Fifth-year transfer Mason Gillis helped lead Purdue to last season’s Final Four, winning Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Then he came to Duke, where he’s often been seventh, eighth or ninth in the rotation.
In a slightly diminished role, playing six fewer minutes a game than he did as a Boilermaker, Gillis has still made an impact for Duke.
“Mason Gillis for us, sixth most efficient offensive player in the country the year before. Mason was a no-brainer for us,” said coach Jon Scheyer. “Mason is more than a good luck charm, Mason is a winner through and through. He may not have the best statistics or the most points, but he’s played a major role for us.
“If you look at our season, some of the toughest moments we’ve been in, the toughest spots, Mason has really won us the game. You think about at Louisville, we’re down double-digits. Cooper gets four fouls in the second half. Mason comes in, we make a comeback and we win.
“At Wake Forest we’re down six in the second half. Mason comes in, hits the biggest three of the game. We win.
“Actually, our one loss we had was without Mason. He’s a winning player with his physicality, being able to shoot. But it’s his voice every day in the locker room, the confidence that he gives everybody else. And it’s his readiness no matter when his number is called to come in, compete. He’s a guy that’s not afraid because he’s seen everything at Purdue for five years. I’ve loved coaching Mason. He’s been a huge asset to our team with his size, physicality and leadership.
