Mason basketball

Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

Colleen Rich — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:23:33 +0000

Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season Colleen Rich Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:23

George Mason �鶹�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, securing her leadership through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Blair-Lewis has revitalized the Patriots, leading them to historic milestones, including their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2024-25 season. This year, George Mason also set a program record with 27 wins and finished with a 14-4 conference record, solidifying its status as a top competitor in the A-10.

“In just four years, Vanessa has transformed our women’s basketball program, guiding us to our first A-10 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance,” said Lewis. “Her leadership has ignited a new level of pride and excitement across our campus community. Vanessa is not only an exceptional coach on the court but also a remarkable leader off it. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm of our program for years to come.”

Blair-Lewis has overseen remarkable improvement in her tenure. In her first season in 2021-22, she more than tripled the team’s win total from the previous year, guiding them to a 10-19 record. The following year, the Patriots recorded their first winning season since 2017-18, finishing 16-15 and advancing to the A-10 quarterfinals. In 2023-24, the program reached new heights with 23 regular season wins and 14 conference victories, earning a postseason bid to the WBIT. This past season, her vision materialized, as the Patriots achieved unprecedented success, culminating in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Gregory Washington, Athletic Director Marvin Lewis, and Senior Women’s Administrator Nena Rogers for their continued belief in me and unwavering support of our women’s basketball program,” said Blair-Lewis. “Being the head coach at George Mason is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with great pride. I’m fortunate to lead a phenomenal group of young women whose heart, resilience, and commitment made this historic season possible.”

Blair-Lewis’ impact has been recognized nationally, as she was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats two years in a row.

“This year wasn’t just about wins—it was about changing the narrative, raising the standard, and showing what’s possible when a team fully believes in one another,” said Blair-Lewis. “The energy, unity, and pride we’ve seen from the George Mason community has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful.”

Blair-Lewis has also overseen the development of six standout student-athletes who have earned significant postseason accolades in the A-10. Three Patriots the last two seasons have been named to A-10’s All-Conference lists, including back-to-back athletes who were named the league’s Most Improved Player.

With this contract extension, George Mason affirms its commitment to the continued growth and success of its women's basketball program under Blair-Lewis’s leadership. The university community looks forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones in the coming seasons.

“As we look ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Blair-Lewis. “We’re not done—we’re just getting started. Together, we’re building something truly special for this university, for Northern Virginia, and for every young girl who dreams of playing this game at the highest level.”

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:49:02 +0000

Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30 Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:49

George Mason �鶹�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Tony Skinn. Photo by George Mason Athletics

The 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Skinn has quickly established himself as one of the top young head coaches in the nation.

He is the fastest George Mason coach to 40 wins in school history and has totaled the most overall victories (47) of any George Mason bench boss over their first two seasons in Fairfax. His A-10 winning percentage (.667) is by far the best in the program's 12 years in the league and his overall winning percentage (.703) is the best of any George Mason coach over their first two campaigns.

Skinn led the Patriots to a share of their first-ever A-10 regular season title, the program’s first NIT victory since 2004 and a school record-tying 27 overall victories this season.

"We are thrilled that Tony Skinn will continue leading our men’s basketball program," Lewis said. "There is no better ambassador for our university. Tony truly embodies what it means to be a Patriot. Under his leadership, we secured our first A-10 conference title and have elevated our national profile in the process. As one of the most dynamic young coaches in the country, retaining Tony was a top priority for our university. With him at the helm, the program’s brightest days are still to come."

This past season, Skinn guided the Patriots to the best season in the program's A-10 history. The Green & Gold set a new school record for Atlantic 10 league victories (15) and started league play 12-1 for the first time in the program's 59-year history. The Patriots locked up a double bye in the A-10 Tournament for the first time and reached a conference title game for the first time since 2009.

George Mason tallied a school-record 18 home victories in 2024-25. The Patriots also swept their A-10 home schedule (9-0) for the first time ever and won five-straight A-10 road games for the first time in program annals. The team's 11-game win streak from Jan. 8-Feb. 18 was the second longest in the nation at the time and was just the fourth 10+ game winning streak in school history.

