Frank Mason III

I worry about Frank a little. I am not overly concerned about his stamina physically as I am mentally. Here is a young man who seems to have literally willed himself to become one of the preeminent point guards, not to mention all around players, in division I basketball and has done so against apparently great odds (see recentl SI article). He seems exceptionally well grounded as to what it means to be privileged to be where he is in life at this time- working on a college degree and playing basketball at an elite program. He is a great college point guard, but what prospects lie ahead- he is a bit undersized for NBA stardom. If he is a realist, and as a senior, the thought must cross his mind that this year, this team, may be his pinnacle, his biggest hoorah! I certainly hope not. It must be at least a bit disheartening for him to have to live through this seasons off court distractions- that's my concern. In a season that has seen team chemistry already interrupted by an untimely season ending injury and a couple of suspensions, a season that could be one police report/ PA review from being smashed to pieces, Frank has been a steady beacon of light, leading by example.

The following is a quote from the NYT article on Russell Westbrook from Coach Donovan- it could as well be HCBS on Frank:

"The No. 1 thing for him is how hard he competes. It starts there. That doesn’t mean he plays a perfect game, doesn’t mean that he never turns the ball over, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t miss a defensive assignment. But when the ball is loose on the glass or on the floor, when it requires energy and passion and fire — Russell is bringing that. So many players live with regret: They could have done a little bit more, been more committed, worked harder. I think he’s going to have a great level of peace when his time is done. He’s going to be able to move on with his life. He’s going to have peace in his heart."

I worry about Frank, but I think he'll be OK. Shine on and RCJH!

Not sure why flagged- use of quote? Full attribution: "The Misunderstood Genius of Russell Westbrook" by Sam Anderson, The New York Times Magazine, February 5, 2017

Hard to tell what Frank's post-college career will be. I think he could play at the NBA level. It would be more of a need/fit of a given team thing for him.

If he wants, he'll play somewhere professionally, like Europe. Again, it will come down to a team's needs and fit into a scheme/system.

I just want him to keep it up for the rest of this season and thank him for his time at KU when's it's all said and done. He's been great!

I think I have a better chance of someday understanding the opposite sex than I do the enigma that is judging NBA potential. Nevertheless, Frank IS undersized, but small guys have made careers in the league before, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him catch on somewhere. Kind of like Tarik Black who went undrafted, but who had size (Frank doesn't) and an incredible work ethic and belief in himself (Frank has those in spades), who went on to catch on in the NBA as a free agent.

So therefore, I think Frank has a shot. If the NBA doesn't take him, he'd absolutely have an opportunity overseas. I doubt he'd be an NBA star, but if you're pick is toward the latter half of the first round, most of the "stars" have gone already, you need depth at the point, and you feel like taking a shot on a kid who you KNOW will work his tail off (did I mention a contender for POY this year), it's not a ridiculous gamble. There's really very little not to like about his game. It's really just a matter of whether his game (and size) can translate to the NBA.