No doubt, recruiting a kid like Alkins can be interpreted as a waste of resources if he commits elsewhere. Then again, that'd be the case for every team he doesn't select.
Double edged sword: Damned if you do, and be more damned if you don't.
Mullin said he was going to make NYC a priority. Recruiting Alkins supports his comment. If anything, local coaches will heeed the attention being placed on Alkins and other NYC kids. I can't imagine that having a negative impact on us down the line.
I hear you, though.