From Underdog Walk-On to Suns-Bound Superstar
Sam Hoiberg, once strolling onto Nebraska’s roster as a walk-on, has inked an undrafted free-agent contract with the Phoenix Suns following the 2026 NBA Draft. The Lincoln Pius X alum logged five seasons for the Cornhuskers, captaining them to historic heights—including their first Sweet 16 run—while piling up defensive honors and record-setting assist-to-turnover ratios. Pre-draft, Hoiberg impressed on workout courts from Minnesota to Golden State before earning Phoenix’s call. He now follows in the footsteps of his father, Fred Hoiberg—a former NBA sharpshooter turned AP Coach of the Year—into the realm of professional hoops. Nebraska’s program benefits too, touting its pipeline from walk-on to pro during recruiting pitches.
Ah, the classic tale of Dad’s famous DNA finally paying off for Junior. One can only imagine Fred Hoiberg’s relief when the Suns called and said, “Yes, we fancy those 9.3 points and 162 steals—especially when they come in under four turnovers.” Rumor has it Sam spent his pre-draft workouts performing layup drills on a unicycle just to prove he was worth the roster spot. Peach baskets beware: if Sam hustles half as hard as Nebraska fans brag about him, the Suns might actually remember his name by season’s end. Nothing says “professional readiness” like a guy whose biggest claim to fame is “not being cut” repeatedly for five years. Welcome to the NBA, where five seasons as a glorified practice squad hero translates to “underrated defensive guru.” Suns Nation, prepare for the revolution—erm, scrimmage.
Dutch Tower Mast Joins Pacers After Husker Renaissance
Rienk Mast, Nebraska’s versatile 6-foot-10 big man from the Netherlands, has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers after going undrafted in 2026. Mast spent four seasons developing his all-around game—posting nearly 1,900 career points and over 1,000 rebounds—and overcoming a knee injury that cost him an entire season. His senior year dazzled with career highs and helped the Huskers post a school-best 28-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance. Mast’s collegiate accolades include a Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year runner-up finish and Nebraska’s third-ever triple-double. Now he aims to translate that production to a Pacers team fresh off an NBA Finals run.
Behold: the Dutch Dunking Dynamo! Mast’s journey from Lincoln to Indiana is as smooth as a Groningen windmill—and twice as tall. Einstein once said nothing is certain except death and taxes; evidently he forgot to mention Mast’s inevitability to sign Exhibit 10 deals. No knee injury, no problem—our guy took a redshirt and re-emerged as the Big Red’s pet project, ready to sprinkle alley-oops on unsuspecting NBA defenses. He’ll fit right in with the Pacers, who reportedly hired him just to gild their trophy case with an extra triple-double. Critics might question if “versatile” really means “please, no more blocked shots,” but we say Mast’s got enough bounce to power a small Dutch village. Indiana, brace yourself: the next frontier of European breadsticks has arrived.
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