South Carolina basketball target makes Team USA roster

South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris and his staff recently offered talented class of 2028 prospect Mason Collins. He’s already one of the top players in the country in his class, and his recruitment will blow up soon. The Columbia native is the son of former NBA 1st-round pick Mardy Collins and current South Carolina women’s basketball staffer Ariana Moore. He is the godson of Coach Dawn Staley. Now, as of this week, he is also a member of Team USA.

USA Basketball announced on Friday that Collins had earned a spot on the Team USA U16 Junior National Team. The 15-year-old stud is listed as a “G/F” on the roster, pointing to his versatility as a player. He is one of 12 players who will have the opportunity to represent the US in the U16 FIBA AmeriCup. Games begin on Monday in Juarez, Mexico.

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As a player, Collins has an almost unlimited ceiling. Already 6-6 as a high school freshman, he is a skilled wing who can handle guard duties. However, he’s a switchable defender, as well, who can guard 1-through-4. On offense, he can even handle some point guard responsibilities. With his length, athleticism, and ball skills, his future seems destined to include “matchup nightmare” designation on opposing scouting reports.

South Carolina was the first team to get in on Collins’ recruitment with an offer, but they will not be the final one. It won’t be long before his offer list is as long as his impressive wingspan. Because of his connections, he has a good relationship with the University of South Carolina, but Collins has called Duke his “dream school.”

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