Player Profile: Mason Miller (2019/Thurston HS/Team FAST)
Mason Miller, a 6’7 post has quickly emerged as one of the best players in the class of 2019 while playing out of Thurston High School in Springfield. We caught up with powerful big man at this weekend’s Prep Hoops Top 250 Showcase to get the latest on his recruiting, the summer AAU season, and his thoughts on the upcoming high school season.
Miller spent the spring & summer playing on the 16U Nike EYBL circuit for Team FAST on a team that featured many of the best players in the 2019 class. “I had a ton of fun playing with FAST. It was by far the most talented team that I have ever played on. I grew a lot as a player and got to play against some of the best players in the country.” His summer performance comes on the heals of a sophomore season where he was named all league after averaging 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game while leading his Thurston team to the state playoffs for the first time in several years. The physical post player had 6 double doubles on the season.
Miller was excited when talking about the Colts’ prospects for the upcoming season, “We feel like we have a chance to make some noise in league. With myself and Isaac Lange back, we have two returning all league players that gained a lot of experience last season. Our goals are to make a push in the playoffs and give ourselves a chance to get to Gill (home of the 5A state tourney).”
When asked to update Prep Hoops Oregon on the latest with his recruitment, Miller had this to say: “I currently have no offers, but am hearing from a wide range of schools from smaller places all the way to D1 schools. Colleges in regular contact include Point Loma, San Diego, Seattle University, and Southern Oregon.” When asked what was important in making a college decision, Miller replied: ” Location is important, I’d really like to attend school in southern California but that’s not a make or break thing for me. I’m looking for a program that sees a role for me and where I get along with the players and coaches.” The 4.0 student also commented, “academics are the most important thing for me. I’m not sure what I’ll study yet, but I’m interested in history, business, biology, and engineering.”
When asked to assess the strengths and weaknesses in his games, Miller was honest in his evaluation. “I feel like I’m a much stronger and athletic player than I was a year ago. My post up game and passing are two of my biggest strengths. I also work hard on the glass and feel like I’m a versatile defender who can guard wings and posts.” “I’m continuing to work on my perimeter shooting and my jumping ability.”
Oregon Preps Evaluation:
Mason Miller is a 6’7 post from Thurston High School in Springfield. He is a high motor player that really works hard to establish deep post position. He has the ability to finish with either hand. An active rebounder who is aggressive going after the ball out of his area. Active defender, must continue to improve his foot speed so that he can be effective in the pick and roll game. He also must continue to expand his shooting range so that he can consistently knock down shots to the 3 point line. He is a high academic student (4.0 gpa) who is taking multiple college credit classes and should be on the radar of high academic schools at every level of college basketball.