We haven't been able to get through the Big East schedule with... Hamilton and Patterson taking shots next to Mason, and the offense as a stand-around affair. We don't know what the team will look like with him, but a 6'7" athlete who can get his own (sometimes sporadic) shot? Who isn't a freshman? Who is enough of a threat from outside that he should be guarded? I don't think he's a world-beater (or maybe he'll have improved) but you can't say this isn't a loss. At least until after the next 5 games. If this team can win most of the out of conference matchups (with middle of the pack teams... Georgia? Hawaii? yawn), then I'll feel better about Mason's unavailability (if that's a word).