The Inner Drive: A Season of Heart, Grit, and Basketball with Mason Gillis
A story of grit, growth, and chasing dreams from Indiana to Europe.
At First Farmers, we believe in grit, growth, and the power of community. That’s why we’re proud to support one of our own.
Mason Gillis, a hometown hero whose journey from college basketball stardom to the European league is just beginning.
This blog is more than game stats and highlight reels. It’s a front-row seat to a story of perseverance, passion, and personal growth. Mason will be sharing exclusive videos, photos, and blogs every week, so you can witness the heart behind the hustle—and the grit it takes to chase greatness across the globe.
We invite you to Join the Journey. Sign up, follow along, and celebrate every step with us.
We invite you to Join the Journey. Sign up, follow along, and celebrate every step with us.
Week One
The first few days were tough. Jetlag, dehydration, no AC, and a whole new world to navigate. But every challenge is part of the journey—and I’m grateful for it. This is where grit meets growth.
Mason Gillis - Building Grit, One Season at a Time
Mason hails from New Castle, Indiana, and started his basketball journey at New Castle High School. After an All-Star season his junior year, Mason suffered a knee injury and missed his senior year of basketball. Despite this early setback, Mason persevered, and went on to join the Purdue Boilermakers on the court, a reliable scorer and team mate. In his senior year, Mason appeared in a school record 39 games, and helped propel Purdue to the 2024 NCAA Tournament final.
Basketball had always been a mainstay in Mason's life, and due to the blanket COVID waiver for the 2020-21 season, Mason was able to commit to a final college season of basketball with Duke.
Now, Mason Gillis is traveling to Belgium to continue his journey with basketball and the heart and grit it takes to be a truly exceptional leader and teammate. He'll be joining Limburg United of the BNXT League, and bringing Indiana work ethic and drive to the European court.
Game ScheduleBasketball had always been a mainstay in Mason's life, and due to the blanket COVID waiver for the 2020-21 season, Mason was able to commit to a final college season of basketball with Duke.
Now, Mason Gillis is traveling to Belgium to continue his journey with basketball and the heart and grit it takes to be a truly exceptional leader and teammate. He'll be joining Limburg United of the BNXT League, and bringing Indiana work ethic and drive to the European court.