Skinn is a national finalist for the Ben Jobe Award, given to the nation’s top minority head coach, and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a Division I head coach who wins with integrity both on and off the court.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built over these two years, most importantly because of where we’ve built it,” Skinn said. “George Mason gave me an opportunity 20 years ago, and without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It means the world to have reestablished the championship culture we took so much pride in as players here. I appreciate the continued support of Dr. Washington and Marvin Lewis as we navigate this new college basketball landscape and position ourselves on the national stage.”

George Mason’s elite Patriot Pressure defense ranked in the Top 25 nationally this season and the Patriots led the nation in field goal defense. The team's cumulative FG defense marked aMason school record while its 3-point defense was second best all time.

Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life. Senior Jared Billups became George Mason’s first conference Defensive Player of the Year since 2001 and is a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Jalen Haynes earned NABC All-District First Team honors andwas just the second All-A-10 First Team pick in school history. What’s more, Darius Maddox earned NABC All-District Second Team accolades and a position on the All-A-10 Third Team. Both Haynes and Maddox garnered A-10 All-Tournament accolades after shining on the national stage in DC this March.

Skinn has led the Patriots to 20 wins in each of his first two campaigns at the helm. Last season, he was named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given annually to the nation’s top first-time head coach.

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Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play

Colleen Rich — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:28:21 +0000

Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play Colleen Rich Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:28

Capping two 20-plus win regular seasons and strong Atlantic 10 (A-10) performances, George Mason �鶹��’s women’s and men’s basketball teams will compete in the NCAA and NIT, respectively.

George Mason men's basketball is the No. 2 seed in the NIT and hosts Samford on Wednesday, March 19. Photo by George Mason Athletics

First up is the men’s basketball team (26-8), hosting Samford (22-10) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).

This is the men’s teams’ first NIT bid since 2009 and first time hosting a home game since 2004.

Tickets for the game are general admission, $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. George Mason student tickets are free. Fans can purchase tickets through the George Mason Ticket Office by calling 703-993-3270 or at the EagleBank Arena Box Office.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

The men’s team has won 24 of its last 29 games, with a new program record for A-10 conference wins (15) and the second-most wins in team history.

George Mason's women's basketball on Selection Sunday in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Art Pittman/George Mason Athletics

The women’s team (27-5) is a No. 11 seed and plays its first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 6 seed Florida State at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

They learned about their matchup on Sunday at a watch party at EagleBank Arena where they celebrated with fans.

They earned an automatic bid, their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, by winning the A-10 conference last week.

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George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high

Colleen Rich — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:17:25 +0000

George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high Colleen Rich Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:17

It’s March Madness again, and it’s made for some heady times for the George Mason �鶹�� basketball program. The Patriots women’s and men’s basketball teams are the talk of Mason Nation and elsewhere after reaching new heights with their play this past weekend.

And both teams could ascend higher still.

“It’s a great time to be a Patriot,” men’s basketball head coach Tony Skinn said.

The second-seeded women’s team made history at the Atlantic 10 Tournament on Sunday, downing Saint Joseph’s 73-58 in the championship game at the Henrico Sports & �鶹�� Center to claim the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history.

Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

Senior guard Paula Suárez scored 23 points and redshirt sophomore forward and A-10 Rookie of the Year Zahirah Walton added 19 as George Mason (27-5) launched itself into the Big Dance in style with its first conference tournament title.

Now in her fourth year at the helm after inheriting a program with no conference game wins and just three overall in the season before her arrival, Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and team will now await Sunday evening’s televised NCAA Tournament Selection Show in EagleBank Arena to see where they will be paired.

“I’m really excited about how this team has come together,” Blair-Lewis said. “It speaks volumes to the camaraderie and the dedication they have to each other to come together and do something good.”

The victory is just the latest milestone for a surging Patriots’ women’s basketball team that had already set new school records this season for the most wins in the regular season (24), the longest winning streak (11 games), and for the first consecutive 20-win seasons. The team also matched a year-old mark for conference victories in a season (14) to earn its highest A-10 Tournament seeding ever.

