A Royal Pain
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A Royal Prospect: Frank Mason III

By Rafe Wong

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Royal Pain gives its analysis on NBA prospect Frank Mason III and whether he would be a great addition to the Sacramento Kings.

As a member of the Kansas Jayhawks this year, Frank Mason had a senior season to remember. For the campaign, Mason averaged 20.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 49% from the floor and 47.1% from the perimeter.

As a result of Mason’s performance this previous season, he led the Jayhawks to become a powerhouse team in the NCAA while being rewarded honors like Big 12 Player of the Year, First-Team All-American, and National College Basketball Player of the Year.

Despite the numerous accolades that Mason has received this year, he is still considered a projected second-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. With that being said, would Mason be a good option for the Sacramento Kings to take with their 34th overall pick?

Strengths

The numbers showed that Mason was an offensive force for his team this previous season. Throughout his campaign, Mason was able to show versatility as a scorer as he was reliable in being an efficient shooter and slasher in the paint. Mason also displayed the ability to get his teammates involved in the offense as he averaged 5.2 assists per game.

Mason did most of his damage on the offensive end, but he also showcased production on the defensive side as well as he utilized his quick lateral speed and underrated strength to give opponents fits when playing against him. He also was an underrated rebounder for his size as he averaged 4.2 boards a contest.

Weaknesses

Mason displayed production on multiple facets of the game during his career with Kansas, but there are concerns whether that efficiency will translate to the NBA level due to his physique. According to Draft Express, Mason only stands at 5’11” (6’0” with shoes) while having a wingspan of around 6’3” and weighing in at 185 pounds.

Due to being undersized, Mason’s ability to drive to the basket effectively could be limited due to facing longer and stronger competition at the professional level. Defensively, Mason’s abilities can also be challenged as players will have opportunities to get easier shots up if defended by him.

Fit

Feb 6, 2017; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) shoots the ball over Kansas State Wildcats forward Dean Wade (32) and guard Kamau Stokes (3) during the first half at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) shoots the ball over Kansas State Wildcats forward Dean Wade (32) and guard Kamau Stokes (3) during the first half at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sacramento Kings are currently in need of a young point guard, so Mason does fit the bill based on the Kings’ needs on the depth chart.

Offensively, Mason can score in a variety of ways, especially with his jump shot. If drafted by the Kings, there is the possibility that Mason could be a spark plug coming off the bench due to his ability to score and distribute at an effective rate.

Defensively, Mason might struggle to deal with the length of the NBA, but he has great athleticism and strength that could offset the limitations he has as a defender.

Yes, there are possible weaknesses that Mason could encounter in the NBA, but with that being said, these weaknesses towards Mason are just speculations. Due to Mason’s size, there is the thought that he may struggle to drive to the basket and defend his opposition, but these “weaknesses” weren’t really shown throughout his tenure with Kansas. I mean, the Kings should know now never to pass on a player solely due to their physique.

Overall, if the Kings were to select Mason with their 34th pick, it would be a steal in my opinion. Mason showcased a prolific season with the Jayhawks this previous year and he can bring a lot to the table for the Kings if drafted.

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