Mast Named to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Midseason List

Nebraska’s Rienk Mast was honored Friday, as one of 10 players on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Midseason List. The award honors the best center in men’s college basketball and is presented by the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mast has been a focal point of the Huskers’ attack this season, as Nebraska enters the weekend with a school-best 20-2 record and No. 9 national ranking in both national polls. The 6-foot-10 senior has played in 21 games and is averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, ranking second on the team in scoring and rebounding and third in assists.

He has been in double figures 15 times, including four 20-point efforts. Mast scored a season-high 31 points, including seven 3-pointers against Winthrop and had 20 or more points in NU’s wins over Oklahoma, Kansas State and Creighton. He keyed NU’s win over then No. 9 Michigan State with 19 points, including six 3-pointers, and seven rebounds. Earlier this season, he recorded the third triple-double in school history with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against FIU.  Mast is one of only two active players nationally with 1,600 points and 1,000 rebounds.

In March, the Top 10 list will be narrowed to just five, and in late March, the five finalists will be presented to Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Abdul-Jabbar Award are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

For more information on the 2026 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu and #KareemAward, X and Instagram.