The George Mason University men’s basketball program has made a significant mark in the 2024-25 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-State Awards. Announced on Thursday, the program’s head coach, Tony Skinn (’06), received the prestigious VaSID Coach of the Year title, sharing this honor with Liberty’s Ritchie McKay. Under Coach Skinn’s leadership, the Patriots not only achieved their first-ever Atlantic 10 (A-10) regular season title but also secured a historic NIT victory, marking their first since 2004.
Senior Jared Billups earned the distinction of Defensive Player of the Year for the state and was named to the All-State First Team, along with fellow senior Jalen Haynes. Billups also became the first George Mason player to receive the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year award since 2001, ranking 33rd nationally in individual defensive rating. His remarkable defensive prowess led to opponents shooting just 28.9% when defended by him, contributing to the team’s stellar defensive performance.
Darius Maddox also made his mark, earning a place on the All-State Second Team. He played a crucial role in the Patriots’ success with impressive stats, including a field goal percentage of .554 and an average of 14.0 points per game in league play. Maddox stood out in the A-10 Tournament, showcasing his skills with strong scoring and a consistent presence on the court.
Overall, George Mason’s collection of five all-state honors highlights their dominant season, leading all other programs in the Commonwealth. With a school record-tying 27 overall victories and a new benchmark of 15 A-10 league wins, the Patriots are poised for continued success in future seasons.
This recognition not only underscores the players’ individual talents but also reflects the cohesive strength and competitive spirit of the George Mason University basketball team.