Week to remember for Frank Mason
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball fan favorite Frank Mason is adjusting well to his NBA summer league opportunity. The NCAA Player of the Year signed an NBA contract Wednesday.
Kansas basketball fans were thrilled the Sacramento Kings drafted Frank Mason last month. After his incredible 4-years for Bill Self, Mason deserved the opportunity. As a matter of fact, Mason is making the most of the opportunity. He is showing his new teammates and coaches what Jayhawk fans already knew.
Frank officially signed his NBA contract with the Kings Wednesday. It is worth much more than if he he’d won the ESPY for Best Male College Athlete. He also twisted an ankle in the Kings win over Milwaukee Wednesday night. Kansas fans know Frank is tough. It won’t slow him down.
Earlier this week, Mason scored 24 points and handed out 6 assists in the Kings loss to Lonzo Ball and the Lakers. Not only did he make exciting drives to the basket, he hit some of those awesome tear-drop shots. After all, this is what Mason did so well for the Jayhawks.
In addition, he was frequently on the floor after driving for layups. In his first 3 summer league games in Las Vegas, Mason was averaging 11 points on 40 percent shooting. The average dropped slightly after he sat out a portion of Wednesday’s game with the twisted ankle. In addition to his offense, Mason is also among the best defenders on the court.
Frank Mason III w/ the hesitation to cut into the @SacramentoKings deficit!
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 11, 2017
They trail 73-64 to start the 4Q. Get to NBA TV for the finish! pic.twitter.com/USPBgwPP1h
In light of Mason’s speed, the Kings are working him alongside former Kentucky speedster De’Aaron Fox. James Ham for CSNBayarea.com illustrates how the Kings are testing this dynamic duo. There are many positive implications for Mason.
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Jayhawk fans must overlook the fact that Mason is forced to play next to a Kentucky Wildcat. Mason already got the best of Fox last winter when Kansas won in Lexington. In the first place, these two need to work together. It could be a fun team to watch with former OU star Buddy Hield, North Carolina’s Justin Jackson and 40-year-old Vince Carter.