There is a growing adage now in recruiting of high school players that scholarship offers don’t quite mean what they used to.
Illinois’ offer to Neuqua Valley’s Mason Martin last month certainly meant a lot.
When a teen-aged kid ignites the interest of his “dream school” and the coaching staff’s pursuit is strong and rapid, the recruitment becomes legit and can go quickly.
In six months Martin went from a complete unknown to a Big Ten-bound player as the 6-5 junior ended his recruitment early, committing to Illinois.
“All of it is super surreal,” Martin said of the whirlwind recruitment. “I’m super grateful and thankful for all of it. Six months ago none of this was happening. Now I’m committed and locked in. I’m still kind of trying to process it all.”
Martin was only going to be kept under wraps for so long.
When you are able shoot the basketball with the range and efficiency that Martin does, you’re eventually going to be found and coveted.
Martin proved he was a Division I prospect over the spring and summer, both with his travel team, Breakaway, and his high school team during the June “live” periods. But the start of his junior season has been an absolute explosion, generating higher-level college interest.
Martin is putting up just over 19 points a game for a team that is 16-1 and ranked No. 9 while playing with one of the state’s elite players, sophomore Cole Kelly. The shooting, which is Martin’s calling card, has been exemplary. He’s already buried 62 three-pointers on the season on 146 attempts.
While that’s an ultra-impressive 42 percent for a high-volume shooter, it’s also about how he gets his shot off. Martin does so effortlessly and with a quick release.
Martin hit 11 three-pointers while scoring a career high 41 against West Aurora in the season opener. He averaged 23 points a game in helping Neuqua to the DeKalb Holiday Tournament title, including 34 points and eight threes in the championship.
Illinois pounced quickly on a player who has established himself as the state’s premier shooter. Martin will help any college program with his ability to space the floor.
“The relationship they built with me mattered,” Martin said.
Illinois came to several games, practices and open gyms. Martin said he felt genuine support and love while talking to all the coaches on the staff.
“I love everything about the program — the facilities, the coaching staff, the culture they have developed with their whole team, whether it’s on or off the court,” Martin said. “It’s one I wanted to be a part of and keep helping build.”
The recruitment and the decision came quickly. But Martin already had his eye on Illinois. He says when you combine the success of the program, the location and his own perception of the school, it became an easy decision.
“It’s really kind of my dream school coming into it,” Martin said. “And they’re a top 15 program in the country, a prestigious program that’s pretty close to home. That’s why I decided to do it so early, because I know it’s the right spot for me. I know I made the right decision.”
Martin says he’s already started a discussion with his high-profile, high-in-demand teammate Kelly about joining him in Champaign.
“We have definitely talked about it, but it’s mostly just making jokes about it right now,” Martin said with a laugh. “But I definitely have already started. He’s my favorite teammate I’ve ever played with, so being able to do that at the next level would be super fun.”
