The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Justin Mason: Keeping it together
03.14.2008 | Men's Basketball
Sophomore G Justin Mason is not usually known for providing offensive firepower, but when it comes to the intangibles, there is a reason he has been referred to as the team's "glue guy."
A Big 12 All-Defensive team selection, it is Mason who is often assigned to guard the opponent's best player. That was the case again during Texas' 66-59 victory over Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Championship as he squared off against guards Byron Eaton and Obi Muonelo.
"Today, Justin (Mason) was called on to do a good job on the defensive end," said assistant coach Rodney Terry. "We usually put Mason on the opponent's best offensive player and, today, we relied on his defense."
However, Mason also made his presence felt on the offensive end of the floor, as well. It was not so much in the scoring column, but in one of the other "glue" statistics, as he dished out a career-high eight assists.
Coming out of Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas, Mason attributes his work ethic on the court to his high school days.
"Since high school, I feel like if I don't play hard, then I let my team down," said Mason. "That's just how I am."
"Justin (Mason) does all the small things on the court," said sophomore G/F Damion James. "He will do whatever Coach (Barnes) asks him to do and more."
Indeed he does. Mason scored just two points on one field goal Friday, but he was responsible for another eight field goals that he distributed to his teammates.
Mason was responsible for not only the hardnosed defense he brings to the table each night, but for occasionally leading the Horns' offense too.
"Today I was not only looking to play good defense, but to see the open floor, share the ball, and hit the open man," said Mason. "I simply do whatever my team needs me to do."
Mason is truly a team player whose hard work may not always show up on the stat sheet, but is certainly appreciated by his fellow teammates.
"He does all the dirty work, period," said junior G A.J. Abrams. "We appreciate him for every bit of it."
