Bring back the Mason Magic
When describing the last 20 years talking about mid major basketball, George Mason’s Cinderella story is always told as one of the greatest March Madness runs in college basketball history. Unlike most mid majors that get thrusted into the spotlight and build up their program from their Cinderella runs, The Patriots unfortunately have slipped into the irrelevance of the mid major programs of the past. The once Cinderella darlings haven’t been to big dance since joining the A-10 and have had three coaching changes since all-time winningest coach Jim Larranaga left for Miami in 2011. However, the last two hirings for George Mason have shown that there may be a resurgence and culture change in the program across the Potomac River. For instance, after six underachieving seasons with Dave Paulsen, The Patriots decided to take a chance on coaching rising star Kim English to take over the program. The English era brought a new energy and promise with signature wins against Maryland and Georgia in year one and a 20-win season in year two. Although the English era was brief it was the perfect foundation for former player Tony Skinn to continue the momentum to reenergize the program.
Resurgence over Rebuild.
In his first press conference, Tony Skinn said that he doesn’t view the challenge as a rebuild more as continuation of what was already being built. With losing key players such as A-10 First team member player Josh Oduro to the portal and adding new additions like Keyshawn Hall and Amari Kelly, The Patriots were predicted to finish in bottom half the conference but surprised the basketball world with a 13-2 start right before conference play began in late December. The 13-2 start is only the second time that has happened in the entire history of the program. Unfortunately, since that start, they have fallen to 2-3 in conference play with losses that include to regional rivals George Washington, Richmond, and VCU. All three losses can contribute from slow offensive starts in the first half and attempted second half comebacks. The Patriots are currently ranked 13th in the conference in effective field goal percentage and ranked 12th in 3pt percentage since conference play has begun.
“We have to figure out some things with these slow starts in the first half. It’s something that’s become consistent, and I’ll figure it out” said Coach Skinn speaking on the most recent loss against revolutionary rival George Washington.
Don’t Judge a Book by its cover!
Despite the slow start in conference play, The Patriots still look like a threat to compete in the A-10 especially with the outstanding play from forward Keyshawn Hall. Hall has been leading the team this season in scoring, averaging 16.7 points and leading the conference in rebounding averaging 9.3 rebounds along with leading the conference in double-doubles as well. The sophomore forward is one of the reasons why the patriots are ranked seventh nationally in 2pt defense and 13th nationally in overall field goal defense. Hall’s play has not only developed a strong campaign for himself as one of the top players in college basketball but also standing on Coach Skinn’s statement that it isn’t a rebuild, it’s a resurgence of the original Cinderella. Energizing a fan base that has been ready to be back in the spotlight.
The Patriots hope to improve on their offensive woes and apply the patriot pressure an against St. Bonaventure at home and improve their conference record to 3-3 in Fairfax Virginia on January 20th.
