Broadside Sports

John Kleeb, Broadside Correspondent

The Hancock File
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Place to eat on campus: Southside
Favorite Vacation Spot: The Beach
Favorite Movie: Book of Eli
Favorite TV: ESPN
Favorite Music: Billy Currington “Good Directions”

With six freshmen on George Mason University’s men’s basketball team, first-year forward Luke Hancock is one of the key players on the team’s young squad. Hancock is currently averaging 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

The Roanoke native was recently ranked 22nd on the Basketball Prospectus’ list of top 25 freshmen.
Hancock feels that it was good to receive the exposure at the national level and to be named on the same list with University of Kentucky point guard and potential first overall draft pick John Wall.

Since arriving at Mason, Coach Larranaga has made Hancock feel comfortable playing at home. The idea of playing at the Patriot Center sparked Hancock’s decision to attend Mason. Hancock was also recruited by Toledo, Bradley and Radford.

Hancock, who is majoring in finance, hopes to continue playing basketball after he graduates, but he intends to enter the business world as his fallback plan. He is interested in learning and understanding the function of money.

Off the court, Hancock enjoys having a laid-back lifestyle. In his free time, Hancock goes to the movies and hangs out with his friends and teammates.

Hancock originally played soccer, but when introduced to basketball, he wanted to stick to one sport.
Hancock recalls his first experience with basketball when he made the middle school basketball team. Hancock attended the Hargrove Military Academy and earned all-state honors at Hidden Valley High School before coming to Mason.

Even before the start of the season, Hancock hoped to receive regular playing time in his first year. Hancock immediately made his presence known on the court, scoring 11 points and grabbing four rebounds and four assists in his debut. After Mason defeated the Liberty Flames 76-72 that night, the team saw great potential in the young player.

As the season has progressed, Hancock has become a key player coming off the bench. In 20 games, Hancock only made one start. Hancock leads all freshmen on the team and bench players with 23 minutes per contest. Hancock is second on the team with a 51.3 percent field goal rate and has been a competent shooter from the line, making 75 percent of his free throws.

His remarkable vision has made him a good passer, ranking second on the team with 42 assists. Also, Hancock has the ability to shoot from long range. He made nine 3-pointers in 25 attempts.

Hancock is one of many players that has a certain pre-game routine. Before every game, Hancock desses a certain way, putting his jersey on last.

Mason is currently 13-7 overall with an impressive 8-1 conference record. The team recently came off a successful three-game road trip in which they had scored at least 80 points in each contest.

Staying composed on the road, playing as a team and being consistent will be important for the team as they try to win the Colonial Athletic Association this season.

For Hancock, the experience he is getting in his first year is crucial for his development down the road.