Many have taken notice of John Marshall this season up in Virginia and deservingly so with the talent they have on the court this season. Many already know about 2023 Dennis Parker Jr. but 2023 6'10 Tyler Mason is also having a strong season.
Mason, one of the top big men in the state, is a player that we have known about for some time now, as Phenom Hoops wrote about him a while back.' This is what was said years ago:
'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, 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.'
Mason has only continued to develop his overall game.' He has been able to show more of his ability to shoot it from the perimeter, take his defender off the dribble, and more of his IQ for the game.' But Mason is still continuing to work on being more active on the boards and being more of a leader on the court.
With several college coaches rolling through the building at John Marshall, there is no surprise that schools have been drawn towards Mason and what he provides but also his potential at the next level. Mason has earned offers from Xavier, DePaul, Wichita State, and Southern Utah, and all of them have been continuing to stay in contact with him.
In speaking with Mason more about those programs, he updated Phenom Hoops on his thoughts:
Xavier: 'The last time I talked to coach, he just told me to be a good teammate and stuff like that because I was hurt at the time. It is a great program and a great coaching staff as well.'
DePaul: 'Very good program; the coaches are very good and I like the program.'
Wichita State: 'Love the coaches, they are very high on me. Great school history and just a great program as well.'
With those offers on the table, Mason also mentioned schools like Georgetown, Northwestern, West Virginia, Old Dominion, Oklahoma State, and a few others who have also expressed interest.' As far as visits though, Mason will be visiting Wichita State soon but no specific date has been set.
