The best basketball player in metro New Orleans for the 2020 cycle is off the market. St. Augustine G Jaron Pierre committed to the University of Southern Mississippi last week.

“I chose Southern Miss because I felt they were the best fit for me basketball wise and academically. They didn’t try to pressure me into anything. They kept it real with me and my family throughout the entire recruiting process.

I’ve been in Louisiana my whole life. I wanted to get away to experience new things and to make a name for myself somewhere else.”

The combo guard also feels he’ll fit right into the Golden Eagles’ system. “Coach Ladner let’s you play basketball. He’s a great coach and we have a great relationship right now so I’ll fit great in the system. I’m 6’4, athletic, I can shoot, cover off the ball, and play on both ends of the floor and I have that ‘New Orleans toughness’ which I’ll bring to the team and my my work ethic.

Coach (Lander) told me he feels I’m going to build a legacy at USM and to just focus on doing what I do because I’m gonna be a good one. I trust what he says but I know I also have to do my part by working hard & getting better every day and I think I will play significant minutes as a freshman.”

Pierre averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game as a senior @ St. Aug. Those numbers helped the Knights to a 32-2 record and a state-runner up finish. He also earned a 1st team All-State selection, and district MVP honors.

When reflecting on his legacy as a Purple Knight, Pierre spoke fondly of his HS coach and 4 year teammate: “I feel like I left a great legacy @ St. Aug. I would like to thank my coach Mitchell Johnson for trusting and putting me under his wing to play for him. He’s trusted me for 3 years and they were a great 3 seasons playing for him.

For my teammate Dmari Wiltz — he’s been great the whole season with me. When Coach Mitch took a leave of absence, me and Dmari stepped up to the plate and took on the leadership role for the team and we made it to the state championship game. He’s a great player. I feel like he’s been overlooked as a prospect just like I was, but I just want to thank him for everything as well.”

Pierre plans to sign with USM April 15