When Nate Mason played his first game at Minnesota last year, those who watched saw a freshman ready to contribute right away.
The Decatur, Ga., native stood out as one of the team’s only bright spots in the 81-68 loss to Louisville, scoring 10 points, tying for a team-high five rebounds and showcasing a knack to finish in traffic.
When the season started, it didn’t seem like Mason would be more than a backup guard behind seniors Andre Hollins and DeAndre Mathieu, but his steady play earned him a starting spot as the year progressed.
Now, as Hollins and Mathieu move on, Mason is the only returning player in Minnesota’s backcourt.