Harrell deserves recognition
5’9 Point Guards tend to not have to much success in the game of basketball, but every once in a while there is a player who defies the odds. Mason Harrell is a special player who has been questioned his entire…
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Continue Reading5’9 Point Guards tend to not have to much success in the game of basketball, but every once in a while there is a player who defies the odds. Mason Harrell is a special player who has been questioned his entire basketball career. What makes him special? Is he big enough? How will he do against elite competition? Can he finish over taller defenders? What level will he go in college?
What makes him special?
What sets Harrell apart from other players are the instincts he possess. Since his freshmen season Harrell has manned the starting Point Guard spot for the Carl Albert Titans. He does things on the court that most players are not wise enough to do until their college years. The vision of Harrell allows him to see the entire floor, not to mention his precision passing allowing him to fit the ball in tight windows to his teammates. In the past Harrell has struggled shooting the ball. However, shooting is the biggest improvement this winter to Harrell’s game. He must continue to work on getting his jumper quicker, but the improvement is easy to see. That is another thing that makes Harrell special is his continued improvement.
Is Harrell big enough?
Size is something that some coaches feel like they must have, but others are open to having a shorter quicker Point Guard. It is difficult to find the average height measurement for NCAA Division I, but if you look at the NBA it is clear that above 6′ is almost a must. But there is always an outlier. Isaiah Thomas is a player Harrell has got to know who has given him hope. Thomas played collegiately at Washington then was drafted in 2011 as the last pick of the draft. Long story short, Thomas is now the franchise player for the Celtics. Not saying Harrell is at or near the status of Thomas, but simply showing it has been done before. Harrell does not have the same skill set Thomas does, but there are some similarities in their game. Is he big enough to get the job done at the next level, yes.
How will he do against elite competition?
Harrell was given the opportunity to be the starting Point Guard on the NIKE EYBL Circuit with Team Griffin this past summer. The NIKE EYBL is easily regarded as the best summer circuit with the best players across the country competing in NIKE events across the country. Harrell faced players every game who were ranked nationally. In a starting role Harrell was asked to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Harrell averaged 16 minutes, 3.5 points, 2.9 assists and less than 1 turnover per game. In the Peach Jam Invitational Harrell caught fire showing that he can play against elite level competition. Harrell got over 20 minutes a game and averaged 11 points per game for the tournament on over 50% from the floor. Harrell proved this past summer as just a sophomore going to be junior that he can play against elite competition.
Can he finish over taller defenders?
If you would have asked me this question before Harrell played against NIKE EYBL competition my answer would have been, well I have only seen him against Oklahoma bigs who normally don’t have great size so I don’t know. But after this past summer on the NIKE EYBL Circuit Harrell proved he can finish over elite bigs in the paint. Harrell found ways to get the ball over 7′ defenders time again. He uses his body and the rim to protect his shot from defenders. The answer is yes, Harrell can finish over taller defenders consistently.
What level will he go in college?
This one is the hardest question of all to answer because it will ultimately be up to college programs. I am convinced after his recent performances this past summer on the NIKE EYBL Circuit followed up by his stellar performances this winter at Carl Albert that Mason Harrell can play at the Division I level. I’m not saying High Major or even Mid Major, but Harrell could contribute to a Low Major Division I program. The high basketball IQ, great instincts, vision, quickness, scoring ability at all three levels and toughness of Harrell set him apart despite his size.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com