Rienk Mast spent three seasons at Nebraska, and they were certainly three very different seasons. Last year, Nebraska came up just short of the NCAA Tournament, but ended up winning the College Basketball Crown tournament.
This season, the Huskers jumped out to a historic 20-0 start before dealing with a few rough patches in Big Ten play. Even though the Huskers were out of the Big Ten Tournament earlier than planned, they made up for it by winning not just their first-ever NCAA Tournament, but also making it to the Sweet 16.
Now, with the college basketball season officially over, Mast has decided to officially post his goodbye to Nebraska and Husker Nation. Mast posted a long message to his teammates, coaches, and fans on Instagram that will have Nebraska fans wiping away tears.
#Nebraska F Rienk Mast sends a lengthy goodbye to #Husker nation over Instagram pic.twitter.com/Hda6sMnZBG
— Justin Frommer (@JustinbFrommer) April 7, 2026
The biggest thing fans can take away from Mast's message is the part where he talked about leaving a program better than when you joined it. Mast was a big part of Nebraska's doing just that this season.
Not only did Mast help make Nebraska better on the court by averaging 13.3 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, but he also helped with the culture. Head coach Fred Hoiberg has done well building a brotherhood culture at Nebraska, and Mast bought into that.
Mast certainly was a big player for Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament, hitting some really clutch three-pointers against Vanderbilt in the Round of 32, but he was also a great leader for the Huskers. It is tough to see such a great player have to leave, but he will never be forgotten.
Huskers Nation will definitely wish Mast the best on whatever he chooses to do next, whether that is continuing to play basketball or choosing another path in life. Mast will forever be a Cornhusker and always be welcome back in Lincoln.