Jalen Cincore didn’t want to risk prolonging his recruitment
Jalen Cincore didn’t want to wait until the late signing period to commit to a school, because he felt it would be too risky to do so.
When mid-major programs offer solid talent, they are banking on those kids to sign early. If not, those mid-major programs will not wait around. Cincore doesn’t have the luxury that James Wiseman or Anthony Edwards would have if either prospect decided to sign to a school during the late signing period.
“The high-major prospects can wait a certain amount of time or wait as long as they can, then they can sign and still have their place with the team,” Cincore said. “Meanwhile, it can be a little different for mid-majors, because sometimes it can come down to who committed first.
“And then, your spot could be taken.”
To avoid any mishaps, Cincore officially ended his recruitment on November 16 when he signed his National Letter of Intent to Georgia Southern. Cincore picked the Eagles over UNC-Asheville back on September 30.
Cincore’s deciding factor in committing to GSU was the family environment. He felt comfortable during his official visit, and the Eagles run the style of play Cincore feels he will fit in well with. GSU’s coaching staff wants the team to get up and down the floor, and “they allow you to exercise your gifts and talents.”
The Eagles are getting a versatile basketball player in Cincore, who’s listed at 6-foot-5. Cincore can put the ball on the floor. He has a nice mid-range game and can shoot from long range. In transition, Cincore loves to drive to the basket instead of settling for a jump shot.
Cincore is currently playing at the shooting guard position for Bartlett High School, but once he gets to college, GSU’s head coach Mark Byington will look to have him play positions 1-3.
“First of all, they want me to bring a speed of competitiveness,” said Cincore, who scored 21 points in the Panthers’ 83-70 win at Ridgeway to open up the 2018 season. “That’s what coach Byington says he loves about me the most. He told me he wants me to play free, because he describes me as a prominent guy who just loves to play hard.”
As of now, the Eagles have three commitments in their 2019 class. Cincore joins small forward Trevion Lamar (Northern Oklahoma) and power forward McKenzie McFatten (Coffee High School).