By Palmer Johnson
Tony Skinn has gotten his first commitment for the class of 2024 in Justin Begg. Begg, a 3-star 5’11 PG out of Houston, picked Mason over Sam Houston State, Towson, Texas State, and Longwood along with getting interest from Power 6 schools, most notably, Alabama.
2024 3⭐️ PG Justin Begg has committed to George Mason.@JustinBegg2 can thrive on the ball as a shot creator for himself & others, while serving as an elite floor spacer off the ball.
Big time pledge for the Patriots out of Texas.
Story & Interview coming soon🔰 pic.twitter.com/nLUrkrQfnR
— George Mason Recruiting (@GMURecruiting) July 18, 2023
The point guard drew Mason fans’ attention when he visited campus in June.
George Mason is expected to host 2024 3⭐️ PG @JustinBegg2 for an official visit beginning tomorrow.
The Texas-native avg’d 11.6ppg, 5.8rpg & 3.4apg last weekend at EYBL Session IV w/ @HoustonHoops17U, shooting 48% from 3, & earning All-Breakout Team honors from @TheCircuit. pic.twitter.com/5ATHd1ckOl
— George Mason Recruiting (@GMURecruiting) June 10, 2023
Many Mason fans, including me, were afraid a big-time school would swoop in, but those fears have been put to rest with his commitment to play for your George Mason Patriots.
The Texas native is having himself a summer. At Peach Jam, an EYBL tournament, he averaged 12.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 28.4 minutes per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 41.7% from three for Houston Hoops.
Begg is truly electric.
In the early part of his career, I could see Begg coming off the bench as a secondary ball-handler with Okojie and possibly Ronald Polite (COVID year) being the team’s point guards during his freshman season.
Looking long-term, Justin would be competing with Baraka Okojie and Devin Dinkins for playing time for a decent part of his career. He has the flexibility to play both guard spots since he can play off the ball and facilitate the offense, so I can’t imagine him ever struggling to get any playing time.
When Begg turns out to be a dynamic three-level shot-creating scorer, you have assistant coach Mike Ekanem, the main guy recruiting him, to thank.
Q&A courtesy of @GMURecruiting on Twitter:
GMURecruiting: What made George Mason the right fit for you?
Begg: The coaching staff and how they treated me from the moment they offered me.
GMURecruiting: Describe yourself as a player. What can Mason Nation expect from you?
Begg: I’m a small guard who plays big, someone who’s going to be a leader on and off the court and a scoring PG.
GMURecruiting: What are your goals/what are you focusing on from now until you set foot on campus? Rest of the summer, [Episcopal High School] season, etc.
Begg: Goal is to just get strong as the year goes on and take my high school back to the state championship and win it again.
GMURecruiting: What is your message to other guys who are considering Mason?
Begg: I would say stay tuned and join the wave before you miss out because there’s big moves coming this way.
If that doesn’t get you excited for the future of both Justin Begg and this coaching staff, I don’t know what will. Stay tuned.
