Derrick D. Mason possesses a unique combination of youth development and basketball experience which has enabled him to be a tremendous asset to Coach Rosene's coaching staff. He is a 2001 graduate of Emmanuel College with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Mason's tenure as a coach began as a graduate assistant coach here at Emmanuel College under Coach Jerry Boone in 2001.  His coaching career continued as a lay coach at Elbert County High School.  Mason, who had been an assistant coach on the basketball staff at Elbert County High School for the previous five seasons, joined Emmanuel coaching staff in a similar capacity in August of 2009. During his tenure there he served under previous head coach, Brian Turner and previous head coach Larry Brown. He was in charge of player development which included, but not limited to, the spiritual, physical, educational and social development of the athletes.  Mason played an intricate part in the success of the basketball program. This success included a trip to the AAA Elite 8 for the first time in over 10 years. Mason also served as Area Director for various Boys & Girls Clubs across the Southeast Region for six years.  There he was responsible for the supervision and development of over 2,000 youth between the ages of 4-21 in the areas of Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career; Health and Life Skills; Sports Fitness and Recreation.

            Coach Mason contributes both his administrative and athletic expertise to the Emmanuel College basketball program.  His primary responsibilities include recruiting and player development.  He is also the Head Coach for the Men's Junior Varsity basketball team.  As an Emmanuel College Lion, he was a starting power forward under Coach Jerry Boone.  As an athlete, Mason was known for his size, agility, and extraordinary work ethic while leading the team in rebounding and setting the school record for single season and single game blocked shots. Mason is in the process of pursuing a M.A. in Coaching and Athletic Administration.

                  Off of the court Derrick D. Mason spends his time with his family and mentoring in the community. Mason, a native of Atmore, AL., is the son of Harold and Pat Mason. Coach Mason is married to Dr. Rihana S. Mason who teaches psychology at Emmanuel College.  He enjoys grooming his three sons to be men of character and future athletes. Mason still has ties to the communities of Franklin, Hart, Stephens and Elbert counties where he continues to mentor young men as they prepare for successful college careers.