Mason Martin Talks Junior Season, Spring, and Future with Illini

Neuqua Valley 2027 shooting guard Mason Martin Mason Martin 6'4" | SG Neuqua Valley | 2027 State #192 Nation IL flew up the board with his play early in the high school season.  He has proven himself to be among the truly special shooters in the state.  Martin has quality positional size, moves tremendously well off the ball, and gets the ball out of his hands so quick.  Elite shooter off the catch where it barely touches his hands.  Also like how he can get elevation over lengthy defenders to get the long ball off rising over them.  Good athlete that has the tools to be a nice piece at the Big 10 level where he is committed to Illinois.

We chatted with him about Neuqua Valley's historic season this past year.

“It went pretty well.  We went 32-2 which was better than we expected.  We took it one day at a time and found our chemistry early in the year.  I played pretty well and our team did as a whole.”

He is now with Breakaway 17U this spring where he is looking to make noise!

“Starting the 3SSB circuit is going to be fun.  There is really good competition there.  Honestly getting to play with my guys.  Last time I get to play AAU.  Looking forward to having a good season and a fun season.”

Martin made the early commitment to go to Illinois not long after getting the offer.  Why were they his choice?

“It had always been my dream school.  Being close to home and a final four team it is super cool.  I love coaching staff and the culture they built there being down there during the season is something I want to be a part of.”

Seeing his future squad make a deep run in the tournament was something he will remember.

“It was fun to watch.  I talked to the coaches about it.  It is a super special program to watch their team come together.”

He knows what he has to do to prepare for the next level.

“I would say getting ready for going to Illinois I need to get a lot stronger getting ready to play in the Big 10 which is a big jump.”