2019-20 (FRESHMAN)
Kevin Cross proved to be one of the Huskers’ top scoring options off the bench as a true freshman. He appeared in all 32 games, including a pair of starts, and averaged 7.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He ranked fifth among all Big Ten true freshman in rebounding and seventh in both scoring and 3-pointers per game (1.0). Cross showed his versatility as a playmaker, finishing fifth on the team in both 3-pointers (32) and assists (37) while playing just 18.3 minutes per game, as he was forced to play in the post because of the Huskers’ size limitations.
Cross reached double figures nine times, which was the most since Glynn Watson Jr. in 2015-16, and capped his first year with a career night against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament. In that game, he tied or set career highs with points (23), rebounds (nine), 3-pointers (four) and free throws made (five) and attempted (five). It marked the highest total by a Husker freshman since Shavon Shields in 2013. That performance against the Hoosiers was one of two double-figure efforts to close the year, as he had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists at Minnesota. His best stretch in Big Ten play came in late January when he posted a pair of 17-point efforts at Wisconsin and against Michigan in a three-game stretch. Against both teams, he hit 6-of-11 from the field, including a trio of 3-pointers. He also had a season-high three steals against the Badgers. Cross also played a key role in the Huskers’ win over Iowa, scoring eight of his 11 points in the second half and adding five boards in the 76-70 win and had seven points and seven rebounds in the win over Purdue.
Cross got off to a strong start in non-conference play, reaching double figure in four of the Huskers’ first six contests, highlighted by a 19-point effort on 8-of-15 shooting against Southern Utah. He played one of his most complete games of the year against Washington State in the Cayman Islands Classic, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots in a Husker win. He capped the streak off with an 11-point effort, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, against George Mason. Cross also chipped in nine rebounds and five boards in 15 minutes against North Dakota.
BEFORE NEBRASKA
One of the top players in the state of Arkansas, Kevin Cross signed with Nebraska in May of 2019. He played for Coach Raymond Cooper at Mills University Studies High School, earning all-state honors in Arkansas in 2018 and 2019.
As a senior, Cross helped Mills to a 28-5 record and runner-up honors in Class 4A, averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists per game. For his efforts, he was named first-team all-state in Class 4A by the Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association and garnered second-team all-state (all classes) by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Cross had 24 points and nine rebounds in the state title game loss to Magnolia. His two best performances as a senior were a 34-point, 20-rebound effort and a 29-point, 21-carom performance. Following the season, he earned MVP honors at the All-Metro Classic with a 32-point effort, which included six 3-pointers.
Cross was also a first-team all-state Class 5A selection by the coaches association and a second-team all-state honoree by the Democrat-Gazette as a junior, averaging 14.9 points and 6.8 caroms per contest as the team went 29-3 en route to a runner-up finish at the state tournament. Cross was a member of the honor roll during his high school career. Cross played his AAU ball for Coach Shaun Raynolds on the C.H.A.M.P.S. program. Cross selected Nebraska over Oklahoma State, TCU and Illinois.
PERSONAL
Kevin is the son of Kevin Cross Sr. and Latoyia Daniel, and was born in Little Rock, Ark., on June 22, 2000. He has a younger brother (Keaton) and a younger sister (Karrington). Cross has not declared a major at Nebraska.