Mason Jones, point guard?
It could happen with Valparaiso’s 6-foot-7 senior forward.
“He will have the ball in his hands a lot,” Valparaiso coach Barak Coolman said. “There will be times he’s running the point. He’s developed that ability. It’s not because we don’t have guys. He’s just gotten to that point where I’m that comfortable with him.”
Jones has been a mainstay for the Vikings throughout his career, earning major minutes as a freshman and entering his third season as a starter.
The Ball State recruit took off last season, earning a spot as an Indiana Junior All-Star after averaging 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals.
Coolman believes Jones has another level he can reach for Valparaiso, which graduated experienced standout point guard Breece Walls.
“He’s poised to have a great senior year,” Coolman said. “His ability to dribble, pass and shoot has improved so much from his freshman year. He’s continued to develop every aspect of his game. He’s developing his leadership.
“His shooting has really come a long way. He has the green light to shoot and shoot and shoot. He’s going to use his teammates to play the right way. But at this point, when he misses, I’m shocked.”
In particular, Coolman noted Jones’ enhanced 3-point shooting. Jones shot 34.7% (17 of 49) from long range last season.
“He’s night and day,” Coolman said. “He’s going to shoot really, really well from 3. That’s the biggest change. He’s also playing with a good pace dribbling the ball. Those two aspects have really improved to where he’s going to be a primary ballhandler and obviously one of our primary shooters.”
Jones has embraced any and all responsibilities associated with being a senior.
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“I’ve just improved my shot,” he said. “I have more confidence in it. It’s much better than last year. Also just being a leader. If that means playing a different role, point guard or ballhandler, I can do that. Whatever the team needs. But also vocally, just pulling guys along.”
Jones draws extra motivation from the way last season ended. The Vikings were upset in a sectional opener by Merrillville, denying them a rematch with rival Chesterton, the eventual Class 4A state runner-up.
“I think about it every day,” Jones said.
The Vikings have the potential to put together a deep run this season. Their start has been delayed, however. Their opener against West Side was rescheduled, and their second game against East Chicago Central likely will be, too, as they await the arrival of several players from the football team, which is playing for a Class 5A state title.
In the spring of his sophomore year, Jones made the difficult decision to not continue with football after playing his first two seasons, including starting the second.
“I’m really happy for them,” he said. “But it really wasn’t my cup of tea. I want to see them do good. But no regrets. I love playing basketball all year long.”
Jones committed to Ball State in July, shortly after netting an offer while on a visit, and signed this month during the early period. He also had an offer from Purdue Fort Wayne.
“It was all heating up, but it speaks to Mason’s personality,” Coolman said. “He’s not someone who’s looking for clicks. Once he found what he wanted, there was no reason to go through the process. Coach (Michael) Lewis is very hard-nosed, and Mason will fit in well with that coaching style. Ball State is going to have a good push over the next few years, and Mason’s going to contribute to that.”
Jones’ extremely athletic family has helped keep him grounded, including during his recruitment.
Both of his parents starred at Portage. His father, Eric, played football at Notre Dame. His mother, Kassey (Reynolds), is an Indiana Softball Hall of Famer who pitched at Indiana. Jones’ older brother Cooper is a defensive lineman for the Hoosiers after starring for Valparaiso.
“I’m super excited about Mason’s senior year,” Coolman said. “It’s hard to believe he’s a senior already. The development and improvement in his game from when we met him as a sixth grader or even when he came in as a freshman, he was a really talented athlete who was underskilled.
“Now he’s one of the more skilled, one of the best, basketball players in the state of Indiana. It’s just been exciting to see.”