Mason Gillis Aims for History with Duke in Final Four

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Mason Gillis is making NCAA history as the first player to reach the Final Four in consecutive years with different teams. Last April, the 6-foot-6 forward advanced to college basketball’s pinnacle event with Purdue, and this week he returns as a reserve for Duke, preparing to face Houston on Saturday night.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” Gillis said Thursday during a press conference, reflecting on his unique journey. “It’s been a blessing to be able to be in the position I’m in.” Gillis has come off the bench for both teams, contributing crucial plays despite a slight drop in statistics this season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Duke Coach Jon Scheyer praised Gillis’s contributions, stating, “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.” Scheyer recalls pivotal moments in games where Gillis’s performance was key, including a comeback against Louisville and a crucial three-pointer against Wake Forest.

Amid a talented roster that includes projected lottery picks like Cooper Flagg, Gillis’s experience is invaluable. After entering the transfer portal, he chose Duke to chase another national championship, prioritizing team success over personal statistics.

“It’s definitely a cool thing. Last year was Purdue’s first time making it to the Final Four since 1980, and that was a great thing,” Gillis acknowledged. “But we didn’t win it all. So leaving there, you leave with a bad taste in your mouth. Having the opportunity to find another school to try to make it back here is definitely a blessing.”

In a landscape transformed by the transfer portal, Gillis is not alone in his pursuit of success with a new team. Florida’s Alijah Martin will also make history as the first player to start a Final Four game for two different programs.

As Gillis and his team gear up for their semifinal matchup against Houston, their goal is clear: cut down the nets at the Alamodome. The matchup marks another significant landmark in Gillis’s burgeoning career, a journey characterized by resilience and determination.

Meanwhile, Duke’s performance has put them among the elite in this year’s tournament. After defeating Alabama 85-65 in the Elite Eight, they continue their pursuit of a championship. Gillis has played a role in the team’s success, tallying a combined 13 points and 12 rebounds throughout this NCAA tournament.

“We just have to keep our mind on the job at hand and come away with it all this year,” Gillis said when discussing the upcoming game. As he steps onto the court on Saturday, he will not only pursue victory but potentially write his name in NCAA history.