“Great game buddy” – Fred Hoiberg’s viral court-storm moment caps Nebraska Cornhuskers’s tough night at Iowa after slapping fans phone out of their hand

On February 17, 2026, Nebraska lost 57-52 at Iowa. The result mattered for conference standings. However, what happened after the game, became the main highlight moment that caught a lot of attention.

As Iowa fans rushed the court, Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg was walking through the handshake line. A fan stepped in front of him and pushed a phone close to his face while saying, “Nice game, buddy.” Hoiberg swatted at the phone. Another angle later showed his hand also making contact with an Iowa assistant coach. Hoiberg apologized right away and kept moving down the line.

The video spread quickly. As of February 19, there has been no suspension or fine, and Hoiberg has not made a public statement.

Some believe a coach has to stay calm in that spot. Others say schools need better control when fans storm the floor. The debate around court storming is back in focus.

Fred Hoiberg took over at Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2019 after coaching in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. His first three seasons were difficult. Nebraska went 24-67 during that stretch.

The program improved over time. The Huskers won 16 games in 2022-23.

They won 21 in 2024-25 and claimed a tournament title. Hoiberg leaned on the transfer portal, including adding former Iowa player Pryce Sandfort. His son, Sam Hoiberg, is now the starting point guard.

The 2025-26 Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team opened 20-0, the best start in school history. Wins over Creighton, Wisconsin and Michigan State pushed Nebraska into the top 10 and made it a serious tournament team.

The slide began with a 75-72 loss to Michigan on January 27. Nebraska then lost to Illinois, Purdue in overtime, and Iowa. The Huskers are now 22-4 overall and 11-4 in Big Ten play. Hoiberg said the team has been rattled at times and needs to steady itself before hosting Penn State on February 21 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Fred Hoiberg had been mentioned as a Coach of the Year candidate earlier this season. Now the focus is on finishing strong. Nebraska has already changed the direction of the program. How it responds to this stretch, and to the noise around the Iowa game, will shape the rest of its season.