The NY Post has compiled their All-City preseason first and second team selections of the city's elite high school players. Jayvaughn Pinkston (Bishop Loughlin), was selected as the pre-season player of the year. Pinkston, who recently announced he would be delaying his college committment until late signing period in the spring, has received interest from Tennessee, Seton Hall, St. Johns, Marquette and Villanova.
The chiseled 6-foot-6 Bishop Loughlin senior is considered the city’s top player and is one of the most highly touted forwards in the country. The seventh-ranked power forward in the national by Scout.com, Pinkston, who averaged 24.6 points per game last year, improved his shooting range during the summer and lists Villanova, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Tennessee, which recently received a commitment from Half Hallows Hills star Tobias Harris, among his favorites.
Pinkston looked like he was set to sign with the Vols before Harris announced his commitment on November 19th. Pinkston's delay definitely improves the Pirates shot at landing the star of NYC basketball, however, I'd have to believe that Villanova and Tennessee remain the favorites over the smaller programs.
This is the exact type of recruit that Gonzalez needs to bring into the program. The 2010-2011 recruiting class is shaping up nicely with Morgan and Edwin, however it's far from one of the best classes in the country, landing Pinkston would change that. Signing the talented 6'6 forward could also change the Pirates luck of securing elite NYC talent for years to come.