The preseason pick to finish sixth in the conference, the George Mason men’s team did team its part in helping to make a magical basketball weekend that Patriot fans won’t soon forget. A 64-60 win at �鶹�� of Richmond on Saturday gave the Patriots a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title for the first time ever.

Photo by Athletics

Senior guard Darius Maddox tallied 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half to pace George Mason (24-7).

“This is truly a blessing,” Skinn said following the game. “I said when I got this job that I was going to work my butt off to get us back where we belong. It starts with our leadership. [George Mason President Gregory] Washington boldly chose to give an opportunity to a guy who had never been a head coach. His faith and support, along with [Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] Marvin Lewis, are a big part of how we were able to build this roster. This is what can happen when you approach things the right way. I’m so proud of our team.”

This week Skinn was named A-10 basketball coach of the year and senior Jared Billups was named defensive player of the year.

George Mason enters this week’s Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena in nearby Washington, D.C., as the No. 2 seed with its first game at 5 p.m. in Friday’s quarterfinal round. VCU will be the tournament’s No. 1 seed by virtue of its regular season win over George Mason on Feb. 22.

There’s a chance that the Patriots men’s team could also reach the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s really amazing,” Blair-Lewis said of the success both George Mason programs have enjoyed this season, “and I’m just really proud of both programs. The men’s success is success for us, and vice versa. It’s been really good for the entire university.”

Blair-Lewis was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award.

Until recently, the two George Mason basketball teams had the best combined record of any program in the country, and that success hasn’t gone unnoticed, with various players and both head coaches receiving accolades of all kinds.

But neither Blair-Lewis or Skinn are putting much stock in the outside noise, especially with so much basketball still to be played.

“We haven’t been a household name in the league,” Skinn said. “We’re trying to change that narrative.”

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Patriot Pop Quiz: Olympic basketball

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:22:29 +0000

Patriot Pop Quiz: Olympic basketball Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:22

Think you know a lot about George Mason �鶹��? Let’s find out if we can stump you with this Patriot Pop Quiz.

Question:

Who was the first George Mason men’s basketball player to participate in the Olympics?

Illustration by Getty

Answer: Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, head coach for George Mason men’s basketball.

Tony Skinn, now the head coach for George Mason men's basketball, played in the London 2012 Olympics for the Nigerian team. Photo by Alamy

In 2012, Skinn was a member of the Nigerian national team that qualified for the Olympics in London. At the games, Skinn and Nigeria won their first Olympic preliminary round game, defeating Tunisia, 60–56, before finishing 10th in the tournament. Read a Q&A with Skinn leading up to his time at the Olympics.

At George Mason, Skinn was a starter on the 2006 George Mason Final Four team and one of the best all-around guards in program history. He returned to his alma mater as head coach in 2023.

"It's a good feeling because you represent more than just basketball," Skinn said of playing at the Olympics in 2012. "�鶹�� team gave millions of people a chance to root for something." Photo by Alamy

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Where are They Now: Mason Basketball Edition

Lynn Tierney — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:31:58 +0000

Where are They Now: Mason Basketball Edition Lynn Tierney Wed, 11/15/2023 - 12:31

The saying “Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot” is especially true when it comes to Mason student-athletes.

Now that George Mason �鶹�� alum Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, is the men’s basketball team’s head coach, not only is there nostalgia for the Final Four squad, but we’ve also been seeing a lot of basketball alumni on campus.

In fact, three members of that 2006 Cinderella team now work on campus. Folarin Campbell, BA Communication ’08, was the first player to return to his alma mater when he joined the Patriot Club as its assistant director in January 2022. This spring Lamar Butler, BA Communication ’06, came on board as the men’s basketball program’s director of player development.

In late June, Coach Skinn and the men’s basketball program invited Mason basketball alumni back for a special practice at EagleBank Arena. Many familiar faces showed up, including George Evans, a three-time Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year who played for Mason from 1997 to 2001, and Jay Marsh, BA ’73, retired senior associate athletic director.

