncommon territory for this program over its history but beats the alternative. As we did last week with the women’s tournament, let’s get a lay of the land by asking a few questions.