A Closer Look: Justyn Fernandez
One of the fastest rising prospects of the summer is set to visit Providence in September.
Prospect: Justyn Fernandez
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
School: IMG Academy
AAU Program: DC Premier
Class: 2022
247 Sports Composite National Ranking: 119
Overview:
Justyn Fernandez is a 6’5, 200 pound shooting guard in the class of 2022. He combines elite athletic ability with a rapidly improving outside shot. The Virginia native has a solid frame, and is able to finish around the rim with ease. With his jumping ability he is a SportsCenter top 10 moment waiting to happen.
When asked about his game, Fernandez says his biggest strengths are his athletic ability, his ability to get out in transition, and defense. He said in interviews this summer that he is working on staying locked in the entire game and not taking any plays off.
Fernandez is one of the fastest rising players in the class of 2022 after a breakout summer. He was very good on the Under Armour Circuit, as well as showing well at the Pangos All America Camp and the Summer Jamfest.
Originally only hearing from George Mason and LaSalle, he now holds offers from over 25 schools including Virginia Tech, Rhode Island, Florida, Pittsburgh, Clemson, Oklahoma State, and North Carolina State, as well as the Friars.
What Others are Saying:
247 Sports (Travis Brenham): “Justyn Fernandez is one prospect who has been stirring some buzz as of late and it might not be long until his recruitment really takes off. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wing out of Lynchburg (Va.) Virginia Episcopal School lived in the paint, punished the rim and made a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
Fernandez is a tremendous athlete who consistently got by his man, pushed the ball in the open floor, getting to the rim, and putting together multiple highlight reel plays finishing well above the rim.”
Rivals (Jamie Shaw): “Fernandez has always been a high-level athlete. He jumped off the page at the numerous CBG events he attended throughout the COVID-shortened year. However, in the past six months, Fernandez has become a knock-down type shooter. In the two games I saw him with his DC Premier (D.C.) UAA team this weekend, Fernandez knocked down a combined six threes on eight attempts. This was the next step the 6-foot-5 wing needed to take in his game.”
ESPN (Adam Finkelstein): “Justyn Fernandez just keeps coming. Big wing, power body, downhill style, high-rising athlete, soft 3-ball, great motor, and versatile defender. Both his rating and recruitment should be getting a big jump.”
Outlook and Competition
Fernandez has said that he would not mind going away to school, and that most of the Eastern schools recruiting him are roughly the same distance from his home, so location will not matter. As for what he is looking for in a program, Fernandez says that a winning culture, good coaching, and players believing in themselves are all important to him.
Fernandez recently announced his top 10 list of schools and PC made the cut. Even more significantly, he has scheduled an official visit with PC on Sept. 24.
The Friars major competition could come from Florida and Clemson, the two other schools that Fernandez has scheduled official visits. Other programs on his top 10 list are George Mason, URI, Boston College, Wake Forest, Tennessee, and North Carolina State. He has already visited Wake Forest and George Mason.
This would obviously be a very good get for Ed Cooley and his staff.
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