By David Houck
The Patriots Get Their Pillar
Justyn Fernandez is going to be a Patriot. The four-star guard announced his commitment to George Mason on Friday following a whirlwind recruitment which saw his offer sheet grow every time he touched the court this summer. His list of suitors included Florida, Clemson, Providence, Wake Forest, and a host of other Power 5 programs. He is the third pledge for the Patriots in the 2022 recruiting class, joining his DC Premier running mate Devin Dinkins, and Cam Walker.
After receiving an offer just a couple of weeks after Coach English took over the program, Fernandez solidified his spot at the very top of the Patriots’ wishlist, remaining the unquestioned center-of-attention for the staff and their recruiting efforts. He took his first official visit to Fairfax in June and followed that up with a second official visit last weekend which helped solidify his decision.
Impact
Fernandez is a big-time athlete who has a spectacular ability to finish above the rim. He thrives in transition and utilizes a powerful first step to get into the lane and finish around the basket. His shot-making took a huge step forward this summer, posting several impressive 3-point shooting performances, while the same quickness and power he exhibits on offense, allows him to be a tough, multi-positional defender. His recent transfer to IMG Academy will provide Fernandez with the opportunity to practice and play against the very best prep talent in the country day in and day out, so expect him to step on campus next summer ready to compete and contribute on day one.
Fernandez’s commitment is a massive statement for Kim English, and George Mason. Not only is Fernandez the highest-rated commitment for the green and gold since Erik Copes (2011), he is also currently the highest-rated Atlantic 10 commitment in the 2022 class, coming in at No. 74 on ESPN, and No. 82 on the 247Sports composite. Bringing a player of this caliber into the program will only continue to attract high-level prospects, and elevate the Patriots’ profile.
This coaching staff’s honest and relatable approach to recruiting has proven to be successful in establishing relationships and securing sought-after talent early in the English Era. Winning head-to-head battles against Power 5 conference schools is something that this staff doesn’t hope to do, they expect it. It should also be noted that Josh Oduro served as the visit host for both Dinkins and Fernandez. Oduro seemingly ascended to a team leadership position almost immediately after Coach English arrived, and it is a luxury for the staff to have a guy on their roster who can be trusted to play such a big role in every aspect of the program, despite how he likes his steak prepared.
The excitement level within Mason Nation is higher than it’s been in a decade, and as the Patriots prepare to get their season underway, all signs point to this being the start of something special.
