The Indiana Pacers have added former Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Rienk Mast on a training camp deal. Mast was one of four players to sign with the Pacers this week, bringing his momentum from a standout Summer League performance to an NBA opportunity.
This move comes as the Pacers look to build depth following a tough stretch to close the 2025-26 regular season. Their last result was a 121-133 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, part of a recent form of one win and four losses in their final five games.
Rienk Mast is coming off a senior season where he was a central figure for Nebraska's run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. He averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game under head coach Fred Hoiberg. His skill development in Lincoln made him a versatile frontcourt option.
He carried that form directly into the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Mast played in four games, starting three, and put up averages of 15.3 points and nine rebounds per contest. His rebounding average was tied for sixth-best among all players in the Vegas league, and he logged major minutes at 27.6 per game.
For the Pacers, this is a low-risk chance to evaluate a productive college player who has shown he can translate his game. Mast's ability to score, rebound, and facilitate from the forward spot fits the modern NBA's need for versatility. His performance against professional competition in Summer League suggests he could compete for a roster spot.
The team is in an evaluation phase after a challenging end to the season. Beyond the Pistons loss, they also fell 94-105 to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10 and 104-124 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 7. Their lone recent win was a 123-94 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on April 9. Adding competitive players like Mast to training camp fosters internal competition.
Mast will report to Pacers training camp later this year, aiming to impress the coaching staff and secure a place on the regular season roster or a two-way contract. His path will depend on his adaptability to the NBA's speed and physicality during preseason workouts and games.
For the Pacers organization, the focus shifts to the offseason and preparing for the 2026-27 campaign. The team will look to integrate new faces and build on the core roster. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule and roster moves on the official [fixtures](/fixtures) and [squad](/squad) pages. Mast's journey from Nebraska to the NBA's doorstep is a significant step, and his training camp performance will determine the next chapter.
