By Bill Beckner Jr.

Published: Friday, March 15, 2013, 3:30 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Micah Mason wants to come home.

The former Highlands basketball standout was granted his release from Drake after one season and plans to transfer to a school closer to Pittsburgh.

“I would rather be around Pittsburgh; I want to come back,” Mason said. “I want to be somewhere closer than 15 hours away.”

Mason said his decision was made before Drake fired coach Mark Phelps on Thursday after a 15-17 season.

“That didn't have an impact at all,” Mason said. “I figured I was leaving no matter what.”

The transfer, Mason said, had more to do with his diet. He cannot ingest gluten, so he needs specially prepared meals. His mother, Karen, moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in September, to help out.

“She has been great,” Mason said. “She's in a house out here.”

The 6-foot-2 point guard, will have to sit out a season, per NCAA rules if he goes to another Division I school.

“I have no idea where I'll end up,” Mason said. “I will send my release papers to schools I am interested in. I will rely on God to help me through this.”

Mason, the WPIAL's all-time leader in 3-pointers made, played in 30 games as a freshman, averaging 5.4 points and 2.3 assists in 15.6 minutes per game.

Mason finished fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting, making 40 of 79 attempts (50.6 percent).

Bill Beckner Jr. is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com.

1. Pitt gets commits from QB, local RB
2. Penguins notebook: Pens talking with Dupuis’ reps
3. Steelers rookie safety Thomas learning from Polamalu, Clark
4. Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
5. Pitt research facility dedicated in Hill District
6. Pirates announce signing of first-round pick McGuire
7. Andy Warhol Bridge to be covered in knitted blankets in August
8. Unity Legion team off to fast start in league play
9. So Many Questions: Hair stylist to the stars Anthony Pazos says divas come with the territory
10. Van Sickle breaks through at West Penn Open
11. New Alexandria’s Mannitto Golf Club has new owner

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.