George Mason added experience and shooting power to its roster this offseason with the arrival of former Northeastern guard Masai Troutman, a 6-foot-5 senior transfer from Frederick, Maryland, whose efficient scoring and relentless work ethic have coaches excited for the upcoming season.
“I love Masai’s tenacity on both ends of the floor,” George Mason coach Tony Skinn said. “He can really shoot the ball, and he’s a multidimensional guard who gets after it defensively.”
Troutman transferred to George Mason after taking noticeable strides in his last two years at Northeastern. The Huskies averaged 13 wins per season in Troutman’s three years in the program, with their best finish in the Coastal Athletic Association coming last year when they tied for seventh.
After last season, Troutman sought an opportunity to challenge himself at a higher level and, hopefully, play in the NCAA Tournament.
“It was a quick process,” said Troutman on transferring to George Mason. “I wanted to go in and out of the portal as fast as I could. Mason was the first team to reach out, and I had heard about their success last season and how ever since Coach Skinn came in, they’ve been a winning program.”
During his sophomore season in 2023, he started all 32 games for the Huskies, averaging 10 points in just over 28 minutes per game. The following year, Troutman raised his scoring average to 13.5 points, while shooting 43.5% from the field and 40% from 3-point range, all in just 24 minutes per game. However, his standout season ended prematurely short due to injuries, as he appeared in only 13 games.
Despite the setback, Troutman’s improvement was apparent. In fewer minutes, he became a more efficient scorer and showed maturity that reflects his years of dedication. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by his former coach at Northeastern, Bill Coen.
“He’s got a relentless work ethic, he’ll get in two or three workouts a day,” Coen said last season.
Troutman has an aggressive and winning mindset, crediting his approach to his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant.
“Kobe’s mamba mentality is all about getting one percent better every day,” he said. “He was addicted to it. Some days your one hundred percent is going to be your best, but what I can control is giving one hundred percent every day.”
Troutman’s 3-point shooting will be pivotal to the Patriots’ success this season. Last season, the Patriots ranked 10th in the Atlantic 10 in 3-point field goals made. They also made 35.5% of their 3-point attempts, ranking in the 75th percentile, according to CBB Analytics.
Troutman’s 40% 3-point shooting boosts the Patriots’ perimeter spacing, opening lanes for Skinn’s offense and adding a dependable long-range threat.
“My shooting really blossomed last year as I trusted the process, but shooting is more of a rhythm thing,” Troutman said. “When the team is moving the ball well, everyone on the court is going to shoot better.”
Troutman highlights a George Mason transfer class that also includes Dola Adebayo from Mount St. Mary’s and Kory Mincy from Presbyterian.
Troutman and his fellow teammates look to start on the right foot when they open their season with an exhibition game against the Alfred Saxons on Saturday at EagleBank Arena.
