Name: Mason Gross

Year: Senior

Major: Biology

Minor: Secondary Education

Hometown: Hughestown, Pennsylvania

High School: Pittston Area

Position: Forward

Driving force for your decision to come to Wilkes?

Wilkes allowed me to enter into a great science program while also allowing me to continue my playing career.  It also was close enough to home to allow my family to see all of my games.

Post graduation plans in terms of a career?

I plan on teaching high school biology as well as coaching basketball.

Favorite building on campus?

The Marts Center.

What came first? The chicken or the egg?

The egg.

What can you say to reflect on your basketball career now that it’s over?

Now that I can look back on my career, I can say I definitely made the right decision to come to Wilkes.  I had the opportunity to play for an amazing head coach as well as four other assistant coaches throughout my career that have taught me many things that go beyond the game of basketball.  I was also fortunate enough to play with some amazing players who I am lucky enough to call life long friends.

When/Why did you first begin playing?

I have been playing for as long as I can remember.  I think the first shot I ever made was on a Fisher-Price hoop.

What was your favorite memory from your four years?

Hitting a game winning shot against #14 Hope my Junior year in Ohio.

If you could have dinner with a famous person from the past, who would it be?

Randy Pausch.

What are your thoughts on how the program looks now that you are graduating?

I think the ceiling for the program is very high.  I believe the program has made strides every year Coach Metz has been here and I don’t see any reason that should change.  The team still has great players currently and will continue to recruit great players.  I expect them to have the same success for many years to come.

Other interests or hobbies off of the court? 

Playing Fortnite and beating Zach Brunner in NBA 2k18.

Most influential person in your life?

My parents.

A quote you live your life by?

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.”

What does “Be Colonel” mean to you?

“Be Colonel” means that you are striving to be the best you can be every day.

If you could have dinner with a famous person from the past, who would it be?

Randy Pausch.

Favorite meal to eat on campus?

Omelette for breakfast

Favorite professor?

Mr. Richards

Anyone to give a shout-out to?

Every member of the Bullet Club, the Goon Squad, and Wilkes Basketball’s biggest fans, Buck Schwab and James Emmett

What is one last piece of advice you would like to give to the underclassman as you leave the program?

Continue to work hard and believe in what the coaches are putting forward.  Trust the process.