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Mason Williams = the next great underrated legacy player?

Son_Of_Saul

Son_Of_Saul

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Dec 7, 2007
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Very rarely do we see legacy basketball prospects turn out to be duds. Many times, these players are not ranked high, but end up being great college players. Take a look at the list:

Scottie Pippen Jr. - three star out of high school. Averaged almost 18, 5, and 3 through 90 college games.
Steph Curry - three star out of high school.
Anthony Mason Jr. - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 14ppg guy for St. John's.
Glen Rice III - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 13ppg guy for Georgia Tech.
Reed Sheppard.
Ronnie Brewer - 4 star out of high school.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - 3 star out of high school.
Larry Nance Jr. - unranked (was a 16 and 7 guy in college).
Gary Payton II - unranked (averaged 16, 8, and 5 during his sophomore year).
Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Klay Thompson - barely a top 60 guy out of high school


Here's some others who didn't fly under the radar as much:

Shareef O'Neal
The Boozer Twins
Glen Robinson III
Damien Wilkins
Gary Trent Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Barry Boys
Rex Chapman
Luke Walton
Jalen Rose
Austin Rivers
Nolan Smith
Jerami Grant and his brother
AJ Griffin
Dylan Harper
Patrick Ewing Jr.
DJ Wagner
Jalen Brunson
Devin Booker


I mean, more times than not, the sons of elite NBA players turn out to be pretty good. It's surprising how many of them fly under the radar. If I had been Tubby Smith in the 2000s, I would have loaded up on legacy guys. Curry would have changed his entire career.
 
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Threedognight

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May 26, 2026
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Son_Of_Saul said:
Very rarely do we see legacy basketball prospects turn out to be duds. Many times, these players are not ranked high, but end up being great college players. Take a look at the list:

Scottie Pippen Jr. - three star out of high school. Averaged almost 18, 5, and 3 through 90 college games.
Steph Curry - three star out of high school.
Anthony Mason Jr. - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 14ppg guy for St. John's.
Glen Rice III - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 13ppg guy for Georgia Tech.
Reed Sheppard.
Ronnie Brewer - 4 star out of high school.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - 3 star out of high school.
Larry Nance Jr. - unranked (was a 16 and 7 guy in college).
Gary Payton II - unranked (averaged 16, 8, and 5 during his sophomore year).
Jamal Mashburn Jr.


Here's some others who didn't fly under the radar as much:

Shareef O'Neal
The Boozer Twins
Glen Robinson III
Damien Wilkins
Gary Trent Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Barry Boys
Rex Chapman
Luke Walton
Jalen Rose
Klay Thompson
Austin Rivers
Nolan Smith
Jerami Grant and his brother
AJ Griffin
Dylan Harper
Patrick Ewing Jr.
DJ Wagner
Jalen Brunson
Devin Booker


I mean, more times than not, the sons of elite NBA players turn out to be pretty good. It's surprising how many of them fly under the radar. If I had been Tubby Smith in the 2000s, I would have loaded up on legacy guys. Curry would have changed his entire career.
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I feel good about Mason because he still has a lot of prove and Mo Williams isn’t like a legend who he can coast off.

also mason has a sec guard Body looking like Darrius acuff mini LeBron
 
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theKybluedude

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I think you’re on to something. Sure looked confident in his clips. Comments reflect a true team player. No hurry with him. You know he has the iq plus talent. Stats show a complete ball player. 6 2 200 lbs as well. True PG. .

During his senior campaign, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals. He shot 60 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 89 percent from the foul line. In perhaps the most notable outing of his senior year, Williams had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists as Tennessee Collegiate Academy upset No. 1 ranked Prolific Prep in November.
 
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MichaelGray

MichaelGray

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Jan 13, 2026
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Son_Of_Saul said:
Very rarely do we see legacy basketball prospects turn out to be duds. Many times, these players are not ranked high, but end up being great college players. Take a look at the list:

Scottie Pippen Jr. - three star out of high school. Averaged almost 18, 5, and 3 through 90 college games.
Steph Curry - three star out of high school.
Anthony Mason Jr. - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 14ppg guy for St. John's.
Glen Rice III - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 13ppg guy for Georgia Tech.
Reed Sheppard.
Ronnie Brewer - 4 star out of high school.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - 3 star out of high school.
Larry Nance Jr. - unranked (was a 16 and 7 guy in college).
Gary Payton II - unranked (averaged 16, 8, and 5 during his sophomore year).
Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Klay Thompson - barely a top 60 guy out of high school


