On Wednesday, April 17, Mason Men’s Basketball announced that post player, Jarred Reuter would not return to the lineup in the fall and forgo his final year of eligibility.
Roster News: Jarred Reuter will graduate this spring and forgo his final season of eligibility to pursue pro opportunities.
Story: https://t.co/51FkpF2psu@PaulsenDave and our program want to thank Jarred for his leadership and impact on the program over the past 2 seasons pic.twitter.com/EFoEYL1Yj4
— Mason Men’s Basketball (@MasonMBB) April 17, 2019
According to the press release, Reuter plans to “pursue a professional basketball career.” This immediately pushed me to believe he’s looking to go to Europe.
Paulsen said this on Reuter, “”We are 100 percent in support of Jarred graduating and pursuing a professional career. Since his time on campus, Jarred has been a phenomenal teammate, leader and has made our program better because of his impact on and off the court. He’s a tireless worker, has great character, is dedicated to his teammates above all else, and has a great knowledge of the game and ability to make those around him better. In 25 years of coaching, I don’t know that I’ve ever enjoyed coaching a player more. He’s given every ounce of effort and ability to make himself and his teammates better.”
This adds another item to the offseason to-do list for Paulsen.
After the departure of Aaron Kelly and Dane Fischer, Mason has to fill two assistant coaching positions. With Reuter leaving Mason has the option to go and find another recruit for the fall.
Tyler Byrum talked about how this affects the squad.
I guess Jared Reuter graduating answers the question of post rotation for Mason next year. Probably going to see a three-man rotation for two spots with Goanar, Jordan Miller, and Calixte.
— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) April 17, 2019
Would we dare see a big lineup for Mason next year? Kier, Greene, Jordan Miller, Goanar, and Calixte are the best five on the roster after all – would be fun to see.
— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) April 17, 2019
I imagine Hartwell is going to be the starting PG, which bumps either Mar or Miller. Seeing one of those two coming off the bench just doesn’t feel right though, both are too talented.
— Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) April 17, 2019
It will be interesting what the starting five will look like in the fall, if Goanar can’t produce maybe someone like Ian Boyd comes in plays more minutes.
I would disagree with Tyler about Hartwell. I think either Kier or Greene shift over and becomes the starting PG (most likely Greene in my opinion).
However, we’ll see how Paulsen does over the summer; this will test his abilities as a coach to rebuild after losing key components of a team.
Reuter sent his farewells saying, “I want to thank the George Mason community and Coach Paulsen for the opportunity to be a part of this program,” Reuter said. “I have grown as a player and as a person, and I owe so much of this experience to the support of my teammates and our coaching staff. I have loved my time here, and am proud to graduate with a degree from this University.”
Best of luck in whatever you do next, Jarred.
