Golden makes it official; report says Pinkston to sign Wednesday

Trae Golden signed on with the Tennessee men’s basketball Class of 2010 Tuesday morning, giving the Vols the quality point guard they needed.

In an unexpected move, the New York Daily News has cited multiple sources saying that forward Jayvaughn Pinkston, from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., will sign with the Vols today.

The 6-foot-1 Golden is ranked No. 55 in the nation in the Rivals.com 150. He joins 6-6 shooting guard Jordan McRae, from Liberty County, Ga., who signed last Thursday.

“This was the best situation for me and my family,’’ said Golden, conducting an interview on The Sports Page radio show minutes after his signing ceremony at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. “Tennessee was my leader, and was always at the top.’’

Pinkston, 6-6 and 235 pounds, is rated as the No. 67 player on the Rivals 150. He also has listed Connecticut, Marquette, St. John’s and Villanova among the schools he’s considering.

Golden and McRae played AAU basketball together with the Atlanta Celtics.

“It’s definitely a great thing to be coming to school with someone you know and are great friends with,’’ Golden said. “Jordan plays with great passion; he’s very athletic, and very strong.’’

Golden’s coach at McEachern High School, Mike Thompson, said Golden brings plenty to the Vols, too.

“Not only can Trae handle the break and get the ball to the right people, but he can score both inside and outside,’’ Thompson said. “He’ll come in physically ready to play.’’

The Vols have as many as five scholarships to offer in the Class of 2010, though it is believed UT will only sign four.

The Vols also are hoping that Tobias Harris, the No. 5 player in the country out of Dix Hills, N.Y., picks UT.

Harris, a 6-8 forward in the mold of current UT player Tyler Smith, is believed to have narrowed his choices to the Vols and Syracuse.

Harris sent a text message to the News Sentinel on Tuesday confirming the Vols are still in the running. Harris is expected to sign today and announce his decision Thursday.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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