Here's some others who didn't fly under the radar as much:

Shareef O'Neal
The Boozer Twins
Glen Robinson III
Damien Wilkins
Gary Trent Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Barry Boys
Rex Chapman
Luke Walton
Jalen Rose
Austin Rivers
Nolan Smith
Jerami Grant and his brother
AJ Griffin
Dylan Harper
Patrick Ewing Jr.
DJ Wagner
Jalen Brunson
Devin Booker


I mean, more times than not, the sons of elite NBA players turn out to be pretty good. It's surprising how many of them fly under the radar. If I had been Tubby Smith in the 2000s, I would have loaded up on legacy guys. Curry would have changed his entire career.
Click to expand...
The videos I've watched of Mason Williams, yeah, the kid can play. He can create his own shot, dribbles low to the floor, has a nice spin move & pretty form on his jumper. He hit the 3 at 40% in high school last year. Anyone that thinks daddy won't be hell bent on getting him ready for the SEC needs to think again. He will back up Diallo some, especially early on to see what he can do. Mo Williams will make all of the guards better.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,300
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Son_Of_Saul said:
Very rarely do we see legacy basketball prospects turn out to be duds. Many times, these players are not ranked high, but end up being great college players. Take a look at the list:

Scottie Pippen Jr. - three star out of high school. Averaged almost 18, 5, and 3 through 90 college games.
Steph Curry - three star out of high school.
Anthony Mason Jr. - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 14ppg guy for St. John's.
Glen Rice III - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 13ppg guy for Georgia Tech.
Reed Sheppard.
Ronnie Brewer - 4 star out of high school.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - 3 star out of high school.
Larry Nance Jr. - unranked (was a 16 and 7 guy in college).
Gary Payton II - unranked (averaged 16, 8, and 5 during his sophomore year).
Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Klay Thompson - barely a top 60 guy out of high school


Here's some others who didn't fly under the radar as much:

Shareef O'Neal
The Boozer Twins
Glen Robinson III
Damien Wilkins
Gary Trent Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Barry Boys
Rex Chapman
Luke Walton
Jalen Rose
Austin Rivers
Nolan Smith
Jerami Grant and his brother
AJ Griffin
Dylan Harper
Patrick Ewing Jr.
DJ Wagner
Jalen Brunson
Devin Booker


I mean, more times than not, the sons of elite NBA players turn out to be pretty good. It's surprising how many of them fly under the radar. If I had been Tubby Smith in the 2000s, I would have loaded up on legacy guys. Curry would have changed his entire career.
Click to expand...
They get great coaching and competition from a young age. No shock. You are right though that most contribute at a good level at worst. At least the major player kids we hear about.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
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theKybluedude said:
I think you’re on to something. Sure looked confident in his clips. Comments reflect a true team player. No hurry with him. You know he has the iq plus talent. Stats show a complete ball player. 6 2 200 lbs as well. True PG. .

During his senior campaign, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals. He shot 60 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 89 percent from the foul line. In perhaps the most notable outing of his senior year, Williams had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists as Tennessee Collegiate Academy upset No. 1 ranked Prolific Prep in November.
Click to expand...
He at least seems to play the way he’s capable of, within his game. Not flashy or try to do to much. From actual games I’ve watched of his on YT he looks like a capable backup right now.
 
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Runt#1969

Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
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It's nice to think of the possibilities like this.

Hawthorn and N'Diaye are coming in almost unknown... Potter too. They can earn it amongst themselves, they will know. And I can't discount a player like Noah not getting at least *a few* minutes where he TRULY is consistent and gets his shots and drains those threes for us.... why not ?

If they are capable, then they are capable, and will prove it amongst themselves, to themselves, as well as everyone else, as they go along.

if we just have them be the best version of who they are, and find a proper role to play with a true team effort, and understand from the guys that's been here how much EFFORT and HUSTLE mean .... especially here at Kentucky.... it could be a great positive development for Coach Pope and the team this year. Maybe it all comes down to chemistry in the end. If it's right, it's right and when it's not, it shows.

This is Kentucky, you can't hide.
 
