Nebraska men’s basketball has not only worked to add players to the team going forward, but a coach as well.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg announced the hiring of Nate Loenser to the coaching staff Tuesday. The two worked together at Iowa State (2013-15) and with the Chicago Bulls (2015-18).
“This is the third time I had a chance to add Nate to my staff and believe that he is the best player development guy I have worked with,” Hoiberg said. “”He was a valuable member of our staff that won a pair of Big 12 Tournament titles in Ames. In Chicago, he did a remarkable job with our G League team in its first season, as we had more than a dozen players recalled or sign with other NBA teams. He has earned the respect of players around the league because of his ability to relate with players, and to help them reach their goals.”
Loesner’s resume includes the Chicago Bulls, Windy City Bulls D-League team, Iowa State, and Spirit Lake High School in Iowa, Southern Mississippi, and Northern University High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
While in the NBA, Loesner helped develop Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, Ryan Arcidiacono, and Justin Holiday.
“Nate was my guy,” Lavine told Nebraska. “He’s a great sincere guy who helped me out with my game—both on the court and off. He’s very into his job and takes it extremely serious, and will do anything for the program, and for the players.
“You guys are getting a good one.”
In the D-League, he developed Spencer Dinwiddie, Jake Layman, and Bobby Portis. At ISU as the Director of Player Development, he oversaw Georges Niang earn All-America honors while Niang, Monté Morris and Jameel McKay were recognized on the All-Big 12 teams.
The Cedar Falls native played baseball at Iowa State after playing four sports at Northern University High. During his high school football career, he fell two tackles short of the school’s single-season record for tackles held by Husker great Trev Alberts.
The addition of Loesner is as a full-time assistant. In order to make that move, Doc Sadler moves into the Huskers Special Assistant position that was previously held by Bobby Lutz.