Fourth Estate Domenic Allegra
Mason basketball alumni advance in professional careers overseas and in Fairfax
BY DOMENIC ALLEGRA SPORTS EDITOR
Mason basketball alumni have continued to make strides after their time in the green and gold.
Jacy Bolton and Isaiah Tate Hired as Graduate Assistants
This year, both basketball programs take on two new graduate assistants. The women’s team has picked up Jacy Bolton. Bolton played in 121 games and made her mark on the program.
Over her four years at Mason (2016-2020), the Missouri native finished 18th in points (1120), 9th in three-pointers (135), 8th in rebounds (735), 16th in assists (243), t-12th in steals (163) and 7th in blocks (72). She is the only player ever in Mason women’s basketball history to be in both the top 20 in points and top 10 in three-pointers and blocks.
The men’s team hired graduate assistant Isaiah Tate. The Maryland native played in 114 career games during the most accomplished era in program history.
During his career, Tate played in two NCAA Tournaments (2008, 2011) and in the program’s most recent conference championship win in the CAA in 2008. He assisted in the 2011 tournament run averaging 8.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while taking on top-ranked teams such as the Big East’s Villanova Wildcats.
One of Tate’s teammates has also chosen to continue his professional career — Mike Morrison.
Mike Morrison Signs with Yalova Basket in Turkey
This season, Mike Morrison (class of 2012), signed a contract with Yalova Basket in Turkey’s Basketbol Süper Ligi, marking his ninth professional year as a player. Morrison previously averaged 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals while playing with Mono Vampire in Thailand.
Morrison joined the campaign of two NCAA tournament runs with Mason, averaging 8.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in the 2011 postseason. He also notched a double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 points, adding a block and a steal in a win over Villanova in the Round of 64.
Jalen Jenkins Continues his Career in Belgium
Class of 2017’s Jalen Jenkins will continue his career with the Belgian Euromillion League’s Antwerp Giants. After a year with Limburg United, this season will mark Jenkins’ fourth year on the professional level.
Jenkins was a four-year player for Mason who finished his career seventh on the all-time Mason rebounding list (706), 26th on the all-time scoring list (1,106), t-6th in games played (128), and tied for 10th in blocks (91). He also posted the seventh-best field goal percentage mark in Patriot history as a senior (.612, 158-258).
Rounding out our list of alumni are two recent graduates.
Otis Livingston Finishes First Year in Denmark
Otis Livingston II finished his one-year contract playing with the Horsens Idræts Club in Denmark.
Photo Courtesy of Ibrahim Ahmad/Giantkiller.co
During the 2019-2020 campaign in Denmark, the New Jersey native played in 22 games, averaging 12.09 points, 4.9 assists, and shot 52 percent from the field, 32 percent from behind the arc, and 78 percent from the free-throw line.
Livingston II reached a high pedestal in the Mason record books and across the nation. In the 2018-2019 season, Livingston II was the only player to start in every game of his four-year career. He finished first in school history in free throw percentage (.859) and games started (132).
Livingston II also finished his career as the only Mason player to post 100-plus assists in all four seasons. He ranks second in assists in school history (493), third in 3-pointers made (203) and fourth in career scoring (1,865 points).
Natalie Butler Signs with Pas Giannina in Greece
On Sept. 30, Natalie Butler, a 2018 graduate, announced that she had signed with the A1 National Division team Pas Giannina in Greece.
After she was waived by the WNBA’s Dallas Wings in May 2018, Butler spent part of last season with the Belgian team Belfius Namur Capitale before signing with Romanian EuroCup team ACS Sepsi SIC Sfântu Gheorghe.
Butler played 15 games in Romania, averaging 7.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. She also shot 60 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the charity stripe.
During her one season at Mason, Butler made history. Prior to becoming the first player drafted into the WNBA in program history, Butler broke the NCAA single-season rebounding record (563) and tied the NCAA Division I record for most consecutive double-doubles. She also broke the Mason single-season scoring record (653 points).
