Four-Star Fernandez Recaps Visit

September 13, 2021

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By: David Houck

“A program who sees me as a pillar, rather than a brick. I want to come in and have an immediate impact.”

Four-star Combo Guard Justyn Fernandez made his way up to Fairfax over the weekend for an official visit with George Mason. The 6-foot-5 playmaker, who recently transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his senior season, is ranked by ESPN as the No. 74 player in the Class of 2022, while Rivals.com and 247Sports.com have him ranked No. 115 and No. 119, respectively.

This was his second “official” visit with the Patriots, after previously coming to campus in June. Getting back to Fairfax meant getting the opportunity to be around the coaching staff again, a staff that Fernandez holds in very high regard. “From the first visit back to this recent time, the part I enjoy the most is being around the staff. Those guys are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever been around. Coach Kim, Coach Simpkins, Coach Nate, and Coach Felton are all down to earth, and don’t sugarcoat anything when it comes to my game,” said Fernandez.

George Mason Official 🙏🏽 @Englishscope24 @CoachDSimpkins #TGBTG pic.twitter.com/Cy4x3lKYvi

— Justyn Fernandez (@JustynFernande4) June 23, 2021

The Richmond, Virginia native was identified as a priority very early on by Coach English, and he has remained George Mason’s primary target for the 2022 class. He highlights his ability to play fast, get out in transition, make shots, and play tough defense as the strengths of his game, all of which stand out on tape.

Justyn saw his recruitment blow up after his outstanding summer playing with DC Premier, an experience he described as “positively overwhelming”. “Starting the season out with two offers, and then getting all the way up close to 30, it was a blessing. I played for a team where I could show my full skillset without having to look over my shoulder if I made a mistake”.

One of his teammates with DC Premier was three-star point guard, and George Mason commit, Devin Dinkins. “Dev is my guy. I loved playing with him,” said Fernandez. As one might expect, Dinkins has made it known to Justyn that he would like for their time as teammates to continue in the Green and Gold. “He (Dinkins) just talked to me about the possibility of teaming up, and the chance to make something special there at Mason”.

Justyn said that the passion the coaching staff has for making something special happen at Mason is a message that was shared with him throughout the weekend, envisioning the Patriots ascending to greatness, and in Justyn’s words: “getting back to the final four days, and beyond that.”

Fernandez is coming off an official visit to Florida last weekend, and reportedly has three remaining official visits scheduled with Clemson (9/17), Providence (9/24), and Wake Forest (10/1). When asked what is important to him when looking at a potential program to call home, he made it very clear what he is looking for: “A program who sees me as a pillar, rather than a brick. I want to come in and have an immediate impact.”

And speaking of program “pillars”, Justyn was hosted by Josh Oduro, and spent time watching and connecting with the likes of D’Shawn Schwartz, two guys who bought into Kim English’s vision, and who can tell Justyn first-hand what kind of development and experience he would be in-store for in Fairfax.

To be sure, a Fernandez commitment would be viewed as a momentous, program-defining addition for Kim English & Co. The belief, and connection that this staff has built with Justyn is among the main reasons that George Mason is on the shortlist for his services, and it may just be enough to make Justyn a Patriot after all.

“The culture they are building is something I’d love to be a part of.”