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Blue Jesus

Blue Jesus

Senior
Aug 24, 2013
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Son_Of_Saul said:
Very rarely do we see legacy basketball prospects turn out to be duds. Many times, these players are not ranked high, but end up being great college players. Take a look at the list:

Scottie Pippen Jr. - three star out of high school. Averaged almost 18, 5, and 3 through 90 college games.
Steph Curry - three star out of high school.
Anthony Mason Jr. - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 14ppg guy for St. John's.
Glen Rice III - three star out of high school. Ended up being a 13ppg guy for Georgia Tech.
Reed Sheppard.
Ronnie Brewer - 4 star out of high school.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - 3 star out of high school.
Larry Nance Jr. - unranked (was a 16 and 7 guy in college).
Gary Payton II - unranked (averaged 16, 8, and 5 during his sophomore year).
Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Klay Thompson - barely a top 60 guy out of high school


Here's some others who didn't fly under the radar as much:

Shareef O'Neal
The Boozer Twins
Glen Robinson III
Damien Wilkins
Gary Trent Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The Barry Boys
Rex Chapman
Luke Walton
Jalen Rose
Austin Rivers
Nolan Smith
Jerami Grant and his brother
AJ Griffin
Dylan Harper
Patrick Ewing Jr.
DJ Wagner
Jalen Brunson
Devin Booker


I mean, more times than not, the sons of elite NBA players turn out to be pretty good. It's surprising how many of them fly under the radar. If I had been Tubby Smith in the 2000s, I would have loaded up on legacy guys. Curry would have changed his entire career.
Click to expand...

 
B

Bluegrasskingreboot

Sophomore
Jul 17, 2025
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I don't see any reason to not believe he is at least capable of providing solid spot minutes.

This isn't some short 2 play acting at "combo", he is a natural point with some talent.

He is below the rim but that is supposed to be bonus not bread and butter for a point. Other that he looks solid to me for a limited relief role.
 
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Son_Of_Saul

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
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Drogon said:
23 points
5 rebounds
5 assists

Mason Willaims stats in an upset of #1 Prolific Prep who had Bruce Branch, Nasir Anderson, and Caleb Holt on the team. The kid has a lot of potential. Those 3 are possible future lottery picks.
Click to expand...

ukfan042 said:
I honestly think he’s gonna secure the backup PG role! He played well against elite comp in HS and has a nice all around game
Click to expand...

Runt#1969 said:
It's nice to think of the possibilities like this.

Hawthorn and N'Diaye are coming in almost unknown... Potter too. They can earn it amongst themselves, they will know. And I can't discount a player like Noah not getting at least *a few* minutes where he TRULY is consistent and gets his shots and drains those threes for us.... why not ?

If they are capable, then they are capable, and will prove it amongst themselves, to themselves, as well as everyone else, as they go along.

if we just have them be the best version of who they are, and find a proper role to play with a true team effort, and understand from the guys that's been here how much EFFORT and HUSTLE mean .... especially here at Kentucky.... it could be a great positive development for Coach Pope and the team this year. Maybe it all comes down to chemistry in the end. If it's right, it's right and when it's not, it shows.

This is Kentucky, you can't hide.
Click to expand...

BlueSince92 said:
Right now we are short one semi stud guard and if he turns out to be it I won’t complain one bit.
Click to expand...

Bluegrasskingreboot said:
I don't see any reason to not believe he is at least capable of providing solid spot minutes.

This isn't some short 2 play acting at "combo", he is a natural point with some talent.

He is below the rim but that is supposed to be bonus not bread and butter for a point. Other that he looks solid to me for a limited relief role.
Click to expand...
Good thoughts. It's awesome to note that Mason was a 41% three point shooter in high school. By comparison, Aaron Harrison was only a 34% three point shooter in high school.

Mason will take better shots at Kentucky than he did in high school. We could be looking at a 36+% three point shooter, in addition to Milan, Kam, Noah, McBride, Morton and Noah (hopefully). That's potentially six very good shooters, plus a few others like Wilkins who I look to take a massive step.
 
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JwUKFan11

JwUKFan11

Heisman
Nov 11, 2011
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I think Mason is pretty good and could play 10-15 minutes a game this year and contribute. I loved the pickup when it happened and think if Pope can somehow pull out a good season this year, Mason could be a very solid piece going into building the roster for next year.
 
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PastorofMuppets82

PastorofMuppets82

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JwUKFan11 said:
I think Mason is pretty good and could play 10-15 minutes a game this year and contribute. I loved the pickup when it happened and think if Pope can somehow pull out a good season this year, Mason could be a very solid piece going into building the roster for next year.
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Agree. If Pope manages to succeed at a high enough level this year, well enough to secure a 4th year, Mason will be a very solid piece. And good enough to play solid minutes his sophomore year while not being so good he hurts recruiting other high level point guards.
 
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