Photos from that day show the camaraderie and team spirit of these Patriots are still alive and well.

Numbers in parenthesis indicate years on the team.

The 2023–24 Mason men’s basketball team with the program’s alumni at the June 30 event. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics.

Three-time CAA Player of the Year George Evans (1997-2001) shares a moment with Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Marvin Lewis and Assistant Director of the Patriot Club Folarin Campbell (2004–08). Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics.

From left, Shevon Thompson (2014–16), Myles Tate (2013–17), and AJ Wilson (2016–21). Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics.

From left, Jai Lewis (2002–06), Head Coach Tony Skinn (2002–06), Gabe Norwood (2003–07), Ahmad Dorsett (1996–2000), and Patriot Club Assistant Director Folarin Campbell (2004–08). Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics.

From left, Tremaine Price (1997–2001), Terrance Nixon (1998–2002), and George Evans (1997–2001). Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics.

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Q&A with Vanessa Blair-Lewis

Corey Schaut — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:40:17 +0000

Q&A with Vanessa Blair-Lewis Corey Schaut Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:40

How have you been able to make such dramatic progress in a short time?

Usually when you get hired, you have to wait for four classes to leave before you start bringing in all “your people.” We didn’t start with that mindset. [The existing team was] my people when I got the job. What the girls felt and what I leaned into is that you’re welcome here. And that was just our motto: With who you are right now, you’re welcome. So whatever we all have here, it’s enough for us to bring it together and try to do something great. We were believing big for moments that we knew were going to happen.

Photo by Ron Aira

One of your primary strengths as a coach is relationship building. How do you create and maintain a consistent culture when players come and go every year, including transfers from other college programs?

The summer is our time. It’s our “intimate moment,” as we call it. That’s when we get a chance to find out who these student-athletes are as people and then that trajectory takes us into the season. We have Fun Fridays [where] we pick out something that’s not basketball or weightlifting, like rope climbing or hot yoga. We talk about controversial issues, political issues so we can get things on the table and know more about who our sisters are, what they struggle with. It may not be what you struggle with. But how can we lean into each other? We want to build their bodies, minds, and spirits.

You have international players and players from across the country, as well as players who grew up locally. How much of a recruiting advantage is Mason’s location?

We live in a corridor right now where our students graduate and get six-figure salaries. And the whole time you’re being prepared. We want to make sure they’re not just women who play basketball, but women who can do anything they want to do in the world. There are internships. There are alumni who want to hire athletes because they know what comes with that—a hard-working, stay-up-late, and get-there-early kind of mentality.

You recently signed a contract extension through the 2027–28 season. What does that say about your commitment to Mason and Mason’s commitment to you?

I really think [university leadership] saw the vision and what we were producing, not just on the court but [with] our young women holistically. It made me feel really great because I didn’t want to be anywhere else. This is home for me. When you’re in a relationship and the other person feels the same way about you that you feel about them, it’s definitely a happy place to be.

Six different schools have won the past six Atlantic 10 women’s basketball tournament titles. Mason could make it seven….

It’s wide open. We told our girls, “The journey is 20-plus wins, and the tourney.” That’s our nifty little slogan. That’s what we want to go get this year. The hunger is there.

Learn more about Vanessa Blair-Lewis's start at Mason

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Q&A with Tony Skinn

Corey Schaut — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:38:18 +0000

Q&A with Tony Skinn Corey Schaut Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:38

How does it feel to be back on the campus where it all began for you and where you became a key part of school lore with that improbable 2006 Final Four run?

It’s still surreal. I don’t think a moment is going to come when I settle down from my thoughts and my initial happiness from just being here. It’s definitely become a little bit easier just with managing a team and putting a team together. When I got the job, I had nine scholarships [to fill]. I only had four returners, so there was a lot—a lot of work to do. So as excited as I was, right after that press conference [in April], there was a lot of anxiety. It’s a little nerve-racking just trying to get your staff together, then find your players, and [I was] trying to do a little bit of both. Now it’s about getting after it and getting acclimated to our guys.

