Dawn Staley Reacts to Rising Star and Godson Mason Collins’ ESPN Ranking With Inside Joke — Sparks Buzz About the 2028 Class
ESPN recently dropped its first rankings for the Class of 2028, and one name in particular caught the attention of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley — her godson, Mason Collins.
The 6-foot-6 freshman guard from Christ School in North Carolina made the list after a promising debut season where he showcased his positional versatility, court vision, and a sharpshooter’s touch. Despite modest box score numbers — 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1 steal per game, shooting 37% from deep — Collins shared the spotlight with five other Division I prospects, including No. 57-ranked Zymicah Wilkins, while helping Christ School win a state championship.
On Thursday, Collins took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the ESPN ranking, posting:
“Only more too come 🙏🏽”
Among those cheering him on was none other than Dawn Staley, who responded with an inside-joke-style comment that had fans intrigued:
“Where them voters at, Mase?!!! #iykyk”
Though cryptic, her reply sent a clear message of support — and perhaps a subtle challenge to those overlooking the young guard’s potential.
But there’s a deeper connection here. Dawn Staley isn’t just a legendary coach — she’s also Mason Collins’ godmother.
That bond goes back over two decades, when Staley’s first-ever recruit at Temple University was Ariana Moore, Mason’s mother. Moore now serves as Director of Operations for the Gamecocks. When her first child, Madden, was born, she asked Staley to be his godmother — and the coach has embraced the role ever since.
“They don’t even have a godfather, she can fill both roles,” Moore said in an interview with Citizen-Times. “She was so thrilled when I asked her to consider it. She’s taken that job seriously.”
Staley has gone above and beyond in that role — allowing Moore time off to attend AAU games, supporting the Collins brothers at their own matches, and even traveling between SEC games to see them play.
With Mason Collins’ role expected to grow next season under coach Josh Coley, his name could be one to watch rise up the ranks in the 2028 class — and with Dawn Staley’s guidance and watchful eye, the future is wide open.
