We are now well over a month into the NCAA transfer portal being open and there has, unsurprisingly, been a vast movement of players all across the country.
For Florida Atlantic Men’s Basketball and head coach John Jakus, that has been no different as the Owls have been working diligently to reshape their roster for next season. Eleven players entered the portal for FAU, all of whom have already committed to new programs.
The Owls received their sixth commitment via the portal on Thursday evening, with 6-foot-6 wing Mason Porter-Brown, formerly of Long Island University, announcing via Instagram he had committed to John Jakus and the Owls.
The Gainesville native started his college career at Indian River State. He played 2 seasons there, averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 30.7 minutes per game in his sophomore season. He then transferred to Long Island University for his junior season, where he averaged 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds a game while shooting 47% from the field as well as an impressive 40% clip from 3-point range.
Brown, who posts a 6-foot-6, 200 lb frame, started just 6 of his 35 games played for the Sharks last season, playing around 20 minutes a game. He scored in double figures 12 times, including two games in which he scored 20+ points. Included in this was a 15-point, 4-of-8 three-point shooting performance against No. 1 Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, experience that will be of great value to an FAU program already familiar with the big dance.
The addition of Brown is very intriguing as head coach John Jakus has now given the Owls some much-needed wing depth, particularly in the second unit. This is a player who looks to bring exciting athleticism, good transition scoring, very good and improved 3-point shooting, as well as solid mechanics on the defensive end. Also, don’t be surprised if MPB brings some high-flying dunks to the 561.
Overall, this looks to be another exciting, high-upside swing for John Jakus out of the portal with Brown, who will certainly have an important role as an athletic, scoring wing for the Owls next season.
Welcome to Paradise, Mason!
