NBA scouts better watch out. There’s a new kid on the block, and his name is Keisei Tominaga. Dubbed with the nickname “Japanese Steph Curry,” this 6’2″ guard from Nagoya, Japan, isn’t fazed by it. He wears number 30 with pride, mirroring his idol, Stephen Curry, and drains threes with incredible confidence, often ending in Curry-esque celebrations on the court.

Tominaga, however, isn’t just about the art of imitation, though. He’s Nebraska’s leading scorer this season, averaging 14.6 points per game. And his impact goes beyond scoring. The Cornhuskers, a team that has been searching for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014, are now a force to be reckoned with, and Tominaga is a big reason why.

Basketball is practically in Tominaga’s DNA. His father, Hiroyuki, was a towering center who played for Japan at the Basketball World Championship from 1996 to 2006. Even his mom was a baller. It seems hoops were a constant presence in the Tominaga household. Rumor has it there were even baskets in the bathroom. This early exposure evidently paid off. He became a high school star, leading his team to a prestigious 3rd-place finish at the Winter Cup in his senior year.

Following his father’s advice, Tominaga took his talents to the United States. He spent two years finessing his skills at Ranger College in Texas before landing a full scholarship at Nebraska. As a junior, he turned into a scoring machine, averaging 13.1 points and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. Briefly tempted by the NBA draft scouts, Tominaga wisely returned for his senior year.

The Rising Sun of Nebraska: Keisei Tominaga

This season, Tominaga has become a more well-rounded player. While his three-point shooting remains elite at a staggering 37.1%, he’s also developed a knack for finishing around the rim, converting on a stellar 58.0% of his attempts. In their recent showdown against Indiana, Tominaga was on fire again. He dropped 23 points, including four daggers from beyond the arc, extending Nebraska’s winning streak and sending them to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. In fact, Indiana has had no answer for Tominaga all season. He’s averaged over 20 points in their 3 meetings.

With Tominaga leading the charge, Nebraska is a team on fire. They’re not just dreaming of the NCAA Tournament anymore; they’re going for a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament and a hopeful return to the national stage. So, keep an eye on this sharpshooter from the Land of the Rising Sun. He might just be the spark that ignites a new era of Cornhusker basketball, and who knows, next stop, the NBA.

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