April 1, 2025 -- Chet Mason has played a lot of basketball in his life. But having his kids there to witness him put up a triple double in the P-League’s 3rd Annual All-Star Celebrity Basketball Event on March 22 was a highlight for him.
“Not bad for an old man,” Mason said with a laugh of his 18 points, 10 assists, and 12 rebounds, a performance he said he felt the next day.
Mason was certainly reliving a bit of his glory days. He was named Ohio Mr. Basketball in 2000, and went on to have a highly successful collegiate career at Miami University. After college, Mason played professional basketball for 13 years.
At the end of his playing career, Mason had a decision to make – he could accept one of multiple opportunities to work in the NBA, or he could embrace a life that centered on his family. The decision was clear – he wanted to be there every step of the way with his children. As for choosing a home base? “I’m a Cleveland kid at heart,” Mason said.
He found his way to South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools, where he was offered the chance to serve as a Youth Development Specialist and a coach for the boys varsity basketball team. He embraced the opportunity to work in the same district where his children would attend school and, eventually, make their own waves on the court. And it's apparent that talent is in no short supply in the Mason family.
Sophomore Tatiana Mason was named the News-Herald’s Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Northeast Lakes District Division 3 Player of the Year, and was a finalist for the Ohio Ms. Basketball award. Freshman Nyla Mason was named to the News-Herald’s 3rd team and earned 3rd team All-District honors.
As for their dad, he is still making a great impact on the game and on the SEL Schools community. He is working to ensure athletes don’t just make it in basketball, but also cultivates their academic success and helps them establish the character they need to succeed. It’s rewarding work. “Being able to see young people thrive and know I had the chance to plant the seed,” Mason said. “That keeps me going…it’s why I do what I do here.”
His team won the All-Star game.