Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Rienk Mast #51 Celebration MBB vs Northwestern
LINCOLN – University of Nebraska men’s basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Thursday that Rienk Mast will undergo left knee surgery and miss the entire 2024-25 season.
Mast, a 6-foot-10 forward from Groningen, Netherlands, will take a medical redshirt and return for the 2025-26 season. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from the media last season, averaging 12.3 points per game while leading the Huskers in both rebounds (7.5 rpg) and assists (3.0 apg). Mast totaled six double-doubles – the most by a Husker since the 2007-08 season – and reached double figures 20 times, including a career-high 34-point effort against Ohio State.
Statement from Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg
“Rienk has put a lot of thought into this decision and worked closely with our medical staff in looking at all of the options to get his knee healthy. He has been in contact with our staff throughout this process, and we are in agreement that this is Rienk’s best long-term option for his basketball career. Although he will not be on the court next season, Rienk will have a different role, one where we can take advantage of his experience and leadership skills. We know that Rienk will be diligent in his rehab and will do everything he can to return to full health.
Statement from Rienk Mast
Husker Nation,
This past season was one of the most fun years of my life. Thank you for taking me in and giving me another place that feels like home.
As some people know, I played most of last season with a knee that wasn’t completely healthy. Over these past couple weeks, I’ve spoken with multiple doctors about what we can do to get my knee healthy for the rest of my playing career and hopefully life. These have been some difficult conversations, but the best way forward for me is to undergo surgery.
This was not an easy decision, as it will mean I will have to medically redshirt the 2024-25 season, while still maintaining my last year of eligibility.
I want to thank everyone involved with our athletic department and men’s basketball team for the support they have shown me. This upcoming year will be very challenging for me individually, but I’ll try to help the team in the best possible way I can.
#GBR