WPIAL Alum Q&A – Micah Mason

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 1, 2016 | 1:41 PM

The storied history of basketball in the WPIAL has produced some tremendous shooters, but perhaps nobody has been a better marksman than Micah Mason. Mason, formerly of Highlands High School and current with Duquesne University, is the subject of this week’s WPIAL Alum Q&A.

Mason made an instant impact with the Highlands Golden Rams, as he scored 23 points in his first varsity game in helping his squad upset a highly-ranked Penn Hills team. From that point going forward, Mason rewrote the record books, finishing with 2,272 points in his storied career. Perhaps more impressively, Mason set the all-time WPIAL mark for most made three-pointers, besting a total previously held by T.J. McConnell.

He was nearly unstoppable during his junior and senior seasons, as he led the district in scoring in each of those seasons, and earned first team all-state honors both years, as well.

At the conclusion of his time with Highlands, Mason continued his career at Drake University in Iowa. In his initial campaign in 2012-13, he played in 30 games, starting 11. While he played limited minutes, Mason again showed a penchant from behind the arc, as he led the Missouri Valley Conference in three-point percentage.

Following that season, Mason transferred to Duquesne University, and has been one of the top players for the Dukes during the past three seasons. In 2013-14, Mason led the nation in three-point percentage, knocking down 56 percent of those shots. That robust mark was the top percentage for a Division I player in the past 22 years. He also sported one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in college basketball.

As a junior, Mason increased his output in several categories, including points, rebounds and assists.

Furthermore, he entered play for this campaign as the second-most accurate three-point shooter in NCAA history. Although that percentage has declined slightly, Mason again as improved his averages in most offensive categories, contributing more than 16 points and four assists per contest. Most notably, his play has been a key factor in the improved team success of the Dukes, who boasts a 15-7 mark.

Micah took time from his busy schedule, which has recently included a treacherous bus ride through a snowstorm, to answer several questions about his talents both on and off the court.
 

Q: You have established yourself as one of the best perimeter shooters in the country. What is the key to your tremendous success in that area?

A: I think it’s a matter of putting in a lot of time on the practice court. I always enjoyed working on my game ever since I was a young kid. Any success I’ve had is the result of a lot of hours working on my shot.

Q: Aside from your three-point shooting, what is the strongest facet of your game?

A: I really take pride in my passing and ability to see the floor. I like getting my teammates involved in the offense.

Q: Your minutes played and scoring averages have increased in each of your three seasons at Duquesne. How have you grown as a player since you joined the Dukes?

A: I think as you get older and gain experience, that more is expected from you. I think each year my role has expanded and I like being challenged.

Q: You began your college career at Drake. What led to your decision to transfer to Duquesne?

A: I really wanted to be closer to home. And although I enjoyed my time at Drake, I also like the challenge of playing in the Atlantic 10. I also like Duquesne’s style of play, where we are always looking to push the ball and be creative on offense.

Q: Your team is having much more success this year than in the past two seasons. What factors have produced the turnaround?

A: We focused a lot on defense in the off season and its showing in our record. In addition, our younger players have gained a lot of experience and its helping us to be a better team.

Q: Did you set any individual or team goals before the season?

A: We want to be a competitive team in the Atlantic 10. Our goal is to always compete for the championship.

Q: You were a prolific scorer in high school at Highlands. Is there one particular memory that stands out from your career in high school?

A: I had 64 points in a game against our rival – Valley. That one sticks out.

Q: You were recognized in Sports Illustrated for a performance at Highlands. How cool of a moment was that, and what was your reaction when you first found out?

A: It surprised me. It was cool to see myself in Sports Illustrated.

Q: Do you still follow WPIAL basketball much? Have you been able to attend any games, including the WPIAL Championships that were previously held on your home court at the AJ Palumbo Center?

A: It’s tough for me to get to high school games because of our practice and travel schedule. I’ve been back to see Highlands play a handful of times.

Q: Are there any specific college or NBA players from whom you try to emulate or learn?

A: I’ve always enjoyed watching great shooters like Steph Curry and JJ Redick. I focus more on how they get open, how they move without the ball and watching what makes them so effective.

Q: What is your major and to what career do you aspire after you complete your playing career?

A: I will be completing my degree in psychology this spring. I’d like to continue playing professionally. I’d eventually like to get into some form of coaching or personal instruction.

Q: Is there any song or group that you typically listen to before a game to get you ready?

A: Believe it or not, I don’t listen to any music before games.

Q: What is your favorite winter activity?

A: By the time practice is over and my day is complete, I’m totally happy hitting the couch and watching whatever college basketball is on.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you or a hidden talent?

A: Outside of basketball, I really enjoy riding dirt bikes. I rode a lot up until eighth or ninth grade.

Tags: Highlands