Former Jayhawk Frank Mason off to fast NBA start

Frank Mason amazed Kansas basketball fans the past four seasons. The 2017 NCAA Player-of-the-Year is off to a fast start in the NBA.

Kansas basketball fans know we will miss watching Frank Mason race by defenders at Allen Fieldhouse this season. Fortunately Bill Self has Devonte Graham, Malik Newman and Lagerald Vick and Svi. Mason is already off to a fast start against NBA competition. As a matter of fact, he performed well in Summer League play. Monday Mason had his first taste of the rest of the NBA.

Kansas basketball fans are all rooting for Mason to do well. He certainly did not disappoint. He picked up right where he left off in the NCAA tournament. Frank used his speed Monday night to race by the San Antonio Spurs. His 17-points led the Kings to victory. It’s just a preseason game. On the other hand, this is just what everyone expected Frank to do.

Jayhawk fans saw Mason step up in the clutch and lead the team to victory many times the past four years. His 8-points during clutch time in the 4th quarter Monday made the difference in helping Sacramento beat San Antonio.

After the win, Kings’ coach Dave Joerger praised Mason, according to a media release “Frank’s got guts. That will translate over everything.” Former Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield, now Frank’s teammate in Sacramento agreed.

"He’s a tough guard. I played against him for three years in the Big 12. I like his demeanor and what he’s got going on."

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Mason shot 50 percent from the field and from beyond the arc in his preseason debut. In addition to the 17-points, Frank found his way to 6 rebounds in 22-minutes of action. We know Frank is destined for a great rookie season. This shows he belongs. The Kings play at San Antonio on Friday.