Fred Hoiberg shares Rienk Mast is 'ahead of schedule' with rehab, will still sit out 2024-25

Nebraska forward Rienk Mast has been on ice for the last few weeks, recovering from a knee surgery earlier in the offseason. But the international veteran for the Cornhuskers is apparently making big strides in his rehab.

He’s even begun starting to shoot the basketball a little bit, head coach Fred Hoiberg said. Even with the promising progression, Mast is still anticipated to miss the 2024-25 season, as planned.

“Rienk is, he’s up actually shooting a little bit,” Hoiberg said. “Not moving. But he’s ahead of schedule with his rehab. We’re still going to stick the plan with him not playing this year, but he’s still involved. He’s on the sideline, he’s over there talking. He and Joe obviously know what we want, what we’re trying to do. So to see those two guys over there, really trying to talk and when Braxton comes off the floor, you see Josiah sometimes bring him to the side or Rienk bring him to the side and let him know if he made a mistake. And Rienk’s going to be a big part of this.”

Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers have been clear from the beginning that the plan is for Mast to miss the entirety of the 2024-25 season before coming back.

Mast released a thorough statement on the matter when he first underwent surgery.

“Husker nation, this past season was one of the most fun years of my life,” Mast said in the statement. “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 yea will be very challenging for me individually, but I’ll try to help the team in the best possible way I can.”

Hoiberg also addressed the situation shortly after Mast made it public.

He specified that the coaches and player were in agreement on this being the necessary course of treatment, and that Mast would still be playing a role on the team this upcoming season.

“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,” Hoiberg said in a statement. “He has been in contact with our staff throughout the 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.”