Lincoln Newspaper Speculates Mangok Mathiang to Nebraska?

That’s Mangok Mathiang, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound redshirt junior for Louisville, which will close its season Saturday at Virginia. That’s because the Cardinals announced a self-imposed, one-year postseason ban. No conference tournament, no NCAA Tournament.

Mathiang averaged 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 10 games this season before he broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot on Dec. 19.

With an initial timetable of 6-8 weeks recovery, Mathiang was thought to return, but when Louisville announced its postseason ban, coach Rick Pitino announced Mathiang wouldn’t return this season.

Mathiang has at least one season of eligibility, and possibly two, should he apply for and be granted a medical hardship waiver and sixth season of eligibility. If Mathiang transfers, he’s expected to be immediately eligible because he will have earned his undergraduate degree. He’s played three seasons and redshirted another.

It’s worth noting Nebraska already has one Louisville transfer on its roster, guard Anton Gill, who’s sitting out this season.

It’s also worth noting Mathiang hasn’t announced he’s transferring. But word is, that’s something to eye in the coming days.

Louisville is currently in Charlottesville, VA preparing for its final game of 2015-16.  Mathiang hasn’t played for the Cards since December 19, 2015 when the UofL center broke his foot. The fifth metatarsal has been surgically repaired, but Mangok’s progress to fully recover has been slow even after the post-season ban was announced.  Pitino told reporters a few weeks ago that there was no reason to rush Mangok back for the end of the year.