Indiana Pacers: 5 options for pick No. 47 in 2017 NBA Draft

2. Frank Mason III, PG, Kansas

2016-17 Statistics: 20.9 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.2 RPG

Frank Mason III had an incredible senior season at Kansas, sweeping all of the major National Player of the Year awards after dominating the Big 12 Conference in 2016-17.

Mason can do it all offensively as a point guard — he’s a great long-range shooter, he can drive and finish with a bucket or kick out to a teammate, and he has an effective midrange game.

Mason possesses elite athleticism and strength, showing exceptional body control in traffic. He’s a mentally and physically tough player who was the heart and soul of the Jayhawks last year.

There is really only one thing keeping Frank Mason III from being a coveted first round prospect: size. He is 5’11”, so many scouts feel he will be limited to being a role player at the NBA level.

While that might be true, there is reason to believe that Mason can overcome his lack of size. Because of the way the game is now being played, small point guards are finding success in today’s NBA (5’9″ NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas, for example).

Frank Mason III is sure to find a spot in the league, and his eventual role may go beyond simply being a reliable backup.

In terms of the Pacers’ potential interest in Mason, one should keep in mind that Kevin Pritchard is now calling the shots in Indiana, and he just happens to be a former Kansas Jayhawks guard as well.