Speaking of five-star recruits that call Louisville home, Mason’s collegiate recruitment represents only a fraction of the doors that have opened for him so far. Regardless, it’s hard to ignore the number of high major programs that have taken interest in the versatile big man. Louisville, Indiana, Villanova, and Ohio State headline the Power 4 institutions that have extended offers but those are just the tip of the developing iceberg. Mason has reported 11 offers in total and counting.

The elite nationally ranked 2029 Center out of Louisville Ballard actually had to play through some adversity in the first of the Bruins narrow loss to United Prep. The Five Star 7’0” struggled early on with the physicality of his matchup, but figured it out on the offensive in the second half. Skilled big man with elite footwork and touch around the rim. Was able to impact the game still on the defensive end of the floor with his length and timing finishing with a handful of blocks.

Elite of the elite prospect at the University of Evansville Team Camp, Mason Grivna Mason Grivna 6'11" | C Ballard | 2029 State #2029 Nation KY , the 6’11” Five Star Center from Louisville Ballard is the real deal that dominates on both sides of the floor. Back to the basket scorer that finishes over both shoulders. Good footwork that is patient on the catch and plays well through contact. Not only a pick and roll threat, but shot 45% from 3 last season. Big time defensive presence as a rim protector and rebounder. The sky is the limit for the 2029 star who could very well end up as the top ranked center in the country.

Mason drew out some of the nation’s heavy hitters over the weekend. Ballard had a good weekend and was watched by Kentucky among others. He was also offered by Louisville last week.

It is hard to put into words just how advanced some of Grivna’s skills are for a young big man. You simply don’t see rising sophomores that are nearly 7-feet tall have the coordination, footwork, and hands that he possesses. He finished a couple of strong post moves against Ben Davis on Sunday, blocked a ton of shots, and did a great job on the class. Not only is he Kentucky’s top Class of 2029 prospect, but he projects to be one of the top prospects nationally.

The most polished Center I’ve gotten the chance to scout in four years and he’s just 15 years old. A blend a size and skill, the 6’11” Center out of Louisville Ballard is dominant in the low post on both ends of the floor. Good timing as a rim protector and rebounds at a high level. Comfortable offensively scoring over either shoulder. Big time option in the pick and roll with good hands and plays under control. Also has the ability to step out and hit catch and shoot 3’s at a high clip. Has received 9+ Division I offers, with most recently receiving one from the hometown Louisville Cardinals.

Having been the undisputed #1 2029 prospect in KY across all platforms for the past year, Grivna’s name has finally emerged as one of the best of his class in the nation. After a dominant freshman campaign for Ballard this past season, he earned All-7th Region, All-State and even MaxPreps All-American honors. Since then, Grivna has caught the attention of USA Basketball, Adidas’ NextGen EuroLeague, and of course several Division 1 college programs. He sits comfortably as KY’s highest ranked recruit, regardless of class, after debuting at #17 in ESPN’s national 2029 rankings.

It’s very early but it is in the realm of possibility that Grivna is one of the best prospects to come out of Kentucky in a very long time. He’s still settling into his body but Mason is skilled and plays with a good motor. Grivna needs to continue developing and adding bulk to his frame but it’s entirely possible he is a top 5 prospect in America in the 2029 class.

A dominant force on the interior, Grivna was one of the few 15 U players to draw a crowd of college coaches for each game he played this weekend. Incredibly skilled for his size and age, Grivna had multiple buckets where he caught the ball on the block before hitting a hook shot over his left shoulder. Also able to knock down the trail 3-pointer, Grivna can flash perimeter shooting ability when he catches himself on the perimeter. The best play of the weekend came when Grivna got a steal around halfcourt, made a sweet dribble move past a guard and then euro-stepped into a dunk right past another guard. Players of his size do not move like that with the ball in his hands at this age as Grivna projects as a top national prospect and is arguably the best big in the 2029 class nationally.

This weekend was my first chance to really get an extended, live look at Kentucky’s top prospect. In 15+ years of coaching and scouting Grivna is one of the most advanced young big men that I have seen. To be 6’10” and move the way he does, playing with both fluidity and physicality, is something you do not see much in freshman centers. He was a dominant force around the basket for Wildcat Select 15u.