After a strong performance in last weekend's Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, where he was one of the top overall performers in the event, 6-foot-7 ultra-athletic forward Seth Mason announced that he has decided to reclassify grades - moving from the 2016 class to the 2017 junior class. As a result, Mason will now become one of the more sought after recruiting targets in the group.
Mason also advised our staff that he has re-opened his college recruitment as well - de-committing from New Mexico Highlands University. Head coach Craig Snow previously extended an offer to Mason as a junior prospect, and offer that Mason previously accepted. Mason will now re-open his college recruitment in an attempt to get stronger physically and have a chance to realize his goals on the court.
"I want to play division-I basketball," said Mason. "Life is short and I only get one chance to do this. I want to play at the highest level I can."
Mason advised me that he has also decided to attend Skyline Prep Academy in South Phoenix to make the transition possible. At Skyline Prep, Mason told me that he will compete this high school season against other charter schools in the valley.
Mason is one of the state's most athletically gifted performers, but saw very little playing time last season for Pinnacle High School. As a result, Mason had decided to transfer to Higley High School - looking to make a dramatic improvement in his play and numbers as a senior. He will now attend Skyline Prep.
The decision for Mason to reclassify grades is a nice move and decision for this athletically gifted prospect with loads of upside for the future. Mason has amazing potential over time, as he has recently worked hard to develop his overall fundamentals and offensive skillset. While he is not a skill-guy of any sorts, his offensive abilities are very respectable and his bounce off the floor is almost eye-popping, as he finishes very high above the rim and with quickl ift off the floor. Mason is still very thin physically and will need to add some serious muscle and girth to his frame over time, but he has a body that should handle much more size quite well. As he matures physically, look out.
Mason came almost out of nowhere during the fall of 2014, when he made a big splash in several local exposure events.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Mason is a raw, athletic talent with loads of athleticism and potential for the future. Still very thin physically, Mason burst onto the recruiting scene after a strong performance in several Showcase events during the fall of 2014. Mason is a very intriguing prospect as a result of his unique bounce off the floor, which is almost surprising when you see him take off. Mason is an excellent finisher above the rim and is a highlight reel in the open floor. Mason is a very good mid-range performer that has a knack for scoring the basketball in the lane and around defenders on the baseline. He still needs to add consistency on his jump shot from longer ranges and acquire a stronger handle of the basketball to reach his maximum potential as a player. As he gets much stronger physically, his overall approach to the game will really develop. A solid rebounder with excellent length of body and good timing, but he still lacks the physical strength to get good inside position consistently. Utilizes his length and athleticism though to keep balls in play for offensive put-backs. A very good shot-blocker with good timing. A very intriguing prospect that has tremendous upside for the future.
