HORSE CAVE, Ky. -- Northern Kentucky has been on a role in their 2016 recruitment as of late by landing commitments from players such as Jalen Tate, Blake Spellman, and Dantez Walton.  You can add another one to the list in 2016 6'2 point guard Mason Faulkner.  Faulkner plays high school ball at Caverna and is currently ranked #3 on our Next Up Recruits 2016 class rankings.

In the end, it only took one official visit for Mason Faulkner to make up his mind as he has decided to roll with NKU in the Horizon League.

“I have developed a great relationship with Coach Brannen and the rest of the guys," Faulkner told NextUpRecruits. "NKU has a great campus life and my relationships with the current teammates that they have on their roster is really good.  It truly feels like my home away from home and I couldn’t be more happy."

The Horse Cave, KY native was the leading scorer in Kentucky last season, and his stats were phenomenal with averages of 30.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and a steal per game. Stats like these make him a serious candidate for Mr. Basketball and that is one of his goals that he wants to accomplish.

Along with leading the state in scoring, Faulkner had accolades such as First Team All-Region (Fifth Region), First Team All-District, and made the All-A Regional team as well.  The point guard had a heck of an AAU season with Team Manimal, which landed him offers from NKU, EKU, South Alabama, SEMO, Lipscomb, Morehead State, Loyola (IL), and Dartmouth. Mason is proof that you don’t have to play on a team that is in a shoe league to gain multiple offers at the Division I level. 

“I want to tell every kid out there that plays ball that you can make it if you set your mind to it and don’t let the negative words that people say about you get you down," Faulkner added. If anything, use those words to motivate you. I feel like anyone can make it if they have the drive to stay focused and keep working hard everyday."

There is no doubt that we like watching Mason Faulkner as a player, but he is an even better person that has an unbelievable family. NKU is getting an absolute steal in this kid. He will be effective immediately and will not only push himself everyday, but also his teammates to be the best that they can be.