Nebraska star Pryce Sandfort's NBA brother Payton makes debut, surprises him at NCAA Tournament

Payton Sandfort, the older brother of Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort, made his NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder just before surprising Pryce at the NCAA Tournament.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort is not the only one in his family lighting it up in March. His older brother Payton, a standout for the Iowa Hawkeyes before suffering a string of shoulder and wrist injuries during his senior year, officially made his NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder just last night. Immediately following the game, Payton took an early morning flight to Oklahoma City to surprise Pryce at the Paycom Center, his new NBA home. With his brother watching from the stands, Pryce led Nebraska to a 76–47 win over Troy on Thursday, March 19, scoring 23 points and securing the first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in the history of the Nebraska men's basketball program.

Why it matters

The Sandfort brothers have a long history of playing together, first at Iowa and now on separate paths to the professional ranks. Their emotional reunion at the NCAA Tournament highlights the close bond between the siblings and the support they provide each other, even as their careers take different trajectories.

The details

Payton Sandfort, the older brother, played two seasons alongside Pryce at Iowa from 2023 to 2025 before suffering a string of shoulder and wrist injuries during his senior year. Despite going undrafted in 2025, Payton signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent most of the 2025–26 season with their G League affiliate, the OKC Blue. His persistence paid off on March 18, 2026, when he made his official NBA debut and scored his first professional points against the Brooklyn Nets. Immediately following the game, Payton took an early morning flight to Oklahoma City to surprise Pryce at the Paycom Center, his new NBA home. With his brother watching from the stands, Pryce led Nebraska to a 76–47 win over Troy on Thursday, March 19, scoring 23 points and securing the first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in the history of the Nebraska men's basketball program.

  • On March 18, 2026, Payton Sandfort made his NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • On March 19, 2026, Payton Sandfort surprised his brother Pryce at the NCAA Tournament in Oklahoma City.

The players

Payton Sandfort

A former standout at the University of Iowa, Payton finished his collegiate career in 2025 as one of the most lethal shooters in program history, ranking second all-time in career three-pointers. Despite a senior season hampered by injuries, he earned All-Big Ten honors and was known for his automatic release, culminating in a 30-point performance in his final game as a Hawkeye. After going undrafted in 2025, Payton signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent most of the 2025–26 season with their G League affiliate, the OKC Blue. His persistence paid off on March 18, 2026, when he made his official NBA debut and scored his first professional points against the Brooklyn Nets.

Pryce Sandfort

Pryce followed in his brother's footsteps to Iowa City, playing two seasons alongside Payton from 2023 to 2025. A former Iowa Mr. Basketball, Pryce showcased his own perimeter prowess as a key rotation piece for the Hawkeyes before electing to transfer to Nebraska for the 2025–26 season to take on a more prominent starting role. In his first year with the Huskers, Pryce became a breakout star, leading the team in scoring and setting a new school record for three-pointers in a single season. His 23-point performance was the driving force behind Nebraska's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, a historic milestone that he achieved with his older brother cheering from the stands.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.