Lincoln Native Justin Bolis Announces Transfer via Nebraska Forward
Justin Bolis, a sophomore forward for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has announced his decision to transfer as the college basketball transfer portal opened. This marks the second departure for Nebraska this offseason. The window for underclassmen to seek new teams will remain open for 15 days, ending on April 21.
Overview of Justin Bolis’ Season
This past season, Bolis played in 17 games while Nebraska achieved its best record to date, reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Throughout the season, he scored a total of three points, with two of those scored in the opener against West Georgia.
Previous Experience
Bolis redshirted the 2024-25 season and previously played at Southeast Community College. During his time there, he started 31 games and averaged 15.5 points per game, along with 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, shooting at a 52% efficiency. Born in Lincoln, Bolis is 6-foot-8 and averaged nine points and six rebounds as a high school senior.
Competition for Playing Time
Looking ahead, Bolis faced significant competition for minutes next season. Nebraska’s roster includes returning forwards such as:
- Pryce Sandfort, a first-team All-Big Ten selection
- Berke Büyüktuncel, with 61 career starts
- Braden Frager, the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year
- Will Cooper, who redshirted this year
- Leo Curtis, a true freshman
With such a deep pool of returning talent, Bolis’s chances of securing a rotation spot seemed slim.
Future Prospects for Nebraska
Nebraska has added two high school forwards to their 2026 recruiting class: Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier. Both players are expected to contribute immediately. Coach Fred Hoiberg expressed enthusiasm for these new additions and emphasizes the importance of integrating players who align with the program’s culture and style of play.
Implications of Departures
Bolis joins fellow player Quentin Rhymes in the transfer portal, increasing Nebraska’s list of available roster spots to five. Hoiberg’s focus moving forward will be on finding individuals who can complement the existing team’s strengths, especially with key players preparing to return.
As Nebraska navigates these challenges, the emphasis on acquiring two-way players remains critical. The closing of the transfer portal on April 21 will shape the future for Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball.
