Teeng Akol never made it to Lincoln. Not even for a visit

A day after returning from a weekend trip to Oklahoma State, the 6-foot-11 center from Sudan confirmed Monday that he's joining the Cowboys basketball team.

Akol said in a phone interview that he's informed the OSU coaching staff of his decision. Akol had originally planned to visit Nebraska last week but backed out, saying he wanted to visit OSU first because the Cowboys had first contacted him.

In June, Akol had signed to play at South Florida but parted ways with the school last month, reportedly because of academic reasons.

Akol's decision means Nebraska' 13-player scholarship roster for the coming season will likely include senior walk-on Paul Velander.

Nebraska is still waiting to hear from the NCAA on the eligibility of 6-10 freshman Christopher Niemann. Without him, the Huskers' tallest player is 6-9 Alex Chapman.

- Brian Rosenthal