Photo Edit: Christian Willbrant
There were plenty of fireworks over Fairfax on Sunday afternoon as George Mason landed their first commitment for the 2022 class in 3-star PG Devin Dinkins. The 5’10 local product out of Gonzaga College High School was viewed as an immediate priority by Coach English upon his arrival, and that never wavered as Dinkins remained a focal point of this staff’s initial recruiting efforts. Devin took his official visit to Fairfax June 8th-10th, and saw the entire coaching staff sitting courtside during the first live evaluation period the following weekend. Dinkins had offers and interest from several schools, including Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Penn State, DePaul, among others.
All 4 pairs of eyes found their way to @Devin2__ this weekend #priorities https://t.co/7wpCRmZZlC pic.twitter.com/p3HcIczd2S
— Mason Recruiting⭐️ (@GMURecruiting) June 22, 2021
We had the opportunity to talk with Devin recently, and he was very gracious in spending a few minutes sharing some thoughts and insight on his commitment.
Mason Recruiting:
You were one of the first offers, if not the first offer, Coach English made when he got to George Mason. Talk about your relationship with him, the coaching staff, and what their message was to you throughout your recruitment.
Devin Dinkins:
My relationship with coach English is great. He was recruiting me when he was at Tennessee, and the day he got the job at Mason he offered me(first offer he made). Throughout the process he told me I was a priority, and that I was his guy. He believes he can help me get to the next level, and also build a great legacy at George Mason. The staff didn’t sugar coat anything, and I have a great relationship with all of them.
Mason Recruiting:
What made George Mason the right fit for you?
Devin Dinkins:
George Mason was the best fit for me, because I believe I can grow and develop my game. I will be challenged every day and be around a winning environment.
Mason Recruiting:
Seems like Josh Oduro played a role in your decision. Can you give us some insight on those conversations?
Devin Dinkins:
Yeah, Josh definitely played a role. He was my host on my visit. He would just tell me Mason is the place to be, and that we could play really good together.
Mason Recruiting:
Describe your game. What should Mason Nation look forward to?
Devin Dinkins:
I am a playmaking guard that can score, but also get my teammates involved. I shoot the ball really well, and I’m a good on-ball defender. Mason Nation should look forward to a lot of wins.
Mason Recruiting:
You play for two storied programs, Gonzaga and DC Premier, who both have a tradition of winning, and producing big time talent. How have they helped you develop into the player you have become?
Devin Dinkins:
Both programs are great, and I’m glad I play with them. Playing for Gonzaga under Coach Turner has helped my development a lot. He instilled confidence in me as a freshman by playing major minutes on a WCAC championship team. DC Premier has helped too by letting me play my game, and pushing me to be better.
Mason Recruiting:
What is your message to other guys that are considering Mason?
Devin Dinkins:
We’re building something special #RockWithUs
My Decision 🔰#RockWithUs pic.twitter.com/6iVqyQzfjQ
— Devin Dinkins™️ (@Devin2__) July 4, 2021
Not only is Dinkins a fantastic addition to the program due to his talent, toughness, and leadership, his commitment is a huge first step toward re-asserting George Mason in the ever important local-recruiting scene. The Patriots get their future floor general, who has starred alongside several current high-level recruiting interests, both at Gonzaga, and with DC Premier, namely Devin’s AAU teammate, and recent George Mason official visitor: Justyn Fernandez. Establishing a relationship and reputation with local programs will be key in “building something special”, and Kim English & Co. are off to a fast start by securing their top priority.
Highlights from this Spring:
