Tyler Mason 6'9 '210 2023 Bishop O'Connell High School, Arlington VA
Tyler is tantalizing talent! A long and agile forward who is surprisingly versatile for a young man his size, fluid yet not overly explosive, very coordinated. A terror in the paint equipped with a 7'0 wingspan, his shot-blocking prowess and excellent mobility allows him to swallow up anyone attacking the rim. He can also step outside the arc as an offensive concern showing a good stroke with three-point range and the ability to handle and create off the bounce. He runs the floor extremely well for a player his size and can get up off the floor to finish plays at the rim, change shots defensively and rebound in traffic. A lefty, Tyler possesses a smooth stroke and skillful footwork on catch and shoot jumpers, sets his feet and shoulders nicely and hits the jumper at a very good rate from deep and is also solid on catch and shoot opportunities in the mid-range. He moves very well off the ball and demonstrates comfort and competence on the perimeter both as a shot-maker, passer, and putting the ball on the floor when attacking the rim. He has a great touch around the rim and is undeterred by contact.
Tyler can also post you, he seals nicely, demonstrates a strong lower body, and also has great hands both receiving the pass in post-ups and when cutting to the rim. He has a jump hook that is incontestable given his length and he can also hit the turnaround jumper. Defensively he literally terrifies opponents in the paint as a shot-blocker and shot changer. He moves his feet well and has the quickness to contest a shot and then recover for a rebound. For his size, his reaction to drives to the rim is very good and he's equally good with a second movement be it help and recover, contest and then rebound, etc. His agility and length allow him to stay engaged and defend multiple actions. Tyler is capable of routinely grabbing rebounds outside his area as he carves out space nicely and pursues rebounds aggressively.
As for having a stretch element to his game, there is no question he has a lot of potential on the offensive end with his comfort facing the rim and his ability to make shots from all levels and get his shot off the bounce. His further development with regards to lateral mobility and defending change of direction dribbles will determine his placement. He is capable of sliding his feet for one or two slides to contain the dribble as his length allows him to cover a lot of ground quickly. The potential is certainly there on both ends of the floor and Tyler should be considered a serious D1 prospect with high major upside. Tyler carries a 3.4 GPA so college coaches will find that statistic impressive as well. He is the nephew of Richard 'Dip' Mason who has coached Life Christian Academy to consecutive VISAA D3 State Basketball Titles.