Three state championships by the end of the ninth grade cannot be a coincidence.
Mason Collins ’28 bring poise and production to whatever team he plays for, traits that have earned the 6-foot-7 freshman from Columbia, S.C., his second invitation in six months to a USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp. Mason is one of 65 players from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 who will descend upon San Antonio, the site of this year’s NCAA Final Four, from April 3-6.
In addition to on-court drills and scrimmages, the players will participate in a series of educational programs presented by USA Basketball and the NCAA focused on NCAA eligibility and education and life skills development. Players will attend the national semifinal games in the Alamodome and then get to scrimmage on the same court the next day.
“Attending this camp is a great way for athletes to continue their basketball development,” said Sean Ford, committee chair and USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team director. “We’re excited to be back in San Antonio with support from the NCAA and look forward great learning opportunities and memorable experiences for every athlete in attendance.”
Mason averaged 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game for the Greenies (28-3) this past season, and like his eighth-grade year, was a starter. His point guard was older brother, Madden ’25, who has signed to play for American University. The Collins brothers won a South Carolina state championship at Irmo (S.C.) before transferring to Christ School. Mason reclassified with the move which is how he has already played three years of high school basketball.
Mason was identified as one of the top-10 freshmen invited to last October’s USA Basketball minicamp in Colorado.