Rienk Mast return is first domino for Nebraska basketball

Nebraska basketball fans have been looking for something to be happy about since many are frustrated about the berth in the Crown, and on Monday, there is at least one thing.

Many fans assumed Rienk Mast was going to return to Nebraska basketball next season, but in this era, nothing is guaranteed.

Yet, according to Fred Hoiberg, Mast will be back for the Huskers for the 2025-26 season. He told Robin Washut of Husker Online that Mast will “100 percent” be back. Amie Just also reported that she confirmed that same thing through a program source.

Getting the 6-foot-10, All-Big Ten selection back is massive for the Huskers and gives them a nice building block. Nebraska is also expected to be active in the transfer portal.

The program has already been in touch with five targets at this point, although adding Josh Dix from Iowa could be tough. He already has a visit scheduled to Creighton, along with Owen Freeman, another elite player in the portal.

What Mast brings back to Nebraska basketball

After transferring from Bradley, Mast averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and three assists during his first season with the Huskers in 2023-24. He shot over 80 percent from the free throw line and was a 34 percent 3-point shooter with 1.3 3-point field goals per game.

Mast was also a critical playmaker for the Huskers, and a low-post presence, two things they missed last season, in addition to his ability to hit the 3-ball on the pick-and-pop.

It won’t be easy to replace Brice Williams and Juwan Gary. But the Huskers at least have Mast, and Connor Essegian, who made 70 3-pointers will be back. Essegian and Mast are two starting-level players in the Big Ten.

Nebraska still needs another forward or a center to play with Mast, a point guard, and another wing. They could also use another 3-and-D guy. Gary was basically that when he started with Nebraska but became much more.

There will be other dominos to fall, but making sure Mast is back was an important one.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.