If we land Yakwe and Ponds, we aren't losing the local talent. We are succeeding in landing the right NYC talent. Both top 60 kids who will serve us well and are local. Staying on Alkins is fine. I don't think you'll see this staff putting all eggs in one basket like prior staff.
That's basically how I view it, as well.
Recruit your backyard and see what transpires. Continue to mine the fertile ground throughout the nation and abroad, and get the best possible player or fit for what the staff is attempting to do.
We're gonna win some and lose some in our backyard. Just get our share. It's been that way for years other than Norm's time at St. John's. But, there will be some kids from other parts of the nation and overseas who will see us as a viable option.
Yakwe is already on board, while Ahmed and Ponds are on deck. Hopefully, Lightfoot doesn't commit anywhere prior to visiting St. John's. I'd like to see him, at least, visit before popping for a school. I'm sure a few other names probably will pop up throughout the new few months. Alkins would be the icing on the cake, but not sweating it one way or the other.