Tony Skinn. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

What are the biggest obstacles in cherishing the past while looking to move forward, and how do you overcome them?

I told myself when I left Mason that—as a good of a feeling as that run was—I wanted to make sure that I was always evolving. As a pro, I had that same mindset.

Even when I finished playing and got into coaching, I didn’t allow the Final Four to define me—I always wanted to reinvent myself. So, when I hear the Final Four—as happy as I am to have been a part of it—the one thing I haven’t done through my career is use that as a crutch. And I think that’s helped put me in this position because I wouldn’t be here as a basketball coach just because of the Final Four. I put myself in the position where I learned from a lot of great coaches along the way. [The Final Four] is definitely a part of who I am, but at the same time, the sky’s the limit to where I want to take this program.

With the promise of immediate gratification so readily available in the form of the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, how do you convince student-athletes to be patient and that their time will come if they’re willing to put in the work?

I think that’s all part of the recruitment process. You have to navigate who you think fits the culture. At the end of the day, you have a roster to fill and a team to manage. Some guys’ expectations are different than others, and it’s a battle of how to keep everybody happy. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely become more difficult with [the advent of the transfer portal and NIL deals]. But I think having a really good coaching staff that understands that it’s not just about bringing in any kid, but bringing in the right kid. [That] makes a difference.

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Q&A with Marvin Lewis

Corey Schaut — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:34:20 +0000

Q&A with Marvin Lewis Corey Schaut Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:34

President Gregory Washington has said he believes you are the right person to take Mason Athletics to the next level. What does that look like to you?

It’s three things. One, it’s transformational experiences for all of our student-athletes. It’s developing a championship culture throughout our department, and it’s telling our story and getting our message out there. We’re a young university, a little over 50 years old. There are a lot of great things happening here, and we’ve got to get the word out, not just locally but nationally and internationally.

Photo by Ron Aira

Mason Athletics had a lot of success in the spring 2023 semester, with Atlantic 10 championships in women’s track and field, softball, and baseball. How does an athletic director help continue and expand that success?

My job is to make sure our student-athletes have the resources to not only compete at a high level but to make sure they graduate. It takes fundraising and being creative with resource generation, as well as optimizing how we use our resources. My goal is to make sure the resources we provide allow us to sustain success, so all programs feel really confident with the direction they are headed.

What mentor in your career taught you the most?

I start with my father, a high school history teacher and a basketball coach. He’s my first true mentor. But I’ve been truly blessed to have had a number of athletic directors that have really impacted my leadership, specifically [former �鶹�� of Maryland athletic director (AD)] Kevin Anderson, [former Georgia State �鶹�� AD] Cheryl Levick, and [North Carolina State �鶹�� deputy AD] Todd Stansbury.

Is there a common thread that runs through all of their advice that has become a core value for you?

I would say teamwork. I’ve told multiple individuals that I don’t have all the answers. It’s going to take a team effort. All of those leaders relied on their senior leadership teams, campus university leadership, donors, and, more importantly, students to understand how to better [the student] experience.

What is the most important thing you take from being a player that you can apply to your job now?

I remember what it’s like to play in an Atlantic Coast Conference championship while having a final and needing to study in the hotel. Because of that, I truly respect what [student-athletes] do and appreciate how challenging it is. Having that experience gives me compassion, empathy, but also an intensity to make sure they have the resources to be successful.

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A Winning Combination

Corey Schaut — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:22:24 +0000

A Winning Combination Corey Schaut Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:22

Photo by Ron Aira

With dynamic new leadership and some Final Four nostalgia, Mason Nation looks forward to another basketball season.

Something caught Marvin Lewis's eye during a visit to George Mason �鶹��’s Fairfax Campus.

With plenty to learn and do, Mason’s new assistant vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics was on campus well before his official start date of July 1. One of his errands included a stop by Human Resources.

One of the items Lewis saw while in Merten Hall was a photo from the Mason men’s basketball 2006 NCAA Final Four appearance. Another was a poster with a simple message: “Wear your Mason gear—We're all in.”

