Q&A with University HS basketball player Mason Funk
NORMAL, Ill. — University High senior Mason Funk is an academic and athletic all-conference performer in basketball for the Pioneers. Funk and his teammates have their sights set on a deep postseason run in March.
What is your favorite thing about being on the basketball court?
Mason Funk: I enjoy being able to compete against an opponent as well as working together with my teammates to beat other teams.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Funk: I like to fish, get food with friends and watch football.
Ask someone in your family to pick one word to describe you. Who did you pick and what word did they use?
Funk: I picked my dad, and the word he chose was determined.
As an athlete, what is a rule you live by?
Funk: To always limit procrastination and get work done when it is presented.
What jersey number do you wear and why?
Funk: I wear No. 13. I’ve worn 13 since I first started playing, and it has stuck with me ever since.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?
Funk: Your work ethic can benefit you in many places outside of basketball. Developing a work ethic early in my basketball career has led me to become more successful, especially off the court.
Other than U High, what is your favorite gym to play in?
Funk: Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University during Intercity and the State Farm Holiday Classic.
What is your favorite meal and who makes it?
Funk: Fried chicken and mashed potatoes made by my grandma.
You are taking three advanced placement classes. What is your favorite and why?
Funk: I am taking AP biology, AP statistics and dual credit English. My favorite class is AP biology because learning about how things are made and how science makes up the world is very interesting to me.
If you could be good at any other sport (besides basketball), which sport would it be?
Funk: I would play baseball because they have the best-looking jerseys and accessories.
Describe what you did this offseason to up your game for your senior year.
Funk: I put a lot of time working on the different levels of scoring. I knew one of my weaknesses was my lack of diversity in scoring, so focusing on the mid-range shot and driving was a must.
What movie have you watched the most?
Funk: “Back to the Future.” I know all the words and use it as background noise when I’m studying.
What is your plan after high school?
Funk: I plan to go to college and continue playing basketball at the college level.
How can we find you on Instagram, SnapChat or Twitter?
Funk: Instagram: mfunk2422
Snapchat: mfunk377
Twitter: mfunk2422
What is your pregame routine?
Funk: It changes every game, but one thing that I always try to do is drink lots of water.
What will make the Pioneers’ season a special one?
Funk: Making it to state as well as being Central State 8 Conference champions.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Funk: Always look like you are going to shoot, even when you don’t have the ball.
What is your favorite part of basketball practice? Least favorite?
Funk: My favorite part is competing with my teammates, especially when we do live play. My least favorite part is running after we miss rebounds or commit turnovers.
Where will you be and what will you be doing in four years? Where will you be and what will you be doing in 10 years?
Funk: I will be a senior in college, hopefully still pursuing pre-med. After 10 years, I will hopefully be working a job that rewards my studying and my major.
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