2008 Woodie Awards
Mason Brings Storm Into New Heights
Deborah N. Harris, Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/23/07 Section: Sports
Two years ago, Anthony Mason, Jr. added a fresh face and form to the 2005-06 season along with other newcomers Ricky Torres and Tomas Jasiulionis. Upon entering his freshmen year, fans had high hopes for the young man from Memphis, Tennessee to bring the men's basketball program back to prominence. Now, into his junior season, Mason has the entire St. John's community looking to him for leadership.
Of course, one would think Mason, Jr.'s life would parallel that of his father, Mason, Sr., who entered the draft in 1988 after he left Tennessee. Over the past two years, Mason Jr.'s own rapid development as a player has made fans curious about his future career moves and if the NBA is on his mind. But Mason says that he is not thinking that far ahead.
"If it's coming, then it comes- that's my goal, that's where I want to end up," Mason said. "But if they're looking, then that's good for me because they're looking at the program, but I ain't out to jump into the league next year."
Mason is ready for the upcoming season-- being a "leader on the court, taking charge, taking more shots, and giving [his] team what they need to succeed."
Mason has the tools to make him an all around phenomenal player on both sides of the floor. His size and wingspan enable him to pressure his man effectively on defense, while his quickness and agility allow him to get inside his man to pull up for a mid-range jumper or a three. Still, Mason can take it to the hole and send the media on a photo-flashing frenzy with brazen dunks worthy of a SLAM magazine "Slam-a-da-month" feature.
"I think Mason has been given some really great God-given gifts of length, great coordination, the ability to shoot, speed and athleticism," Coach Norm Roberts said of Mason's seemingly innate abilities. "A lot of times you get a guy that's very fast, but not very tall, you get a guy whose very tall, but not very fast or he's not very agile- he's got all those things."
Mason, Jr. has been improving upon his game ever since he set foot on the St. John's hardwood and is taking on a new challenge for the upcoming season with the graduation of veterans: big man Lamont Hamilton and play-maker Daryll Hill. Along with senior point guard Eugene Lawrence, Mason will be looked to for guidance and support by the new seven man class joining the Red Storm family in the fall.
Of course, one would think Mason, Jr.'s life would parallel that of his father, Mason, Sr., who entered the draft in 1988 after he left Tennessee. Over the past two years, Mason Jr.'s own rapid development as a player has made fans curious about his future career moves and if the NBA is on his mind. But Mason says that he is not thinking that far ahead.
"If it's coming, then it comes- that's my goal, that's where I want to end up," Mason said. "But if they're looking, then that's good for me because they're looking at the program, but I ain't out to jump into the league next year."
Mason is ready for the upcoming season-- being a "leader on the court, taking charge, taking more shots, and giving [his] team what they need to succeed."
Mason has the tools to make him an all around phenomenal player on both sides of the floor. His size and wingspan enable him to pressure his man effectively on defense, while his quickness and agility allow him to get inside his man to pull up for a mid-range jumper or a three. Still, Mason can take it to the hole and send the media on a photo-flashing frenzy with brazen dunks worthy of a SLAM magazine "Slam-a-da-month" feature.
"I think Mason has been given some really great God-given gifts of length, great coordination, the ability to shoot, speed and athleticism," Coach Norm Roberts said of Mason's seemingly innate abilities. "A lot of times you get a guy that's very fast, but not very tall, you get a guy whose very tall, but not very fast or he's not very agile- he's got all those things."
Mason, Jr. has been improving upon his game ever since he set foot on the St. John's hardwood and is taking on a new challenge for the upcoming season with the graduation of veterans: big man Lamont Hamilton and play-maker Daryll Hill. Along with senior point guard Eugene Lawrence, Mason will be looked to for guidance and support by the new seven man class joining the Red Storm family in the fall.
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