The NBA Summer League provided a platform for several Nebraska-connected players to showcase their skills, with a mix of former Cornhuskers, Bluejays, Mavericks, and prep products making their mark. Among the standout performers were Rienk Mast of the Indiana Pacers, who demonstrated a swing skill in 3-point shooting, and Brice Williams of the Detroit Pistons, who showcased his shooting prowess in a featured role. Sam Hoiberg, a Lincoln Pius X product and son of Husker head coach Fred Hoiberg, made a significant impact with the Phoenix Suns, securing a crucial stop in their comeback win over Portland.
Former Creighton players also shone, with Josh Dix of the Oklahoma City Thunder impressing in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas summer leagues, and Steven Ashworth joining the Thunder after a strong performance in summer league with Indiana. Arthur Kaluma, a former Bluejay who finished his college career at Texas, parlayed a strong performance in summer league into a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nebraska prep products, such as John Tonje of Omaha Central, also made their mark, with Tonje averaging double figures for the Boston Celtics and Frankie Fidler of Bellevue West making a strong impression with the Portland Trailblazers. Despite not being drafted, these players have shown they deserve a chance in the NBA, with some already securing two-way contracts and others making strong cases for further opportunities.
However, not all players had such positive experiences. Josiah Allick of Lincoln North Star only played in two games for the Charlotte Hornets, and Trey Alexander of Utah signed a two-way deal with the Jazz but suffered an injury in the Las Vegas Summer League. Saint Thomas of Millard North and William Kyle III of Bellevue West also struggled to find their rhythm, with Thomas signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and Kyle starting for the Los Angeles Lakers but struggling to find consistency.
Overall, the NBA Summer League provided a valuable opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and make a case for future opportunities. While some players shined brightly, others struggled to find their rhythm, but all gained valuable experience and exposure in the process.
