For three consecutive seasons, the exceptional talent of Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga has captivated Cornhuskers fans and the wider college basketball community. As a vital contributor to Fred Hoiberg’s Nebraska team, the 22-year-old Japanese standout has played a crucial role in the team’s impressive 13-3 overall record this season.
During CBS Sports journalist Jon Rothstein’s commentary on Nebraska’s remarkable 88-72 upset win over Purdue, the excitement surrounding Tominaga’s performance reached new heights. Rothstein, overwhelmed by Tominaga’s statistics, couldn’t resist heaping praises on the Nebraska guard, declaring, “Look at the numbers for Keisei Tominaga. I’m gonna say it now. I’ll say it again: the most exciting player in the Big Ten.”
Tominaga’s impact was particularly significant in what stands as the Cornhuskers’ most significant victory under Hoiberg’s tenure. In the senior guard’s stellar performance, he scored 19 points from nine shots, including five successful attempts from beyond the arc. This stellar display played a pivotal role in Nebraska securing its first victory over a top-ranked team since 1982.
The win against No. 1 Purdue solidified Nebraska’s position as a formidable contender for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Unsurprisingly, Tominaga is expected to play a central role for the Cornhuskers as the season unfolds, with impressive season averages of 14.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a 46.5% field goal success rate.
Keisei Tominaga commenced his Nebraska career in 2021 after spending two years at Ranger College, where he showcased his talents in NJCAA basketball. Following the truncated 2020 season, he transferred to Nebraska with three remaining years of college eligibility. Despite initially declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, Tominaga chose to return for his senior season at Nebraska.
Tominaga’s basketball journey began in Japan, where he played high school basketball at Sakuragaoka Gakuen High School in Aichi Prefecture. His exceptional skills led the school’s basketball team to a third-place finish at the All-Japan Championship, where he maintained an impressive average of 39.8 points per game.
Having represented Japan at various international levels, including the FIBA Under-16 and Under-18 Asian Championships, Tominaga made his senior national team debut in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. As his inevitable entry into the NBA Draft approaches, Tominaga’s performance this season is poised to significantly influence his draft stock.