The Impact of forward Jeriah Horne’s transfer from Nebraska

Nebraska lost a young frontcourt piece earlier this March with the announcement that Jeriah Horne was transferring out of the program. Below is a portion of Horne’s transfer statement from Nebraska’s official press release:

"I feel it is best that I explore other educational and athletic opportunities that may be available to me. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I was given and wish everybody at the University of Nebraska nothing but success."

Coach Tim Miles offered his thoughts on Horne’s decision to transfer:

“Jeriah informed me earlier this week that he intends to transfer. Though I'm disappointed and hoped he'd stay at Nebraska, I fully support him as he considers his future plans.”

Horne entered the Nebraska program as a Rivals150 recruit in 2016. The Kansas City native chose Nebraska over offers from DePaul, Clemson, Rutgers, Minnesota and West Virginia amongst others. Expectations were that Horne would be able to contribute in his freshman season and then build to being an integral part of the Nebraska team.

Those results of those expectations were mixed.

Horne averaged 4.3 points per game this season in 11.8 minutes. Not much of a banger inside, Horne averaged just 1.9 rebounds per game and attempted 66 three-pointers out of 116 field goal attempts this season.

He scored in double figures five times in the 29 games he received minutes in 2016-17. His best game by far was a home upset win over then no. 20 Purdue on January 29th. Horne poured in a career high 16 points on 7-12 shooting, and pulled down seven rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

Horne also scored 12 points in 17 minutes in a road win over then no. 16 Indiana. This type of efficiency was going to be key for Horne heading into next season for the Cornhuskers.

However it is not meant to be.

What were the reasons for Horne’s transfer?

It is not immediately apparent, but playing time might be the biggest factor. Horne’s minutes were spotty this season and the Cornhuskers have some depth in the frontcourt to overcome the loss of Horne. Heading into next season, the Cornhuskers will have five frontcourt players (Ed Morrow, Michael Jacobson, Isaiah Roby, Jack McVeigh and Jordy Tshimanga) competing for possible playing time and a three-star small forward coming into the program next season.

Horne likely saw the writing on the wall with playing time and sought a way out of the situation. It is not immediately apparent where Horne will seek to continue his college basketball career.

While Horne is talented and can have some success at his next school, this does not seem to be a situation that sends a torpedo into the Cornhusker program (like the transfer of Andrew White). Nebraska has plenty of frontcourt depth returning and two graduate guards to go along with year three from Glynn Watson Jr. This situation, while disappointing, can be overcome.

It will need to be as coach Tim Miles enters a critical 2017-’18 season in Lincoln.