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Player analysis: 4-star George Mason commit Justyn Fernandez

KJ Smithby:KJ Smith•09/21/21•

K30SMITH

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: JUN 06 Pangos All-American Camp
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 06: Justyn Fernandez looks on during the Pangos All-American Camp on June 6, 2021 at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Justyn Fernandez is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound senior small forward out of IMG Academy that ranks No.74 in the class of 2022. Fernandez has verbally committed to play for George Mason University. He chose George Mason over Tennessee, NC State, Florida and Clemson.  

Why Justyn Fernandez is special

Unique Athletic Ability
At 6-5, Justyn Fernandez has great size for a college wing player. His athletic ability is what sets him apart from the competition. He has the bounce to jump out of the gym. He can also dunk on anyone trying to get in between him and the rim. Around the average height and size for most players, Fernandez stands out amongst the crowd with his speed and athleticism. Making defenders fear him driving to the rim and second-guessing themselves to jump on a fast break dunk. 

Smooth Shooter
Most small forwards – and all positions now – need to shoot from behind the arc at high consistency. Justyn Fernandez is known as a high-flying athlete. At his games at IMG, he could extend out past the 3-point line for multiple jump shots. Fernandez has a smooth stroke, whether off the dribble, hand-off or a catch-and-shoot. His shot form is smooth, and his freakish athleticism allows him to rise over a defender’s hand. 

Power finisher 
Justyn Fernandez does not just graze the rim. When he goes to the basket, he throws it down with force. Especially at the high school level, his ferocity when driving and attacking the rim makes defenders cower out of the way. His aggressiveness allows him to find accessible lanes and attempts at the rim, and he will never miss an opportunity to throw it down hard. 

Fernandez NBA comparison

Trevor Ariza, the NBA journeyman, now back with the Lakers, has a great game comparison to Justyn Fernandez. Ariza is a strong defender with a smooth offensive game. His hustle and drive to get back and cause disruption for the offense is a primary reason for his career longevity. In his earlier career, he was aggressive when attacking the rim but had a smooth shot to take a step behind the line. Similar to Ariza, Fernandez’s game can develop into an NBA role player for years to come.