North Carolina’s Class of 2022 is absolutely brimming with talent. Naturally, everyone is going to be drawn towards the top of the list, given the trio of Team USA players (Bradley, Rice, Hood-Schifino), but there’s a case to be made for Avion Pinner forcing his way into the upper echelon sooner than later. However, in order to recognize his current status we will need to travel backwards a few years to understand his journey.
There’s always a grumbling about how the eastern-most area of North Carolina is largely overlooked by the grassroots community. While there is some truth to this, it’s not quite that cut-and-dry. Dating back to his eighth-grade season, Pinner was becoming something of a mythological figure out east. Usually, there is no video evidence of players dominating in middle school. However, Anthony Bruton (Bucketreel) and StreetzDotNation have archived nearly every relevant moment of Pinner’s career over the last two or three years. Although it must’ve been certainly different to be in the building, it’s clear that something special was indeed brewing with the forward prospect.
Pinner put together multiple forty-plus-point performances throughout his eighth-grade season and looked more than prepared for the high school game. Despite playing in eleven total games as a freshman, his season was cut short due to injury and forced Pinner to stay sidelined for the remainder of the year. However, he started the summer season with Garner Road and resumed his absolute annihilation of opponents while showcasing all the tools to be a high-level Division I prospect. There was something so clearly poised about Pinner and the way that he carries himself that made him seem special.
This season, Pinner set out to prove himself at Riverside-Martin. Coach Bobby Williams has been as helpful as anyone during the process, giving his star prospect the keys to the team and allowing him to learn as he goes. Pinner did not disappoint, averaging 20.7 PPG, 12 RPG, 2.2 SPG, and 1.7 BPG while shooting 51% from the floor (on a high volume) and highlighting his ability to step beyond the arc when necessary. He’s an incredibly smart, skilled, versatile forward with arguably the most well-rounded game in his class. No task or production is beyond his capabilities. He frequently does everything for this group, from scoring and creating to forcing turnovers and controlling the glass, and shows a true willingness and desire to be a quality leader. He is a star and deserves to be recognized as such. Pinner has all the makings of a very special talent and is a prospect that deserves more attention from national media, college coaches, and the general public.