Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
JayVaughn Pinkston and Devon Collier, two of New York City’s top players, are at a key stage in their recruitments.
The 6-foot-6 Pinkston had an in-home visit Monday night with Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez and assistants Dermon Player and Scott Adubato.
A skilled wing forward considered the top player in the Big Apple, Pinkston is considering Seton Hall, St. John’s, Villanova, Tennessee and Marquette.
Kimani Young of New Heights, Pinkston’s mentor, says Pinkston is done with his home visits and will probably attend the Red Storm Tip-Off at St. John’s Oct. 22; Villanova’s Hoops Mania Oct. 23; and Tennessee’s exhibition with North Alabama Oct. 31.
It remains unclear whether Pinkston will sign in November or next spring.
“It’s still up in the air whether he’s going to sign early or sign late,” Young said. “We have to talk. He’s just not 100 percent sure.”
As for the Seton Hall visit, which also included Kerry Pinkston, JayVaughn’s mother, Young said it went well.
“They just presented the academic plan that includes summer courses for incoming freshman,” Young said. “It’s kind of like an orientation course into college life which I think is big. That’s a huge transition for any incoming freshman.
“To have 6 or 7 weeks where you’re just learning how to be a college student along with earning some credits toward your degree I think it’s important.”
Young said Pinkston has three criteria for picking a school: playing time, style of play and a desire to win.
“He wants to play in the NCAA Tournament. He wants to play at the highest level. At the end of the day those are going to be the three key things before he chooses a school,” Young said.
As for the 6-8 Collier, a senior from The Bronx at St. Anthony, he will visit Oregon State this coming weekend and Providence the weekend of Oct. 16.
Collier is also considering Seton Hall and St. John’s, and has visited both Big East schools unofficially.
No officials have yet been set to those schools.
“We’ll see what happens with St. John’s and Seton Hall,” Young said.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter.
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
JayVaughn Pinkston and Devon Collier, two of New York City’s top players, are at a key stage in their recruitments.
The 6-foot-6 Pinkston had an in-home visit Monday night with Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez and assistants Dermon Player and Scott Adubato.
A skilled wing forward considered the top player in the Big Apple, Pinkston is considering Seton Hall, St. John’s, Villanova, Tennessee and Marquette.
Kimani Young of New Heights, Pinkston’s mentor, says Pinkston is done with his home visits and will probably attend the Red Storm Tip-Off at St. John’s Oct. 22; Villanova’s Hoops Mania Oct. 23; and Tennessee’s exhibition with North Alabama Oct. 31.
It remains unclear whether Pinkston will sign in November or next spring.
“It’s still up in the air whether he’s going to sign early or sign late,” Young said. “We have to talk. He’s just not 100 percent sure.”
As for the Seton Hall visit, which also included Kerry Pinkston, JayVaughn’s mother, Young said it went well.
“They just presented the academic plan that includes summer courses for incoming freshman,” Young said. “It’s kind of like an orientation course into college life which I think is big. That’s a huge transition for any incoming freshman.
“To have 6 or 7 weeks where you’re just learning how to be a college student along with earning some credits toward your degree I think it’s important.”
Young said Pinkston has three criteria for picking a school: playing time, style of play and a desire to win.
“He wants to play in the NCAA Tournament. He wants to play at the highest level. At the end of the day those are going to be the three key things before he chooses a school,” Young said.
As for the 6-8 Collier, a senior from The Bronx at St. Anthony, he will visit Oregon State this coming weekend and Providence the weekend of Oct. 16.
Collier is also considering Seton Hall and St. John’s, and has visited both Big East schools unofficially.
No officials have yet been set to those schools.
“We’ll see what happens with St. John’s and Seton Hall,” Young said.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter.
