Rienk Mast: Dutch Basketball Player’s Inspiring Journey to Nebraska

A recent social media post highlighted the journey of Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball player Rienk Mast, a native of the Netherlands, drawing attention to his path from European basketball to the American collegiate level.

Mast, currently a senior at the University of Nebraska, began his professional career with Donar Groningen in his home country in 2017, at the age of 16. He quickly made an impact, becoming the youngest top scorer in Donar’s history on February 1, 2018, when he scored 24 points in a NBB Cup game against Racing Beverwijk. During his time with Donar, he secured a DBL championship in 2018 and a Dutch Cup championship in the same year, earning DBL All-Rookie Team honors and later being named DBL Most Improved Player in 2019.

After three seasons with Donar, Mast transferred to Bradley University in the United States, where he continued to excel. He was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team in 2021 and earned Third-Team All-MVC honors in 2022. His performance improved in the 2022-23 season, earning him First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference and First-Team NABC All-District 16 recognition.

In 2023, Mast joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He has been a key player for the team, earning Third-Team All-Large Ten honors in 2024. He is currently averaging 17.9 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Huskers, and has recorded two double-doubles this season, including a triple-double against FIU on November 8, 2025. Mast missed the 2024-25 season following knee surgery in May 2024.

Mast is likewise a member of the Dutch national basketball team. He has represented the Netherlands in international competitions, including the FIBA Europe U16 and U18 Championships. He has received multiple academic accolades even as at Nebraska, including being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2025 and earning Academic All-Big Ten honors in both 2024 and 2025.

According to Huskers.com, Mast is one of only two active Division I players with 1,500 career points and 800 rebounds. He is currently listed as a 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward.