As the Duke Blue Devils prepare for their Final Four showdown against the Houston Cougars, much attention has been rightfully directed toward standout freshman Cooper Flagg. However, the contributions of veteran transfer wing Mason Gillis have been instrumental in Duke’s deep tournament run and could prove decisive in the upcoming matchup.
Gillis, a 6-foot-6 forward from New Castle, Indiana, joined Duke after four seasons at Purdue. During his tenure with the Boilermakers, he appeared in 132 games, amassing 827 points and 548 rebounds. Notably, he was named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in the 2023-24 season, shooting an impressive 46.8% from three-point range.
At Duke, Gillis has embraced a reserve role, averaging 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. Despite these modest statistics, his impact has been significant. Coach Jon Scheyer has highlighted Gillis’s crucial contributions in key games, particularly during comeback victories against Louisville and Wake Forest.
Gillis’s experience is unparalleled; he has made NCAA history by becoming the first player to reach the Final Four in consecutive years with different teams. This journey underscores his adaptability and understanding of high-stakes basketball.
As Duke faces Houston’s top-ranked defense, Gillis’s veteran presence and sharpshooting could be pivotal. His ability to stretch the floor and provide leadership offers the Blue Devils a valuable asset in their quest for a national championship.
