The era of Thor in Lincoln is over.
It lasted four seasons, a rarity at at both Power 5 schools and at schools with coaching changes. Thorir Thorbjarnarson falls into both of those categories.
The 6-foot-6 guard from Reykjavik, Iceland, was the only holdover from Tim Miles to Fred Hoiberg. He appeared in 93 games, including 43 starts for the Big Red. He totaled 444 career points, 292 rebounds and 119 assists.
“Thorir has been a leader in our program and has done everything we’ve asked of him over the last two seasons,” Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He has represented Nebraska the right way, and everyone in our program appreciates the contributions he has made to Husker basketball. We will continue to support him as he starts the next step of his basketball journey.”
Thorbjarnarson’s best season came in the shortened 2020-21, as he played in all 27 games and started 12 of them. Although his averages of 3.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game don’t jump off the page, it was his ability to always be in the right place while on the floor that set him apart and earned him minutes.
Perhaps his best remembered moment came as a sophomore. In the final seconds of overtime against Iowa in the regular-season finale, as he blocked Jordan Bohannon’s 3-point attempt to preserve Nebraska’s 93-91 win.
In a statement on social media, Thorbjarnson gave thanks.
It feels like just yesterday I was moving in at the dorms and starting my college career. These past 4 years have gone by quickly. We have had our ups and our downs but through it all, the fans have stood by us and cheered us on no matter what. I’m very lucky to have landed at a place like Nebraska where I have felt at home from the moment I got here. I want to thank my teammates through the years for pushing me to become better, my coaches for believing in me, my friends and family for supporting me, and the entire support staff for all the work they put in behind the scenes. But most importantly, my parents for their unwavering support, help, and guidance.
With all that being said, I have decided that I will not return for another year, but instead, I will pursue a professional career in basketball. I have learned a lot in these four years I have been here and enjoyed every second of it. I am proud to say that I am graduating from The University of Nebraska, and I am excited about the next chapter. I know that the program is in great hands with Coach Hoiberg and his staff and I look forward to cheering the team on for years to come.
From the bottom of my heart,
Thank you and Go Big Red Forever.
Thorir Thorbjarnarson
Thank you, Nebraska. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ra7giX3aq7
— Thorir Gudmundur (@Totiturbo) April 23, 2021
Featured Image Courtesy USA Today Sports