(FREDERICTON, NB) Marcus Masters has decided to build on the legacy his brother began.
“I don’t see it as playing in his shadow, more of building the family legacy at UNB and helping win multiple championships,” he said.
Masters, a 5’10” guard, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the UNB Reds men’s basketball team beginning in the 2019-2020 Atlantic University Sport season.
He’s the younger brother of Javon Masters, who rewrote the Canadian university men’s basketball record book in five seasons at UNB, establishing a U SPORTS career scoring record of 2407 points, an AUS free throws made record of 772, and a UNB record for assists with 439.
“He played a big role in my recruiting because he’s been through this already,” said Marcus. “I listened to what he had to say, but when it came to wanting me to come here, he wasn’t biased, he just wanted me to make the best decision for me.”
The younger Masters is coming off a season with the Toronto Basketball Academy, of the National Preparatory Association, where he averaged 19.8 points per game, 5.1 assists per game and 6 rebounds per game.
“Marcus is a major pick up for our program,” said Reds head coach Brent Baker. “He’ll be able to play both back court positionsand gives us a huge boost to our backcourt depth. With the addition of Marcus and Nolan Willett, we should be very competitive at that position.”
Outside of his time with the Toronto Basketball Academy, Masters has also played with the Bigger Than Basketball program and as part of a FBA Canada team that toured and played in China.
“There will be a period of adjustment, but we expect Marcus to play a prominent role in the program in the near future,” said Baker.
“I feel like I can contribute and help the team win championships,” said Masters. “A short-term goal of mine is to help the team finish atop the standings and earn rookie of the year. My long-term goal would be winning as many championships as we can in my five years.”
Marcus’ brother, who recently finished his first season of professional basketball in Spain, is confident the younger Masters will be successful.
“Fredericton is a special place and I know for a fact he’s going to feel the love as soon as he steps on campus,” said Javon Masters. “I think he’s going to be himself. It’s not about trying to do the same things as me, it’s just him being comfortable in his own skin and just playing ball.”
Marcus Masters will pursue a Bachelor of Arts while attending UNB.