Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Mustapha Heron Plans Fall Commitment, Says It’s ‘Very Realistic’ He and Rawle Alkins Play Together in College
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Mustapha Heron plans to make a college commitment this fall and says it’s “very realistic” that he and his NY Rens teammate Rawle Alkins will end up on the same campus.
“I think it’s very realistic but like [Alkins] said and when you talk to him, it’s whatever’s best for you,” the 6-foot-5 Heron said at the adidas Uprising All-American Camp. “If that’s the best fit for both of us then we’ll do that but it’s whatever’s best for you.”
Right now St. John’s is the only real common denominator between the two guards who may comprise the most physical backcourt in AAU basketball this summer and who led the Rens to the adidas Gauntlet Finale championship title last Friday night.
Heron is listing St. John’s, SMU, Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn, Maryland and Marquette, while the 6-5 Alkins and his cousin said here Wednesday night Kentucky, Indiana and St. John’s were working the hardest.
Rawle Alkins could end up playing college ball with Mustapha Heron. (Photo by Kelly Kline/adidas)
“That would be an extremely strong backcourt,” Heron said of teaming with his Rens mate in college. “I think now in high school we might be the strongest backcourt in the country from a physical standpoint. The stronger we get going into college, we would be the strongest backcourt in college.”
The two have been crushing it on the adidas circuit this spring and summer and will take on Nike Peach Jam champion Georgia Stars on Wednesday night in a showcase game in Las Vegas.
“I think we complement each other really well,” Heron said of Alkins. “I think we’re interchangeable, both of us. We’re unselfish, we both can score the ball.”
Heron also sang Alkins’ praises.
“He’s very unselfish, he’s a good teammate, he’s special, man,” he said. “It’s crazy some of the things he can do on the floor.”
Heron initially committed to Pittsburgh when Barry “Slice” Rohrssen was at Pitt. St. John’s is now seen by many as a frontrunner for the athletic guard because Rohrssen, who played professionally with Bryan Heron, Mustapha’s father, is working for Chris Mullin in Queens.
Rohrssen stood under the basket when Heron threw down a vicious dunk and played an all-around strong game late Wednesday.
“I’ve known him since I was a little kid,” Heron said of Rohrssen. “Family friend. Him and my dad played overseas together, that’s pretty much it.”
Asked if that would play a factor in his decision, the native of Meriden, Conn., added: “Not too much of an impact but it definitely has an impact. [St. John’s] is somewhere that I feel close, it would be nice to be at home.”
Still, Heron remains open to his current list of seven.
“The seven that was released last week are the ones that I’m hearing from the most,” he said.
Heron said he has no visits planned for right now.
He plans to decide in the fall.
“Late November-ish, I’m planning to make my decision,” he said.
Alkins says he will cut his list in the spring of 2016 and decide then — from his new prep school.
“Once I commit, he won’t be committed by then but we’ll talk and I’m going to support him wherever he goes,” Heron said. “And if we end up together that would be great.”
And you’ll be in his ear a little bit, right?
“Yes,” Heron said with a smile.
Photos: adidas
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Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Mustapha Heron plans to make a college commitment this fall and says it’s “very realistic” that he and his NY Rens teammate Rawle Alkins will end up on the same campus.
“I think it’s very realistic but like [Alkins] said and when you talk to him, it’s whatever’s best for you,” the 6-foot-5 Heron said at the adidas Uprising All-American Camp. “If that’s the best fit for both of us then we’ll do that but it’s whatever’s best for you.”
Right now St. John’s is the only real common denominator between the two guards who may comprise the most physical backcourt in AAU basketball this summer and who led the Rens to the adidas Gauntlet Finale championship title last Friday night.
Heron is listing St. John’s, SMU, Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn, Maryland and Marquette, while the 6-5 Alkins and his cousin said here Wednesday night Kentucky, Indiana and St. John’s were working the hardest.
