Sam Hoiberg Earns Suns Opportunity After Going Undrafted in 2026 NBA Draft

Not every NBA journey begins with a draft-night celebration, and Sam Hoiberg is proving that an undrafted status does not have to define a player’s future. Shortly after the 2026 NBA Draft concluded, the former Nebraska standout reached an agreement to join the Phoenix Suns as a free agent, giving himself an opportunity to compete for a roster spot at the next level.

The deal provides Hoiberg with a chance to continue a basketball career built on steady improvement and persistence. While many prospects dream of hearing their names called during the draft, numerous players have successfully carved out NBA careers after entering the league through free agency, and Hoiberg now hopes to follow that path.

Phoenix moved quickly once the draft ended. After making only one selection and trading away its second-round pick, the Suns shifted their focus toward the undrafted market, identifying Hoiberg as a player worth bringing into the organization. The agreement was later confirmed by his agency, Priority Sports, while Hoiberg also announced the news through social media.

For the 23-year-old guard, the opportunity marks another milestone in a basketball journey that has consistently rewarded patience and determination. From beginning his college career as a walk-on to earning an NBA opportunity, Hoiberg has continued to exceed expectations at every stage.

1. Reward for a Breakout Senior Season

Hoiberg enters the professional ranks following the strongest season of his collegiate career. During the 2025-26 campaign, he became one of Nebraska’s most dependable players while starting all 35 games and serving as a leader on both ends of the floor. His efforts earned him a place on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, along with honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. Those honors reflected not only his defensive consistency but also his overall development into one of the conference’s most complete guards. Statistically, Hoiberg produced career-best numbers across nearly every major category. He averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while logging more than 32 minutes per contest, demonstrating his importance to Nebraska’s lineup throughout the season. His efficiency also stood out. Hoiberg shot 55 percent from the field, connected on 38.1 percent of his three-point attempts, and converted 75 percent of his free throws. Combined with his improved defensive production, those numbers showcased a well-rounded player capable of contributing in multiple ways.

2. A Career Built on Development

Although Hoiberg is the son of former NBA player and longtime coach Fred Hoiberg, his path to professional basketball was far from guaranteed. He joined Nebraska as a walk-on and spent the 2021-22 season redshirting before gradually working his way into a larger role. Over five years with the Cornhuskers, his responsibilities increased through consistent improvement and hard work. By his senior season, he had developed into a full-time starter and one of the team’s most trusted leaders, earning significant minutes because of his play rather than his family name. One of his most impressive accomplishments came in his final collegiate season when he recorded a 3.75-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, the best single-season mark in Nebraska program history. The statistic highlighted his decision-making, ball security, and ability to create opportunities for teammates while limiting mistakes. Hoiberg also played an important role during Nebraska’s memorable NCAA Tournament run. In the Cornhuskers’ Round of 32 victory over Vanderbilt, he contributed eight points and eight assists as the program advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history.

3. Opportunity Awaits in Phoenix

The Suns enter the offseason with added depth in the backcourt after bringing back Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie. Even so, Hoiberg will have the opportunity to compete for a place within the organization as he begins his professional career. Like many undrafted players, his immediate challenge will be proving he can translate his college production to the NBA level. Defensive intensity, sound decision-making, and efficient play are qualities that often help undrafted guards earn opportunities during training camp and preseason competition. Phoenix’s decision to sign Hoiberg suggests the organization values the traits he consistently displayed at Nebraska. His versatility, defensive instincts, and ability to protect the basketball could make him an intriguing developmental prospect as the Suns continue building roster depth. While his NBA future remains uncertain, Hoiberg has already demonstrated throughout his basketball career that he thrives when facing long odds. Going undrafted may have delayed his professional dream by one night, but signing with the Suns gives him the opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level.