Basketball

Nebraska Alumni Ink NBA Deals After Draft

Sam Hoiberg joins Phoenix Suns, Rienk Mast signs with Indiana Pacers as program celebrates historic run

The 2026 NBA Draft wrapped up on Wednesday night, marking the end of a week-long event that had teams selecting new talent for the upcoming season.

No Picks, But Contracts

While no Husker was selected in either round, the Nebraska program still celebrated two signings that will see its alumni begin professional careers in the NBA.

Sam Hoiberg, who capped his senior season with a 9.3‑point average and a school‑record 3.75 assist‑to‑turnover ratio, agreed to a deal with the Phoenix Suns. The guard also logged 157 assists, 42 turnovers and 70 steals, earning All‑Big Ten honorable mention, a spot on the Big Ten All‑Defensive Team and a nomination for the Nolan Richardson Award.

Rienk Mast, meanwhile, signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers after recovering from injury. The forward contributed 13.3 points per game, pulled down 5.8 rebounds and hit 50 three‑pointers while setting a personal best with 65 free throws.

Both signings come as Nebraska celebrates a historic stretch that includes three straight 20‑win seasons and its first Sweet Sixteen appearance in school history. The program’s rise has been accompanied by increased national attention and a recruiting boost.

The moves highlight a broader trend of mid‑major programs producing NBA‑ready talent, and they set the stage for the Huskers to continue building on a foundation that has already delivered record‑breaking performances.

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