It was just one of many reminders Lewis has encountered on campus that reassures him he’s found the right place.

"It’s those types of things, starting with the president to the overall support from the university, that gets me excited," Lewis says.

Read our full Q&A with Marvin Lewis.

There is a lot for the Patriots to be excited about as Lewis begins his tenure as the school's sixth athletic director. He grew up across the Potomac River in Germantown, Maryland, and knows the area well. He possesses a high-profile athletic background, which includes starting for four years with Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team and capping his career with a Final Four appearance with the university’s Yellow Jackets.

Lewis knows both the advantages and challenges of working at schools in a major metropolitan area, since he has made stops at Georgia State �鶹��, �鶹�� of Maryland, and Georgia Tech over the past 15 years.

He had major responsibilities for the last two years at Brown �鶹��, where he served as the school's assistant vice president and chief operating officer for athletics and recreation. He’s also earned a reputation as an exceptional communicator who has firm command of the demands of college sports during a tumultuous era.

As Lewis was preparing to join Mason, three of Mason’s 22 NCAA Division I sports teams brought home Atlantic 10 Conference trophies: baseball, softball, and women’s track and field.

"Of course, you want to win championships, retain really good coaches and staff, and continue to build on our momentum," Lewis says.

And there is a lot of momentum around basketball.

Read our full Q&A with Vanessa Blair-Lewis.

Women’s basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis’s contract has been extended through the 2027–28 season. The extension comes after the Patriots’ rapid improvement under Blair-Lewis’s leadership during her first two seasons at Mason.

Two years ago, Blair-Lewis inherited a team that had finished 3-19 overall and 0-14 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. But today, the Patriots are on the rise. They finished 16-15 last season, with eight conference victories, and they won a conference tournament game in both years of Blair-Lewis’s tenure.

“In a short period of time, we have built an amazing family environment and a strong culture in which everyone is loved, valued, and respected,” says Blair-Lewis. “I am proud to serve this great university and will continue to make Mason Nation proud. In all we do, excellence is our standard.”

Read our full Q&A with Tony Skinn.

The selection of Mason alum Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, as the 12th head coach in the Mason men’s basketball program has generated excitement with alumni. A key starter on Mason’s 2006 Final Four team and one of the best all-around guards in program history, Skinn returns to Mason after nearly a decade of collegiate coaching.

During that decorated coaching career, Skinn has guided three different programs, including �鶹�� of Maryland, to the NCAA Tournament; been a part of six 20+ win campaigns; and established himself as a stout recruiter both within the talent-rich Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and across the country.

“It is with great excitement that I return home to Mason,” Skinn says. “I’ve had some of my greatest memories here and I’m looking forward to making new ones with our fans and our community. �鶹�� best days are ahead!”

Patrick Stevens contributed to this article.

Facts about Mason Athletics

NCAA Division I Teams: 22

Athletic Conference: Atlantic 10 Conference

Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling

Women's Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball

1 of 4 Nationally: In spring 2021, Mason was named one of only 10 Division I athletic departments to post a perfect score of 100 on Athlete Ally's Athletic Equality Index (AEI). Mason also holds a perfect score of five on the Campus Pride Index (CPI). That makes Mason one of just four Division I schools in the nation to boast a perfect 100 on the AEI and a five on the CPI.

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Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

Keep up with Women's Basketball at George Mason

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30

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Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play

George Mason Athletics: View the full schedule

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George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high

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Patriot Pop Quiz: Olympic basketball

Question:

Who was the first George Mason men’s basketball player to participate in the Olympics?

Answer: Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, head coach for George Mason men’s basketball.

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Where are They Now: Mason Basketball Edition

Catch the Patriots in action!

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Q&A with Vanessa Blair-Lewis

Learn more about Vanessa Blair-Lewis's start at Mason

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Q&A with Tony Skinn

Read more about Tony Skinn's return to Mason

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Q&A with Marvin Lewis

Read more about Lewis's start at Mason

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A Winning Combination

Facts about Mason Athletics

Catch the Patriots in action!

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