Kansas basketball: Frank Mason could be sidelined for weeks

Former Kansas basketball star Frank Mason continues to recover from injury. It could take him weeks or months to return to NBA action.

After an amazing 2017, the final day of the year was probably one of the most difficult for Kansas basketball great Frank Mason. During the New Year’s Eve loss to Memphis, Mason suffered a serious foot injury. As a matter of fact, he did score 6-points in five minutes of action that night. Mason didn’t return to action and the Grizzlies defeated the Kings 114-96.

How many times over the past four college basketball seasons did Kansas basketball fans watch Frank Mason fly through the air and hit the court? Almost every time we thought the worst. In some instances, Mason appeared to be in serious pain. He always gathered himself, would grit his teeth, struggle to stand and return to action. Coach Self would report after games that Mason was fine. That was Frank and we loved him for it.

Mason didn’t just jump up and return to action after this New Year’s Eve injury. It occurred as Mason attempted to rebound a missed free throw, according to Tyler Watts on TheRoyalPain.com.  Mason removed his shoe and medical staff carried him to the locker room.

The initial report said x-rays were negative and Mason had an ankle injury or a bruised heel. When I first heard about the injury, I didn’t think much about it. Knowing Mason’s history, I expected him to bounce back quickly.  I was wrong.

Mason could be sidelined for weeks

A couple of days ago the Kings said an MRI revealed the bad news. “Mason has a partial tear of the right plantar fascia (heel).”  That is a difficult injury for anyone especially someone who races up and down a basketball court. It could be mid-February before the Kings take a closer look at how Mason is responding to treatment and reevaluate his health. He needs patience to fully recover.

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Since Mason’s injury, the Kings have lost 7 of 8 games including a 95-88 contest in Oklahoma City  Monday night. I know a few Kansas basketball fans who hoped to see Mason play in that contest. Through 29 games, Mason is averaging 7 points, almost 3 assists and getting 18 minutes of playing time per game. He also started a couple of games. Let’s hope is health and back on court very soon.