New Jersey is the place to be this weekend, as the Metro Classic and Primetime Shootout have brought some of the top high school programs from the region for a two-day affair. Jahvon Quinerly was the standout of the day, as the top-50 junior continues to state his case as an elite option at his position.
Today we look at some of the stars from Saturday’s action and where things stand in their recruitments.
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His day: Quinerly was sensational from tip to buzzer as he continues to show added dimensions within his game and skillset. The 6-foot junior dished out seven assists and pulled down seven rebounds while putting up 32 points. There is not much that the Hudson Catholic guard cannot do, as his consistency on the playing floor is second to none at the point guard position.
Who is involved: Arizona, Stanford, Kansas, Villanova, Virginia, Maryland, Seton Hall, Ohio State and Syracuse
Quote: “Before my senior season I will make my college decision, but I will narrow my list down soon. I just want a place that can develop me as a guard, academics and being comfortable; those are some of the main things.”
Prediction: Quinerly's recruitment could speed up in the coming months as potential official visits may take place to Stanford and Arizona in the weeks ahead. However, we fail to see the Jersey native going that far out west; Villanova, Syracuse and Virginia may have the best shot in the recruitment of the talented and well-polished point guard.
His day: It wasn’t his best on Saturday, as Achiuwa finished with just nine points. but his motor, versatility on defense and ability to win the 50-50 ball really impressed. With an assistant from St. John’s on hand, Achiuwa continues to state his case as an elite recruit out of the 2019 class thanks to his upside, athleticism and continued progressions in the skill development category.
Who is involved: St. John’s, VCU and Seton Hall
Quote: “For sure, (schools) I know of are St. John’s and VCU. I am very positive about them and the others I really don’t pay attention to right now”
Prediction: It seems to be more of a two-horse race at the current moment for Achiuwa. Sure, there will be many more schools that will get involved within the coming months. However, due to his proximity to campus and the fact that his brother, God’s Gift, suited up for the Big East program, St. John’s likely has the best shot.
His day: Cotton started his game off in a bang as he threw down a tremendous dunk. While he didn’t produce as well as he has in the past, he still did enough to walk away with a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech. The lefty nailed a mid-range pull-up and catch and shoot jumper as he pitched in with 10 points and five assists in his team’s win.
Who is involved: VCU, St. Joe’s, Seton Hall, Oklahoma State, Rutgers and several others
Quote: “I really like engineering. I want to be an architectural engineer; I believe that’s really important.”
Prediction: Many of the local schools like Rutgers and Seton Hall are going to do their very best but, at the time being the future home of Cotton may not even know about the New Jersey native. One school that has intrigued the junior is Villanova; if an offer is received, the Big East program could be the team to beat. Regardless, the recruitment of the St. Benedict’s product is just now heating up.
His day: Pitching in to his team’s quality win over Roselle Catholic on Saturday, Sandro Mamukelashvili is the perfect face-up power forward that is the trend at the current moment. He made the proper pass on the perimeter, played out of his area on the glass and showed athleticism on the break. His versatility and unique skillset has made him a hot commodity late in the year.
Who is involved: Maryland, Seton Hall, Vanderbilt, USC and Boston College
Quote: “I like USC, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Maryland and Seton Hall. Almost all of them realize that I am not just a guy that will set screens and play a post-up game.”
Prediction: While Mamukelashvili has yet to take any official visits, expect the New York native to set those up in the coming weeks. Programs like Vanderbilt and USC have remained in pursuit the longest as the Commodores may have the upper hand, but in recent weeks Maryland has come on strong; the Terps could take the lead as the Montverde product's recruitment is not near completion.
His day: Lonzo Ball has taken the college game by storm this winter, and while it will be difficult to surpass the UCLA guard’s playmaking game, Paul Mulcahy has bits and pieces of the star freshman within his own game. The Jersey native stands 6-foot-5 and his passing and vision are as good as it gets. He helped lead his team from the tip, finishing with 14 points and six assists in his team’s win.
Who is involved: Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Boston College and SMU
Quote: “I like how Coach Pikiell is on this rebuilding thing and wants to keep all of the Jersey kids to stay. I love how he thinks about the future.”
Prediction: Just a sophomore, Mulcahy doesn’t boast a ton of scholarship offers, but he does have the talent and passing acumen that will make him a heavily followed prospect. Things are far from over, but it does look like Rutgers could be the squad to beat if they continue to prioritize the local product in the years ahead.