Pearson Shines in Jordan Classic

By Mason Blogger Ryan Kish of George Mason Basketball Blog

Ryan Pearson is continuing to prove what a solid recruiter Jim Larranaga has been to the Mason program.

Pearson exploded at the Jordan Classic for 36 points and 15 rebounds as he grabbed co-MVP honors playing against guys who will likely be one-and-done in the college game next year before jumping to the NBA.

You cannot always put a whole lot of stock in these all-star game showcases as it is rare that anyone comes out looking bad but the fact still remains that Pearson was able to standout amongst recruits that were all considered to be more "talented" than him. Put up these kind of numbers against guys who will be starring at Memphis and Arizona next season, yeah I'll take that. Dick Weiss of the Daily News gives Pearson his praise:

• "Forward Ryan Pearson from Christ the King – who has signed with George Mason – scored 36 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. He was a deserving MVP for the City team. What a steal for Jim Larranaga. Had Pearson – the most under-recruited player in the city – still been available, he would have wound up on some Big East or ACC roster next year."

Has Larranaga found another diamond in the rough? We shall see, but I will tell you this, Pearson has the kind of game that will help us deal with the pain of losing work horse Will Thomas. Paired with Monroe, Pearson could do some damage early and hopefully be more aggressive on the glass than Birdsong. With two other freshman forwards coming in and Monroe returning from injury, the Patriots will finally have an abundance of depth up front.