The Patriots played host to 2023 PG Mason So this past weekend as the local product took an official visit to Fairfax.
A self-described “floor general, scorer, defender, and facilitator”, So started off his summer strong while running with EYBL Team Melo, earning himself plenty of attention on the recruiting trail. The 6’2 lefty received an offer from Coach English on April 12th, following a strong performance at the EYBL Session 1 down in Orlando, which included an 11 point, 5 assist effort to help Team Melo take down Team Durant, 73-66 on their way to a 4-0 weekend.
In talking with So after his visit, he stated that the coaching staff’s attention to detail, and the academic support that the program provides its student athletes with are what stood out to him most. With respect to the staff’s attention to detail, during his visit, So was taken through a full examination of his game. “The staff showed a video presentation highlighting areas of my game that are strong, and areas that I need to get better at. The coaching staff liked how I push the ball and attack the basket to score or create scoring opportunities for others. The coaching staff also showed me how to improve my retreat step when defending,” said So.
When watching some of his film, it’s easy to see what the staff likes about him. So excels in transition, pushing the pace and delivering accurate passes on the break. He looks very comfortable shooting off the dribble, and his quick release allows him to get his shot off in traffic. He finishes at the rim with either hand with ease, and has the ability to finish above the rim when needed.
Mason recently transferred to DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD), following a successful stint at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Alexandria, VA) where he helped the Saints capture an IAC Tournament Championship in 2021. DeMatha is the alma mater of George Mason Assistant Coach, and DeMatha Hall of Famer Duane Simpkins, who starred for the Stags in the early 90’s, earning All-America honors. Speaking about becoming a Stag, So expressed excitement about joining the historic program, “My move to DeMatha has been pretty smooth, and I’m looking forward to helping the program continue its winning tradition. Coach Simpkins has been really supportive of my move, and he’s also been teaching about the culture over there.”
So describes his relationship with the staff as “pretty good”, saying that Coach English, Coach Felton, Coach Simpkins, and even esteemed Graduate Assistant Matt Palumbo are in consistent contact with he and his family. As he has grown accustomed to doing, Senior Forward Josh Oduro served as the visit host, and while Josh undoubtedly provided Mason all the necessary guidance and knowledge to enhance his visit experience and the Patriot’s program, he did not succeed in teaching So how to ruin a steak, which surely warmed Coach English’s heart. “I get my steak cooked medium” said So.
As for next steps, So says he would ideally like to wrap up his recruitment in the coming weeks, “My timeline is flexible, but I plan to make a decision after the live period.” The “live period” he is referring to begins this weekend June 17-19, and continues the following weekend, June 24-26. So will be competing with DeMatha both weekends in the DMV Live sessions, which will take place at DeMatha.
