Mason Makovec 6’3 185 2021 Kellam HS, Virginia Beach VA
Coach Frank say’s: Mason is a strong, athletic, blue collar type competitor skilled well beyond his freshman years. He is a high IQ small forward capable of handling and distributing the basketball but most productive off the ball combining strong scoring instincts with a natural feel. Mason has a smooth middle game and the strength and creativity to finish through contact at the rim. He has a tight handle and is able to get where he needs to on the court, does a great job finding angles to get to the rim and uses the hesitation move and change of pace dribble moves on the perimeter either coming off ball screens or in isolation to keep defenders off balance. He can break down his defender and his solid execution of the fundamentals allows for minimal wasted dribbles or wasted movement which allows him to get into the lane quicker. Not overly explosive, but quick and decisive as he attacks the rim with aggression able to endure contact and finish. His biggest asset is his ability to quickly pull up off an attack dribble move or create separation into a text book jumper. Mason plays on balance and is a threat to hit the mid range jumper or hesitate, then attack an off balance defender and get to the rim. While he can knock down the three pointer, Mason is best scoring on the move, uses screens effectively, makes great cuts and can hit the jumper off the catch and shoot demonstrating efficiency in the middle game. He is a tough and scrappy competitor. The picture that accompanies this profile was chosen by his high school coach Norman Hassell because it “best depicts the type of competitor he is”. He defends multiple positions using a strong frame, very good bounce and a nose for the basketball to rebound effectively while also having the lateral mobility and sound footwork to defend opposing wings. He is physical and active in the paint, a persistent rebounder. Mason is very quick in his lateral movements and has great anticipation which allows him to get into the passing lanes and have an impact off the ball defensively. He comes from athletic roots as his grandfather is Virginia sports icon and Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Famer Jack Ankerson. Ankerson was a multi-sport collegiate star and was among Ripon College’s all time leading scorers in basketball before being drafted by the NFL’s St Louis Cardinals in 1964 where he enjoyed a brief pro football career. Ankerson later moved to the front office where he has served as a sports executive and broadcaster at the professional level since the late 1960’s. He was named Sporting News ABA Executive of the Year in 1974 as General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs before serving as GM of the ABA’s Virginia Squires. Mason’s Mother, Allison Ankerson Makovec is a physical education teacher in Norfolk, VA. She was a multi-sport star at Norfolk, VA Maury HS and went on to a record setting career in tennis and soccer at Catawba College. She was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 after earning numerous all conference and All American honors during her collegiate career. Mason’s father, Mark Makovec is a middle school principle in Norfolk and enjoyed athletic success as well. He grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania where he earned All State honors in both football and basketball at Marian Catholic HS. He earned a full athletic scholarship to Wake Forest University as an outside linebacker. Mason has two younger brothers who are active year round in sports as well. Needless to say he is surrounded by success and all indications are that he will continue to find similar successes on and off the field of play. He earned most valuable player honors on his middle school baseball and basketball teams and is on the principles list at Kellam High School for academic excellence. Mason also won the Kellam HS basketball team academic award given to the player with the highest GPA, he has a 4.0 GPA! It’s easy to be excited about Mason as he exemplifies what a student/athlete should be. On the court he is a court savvy and skilled player with tremendous potential while excelling as a high academic student displaying high character and a tireless work ethic. Kellam High School Head Coach Norman Hassell speaks highly of Mason’s practice habits and eagerness to learn. “Mason is a very coachable young man. He responds to coaching in an extremely positive manner, usually with a resounding “yes sir”. On the court he is aggressive, never backs down. He has an understanding of the game you don’t often see from young players. He uses leverage, has a very nice mid range jumper and is an animal on the boards.” College coaches should monitor this promising student/athlete going forward.
Highlight Video Link: https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/10377980/highlights/5ab046773453890c94c917cf