Maryknoll boys basketball standout Sage Tolentino gave an oral commitment to Auburn on Thursday morning.
The 7-foot wing had received offers from Kansas, Tennessee State, then was offered by Auburn last week. On Wednesday, Cincinnati made an offer, but the talented sharpshooter made his decision less than 24 hours later.
“My family and I have prayed about this day since I was a kid,” Tolentino wrote on social media. “I am beyond blessed and I give God all the glory. Auburn University’s core traditions are passion and spirit and they are exactly the program I want to spend my time at, developing at the next level. It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger. War Eagle!”
Tolentino mentioned last week that he had spent quite a bit of time getting to know Auburn coach Bruce Pearl and his assistant coaches.
“I have been in contact with them for awhile. Coach (Wes) Flanigan and Coach Pearl have been great to get to know and have become family. We talk a lot of basketball and a lot of family and food,” he said earlier.
He spent much of his time during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic training in the Tri-States area — in the summer and fall. He is taking classes online and will play his junior season at Maryknoll. Tolentino has said he will transfer to a mainland school for senior year.
Tolentino was a Star-Advertiser All-State Fab 15 selection at No. 3 as a sophomore last season. He was also voted No. 1 on the All-Defensive team.
Congrats. Get ready for the SEC. Kentucky is a Powerhouse…
Yesss … I get to watch you play on ESPN …. keep shooting , keep working hard …. Blessed !!! Thank You Jesus !!!
Another Local Boy lost by the UH WARRIORS!
This kid should transfer out of Maryknoll NOW, he will not make the necessary improvements to play in the SEC by playing Hawaii High School competition.
Good luck kid!
Wow! Keep getting better and good luck
Hope your coach doesn’t sink that program too.
Good Luck Sage!
@maka, why the negativity after such a great day for this young man?
really jealousy
It’s all about picking the right school. Look Kamaka Hepa at Texas. All-American out of HS and was riding bench mainly his first 2 seasons. SEC is one of the best college conferences and the frontcourt is gonna be packed with 4/5 star All-Americans every recruiting class.
@ Robert Camp,
Even if Coach Pearl made mistakes at previous universities, he deserves a second chance. No one is perfect.
The fact that he wants Sage makes me a fan of Coach Pearl.
This is a big time program in a big time conference for a local boy.
This is just awesome!!! If “Maka” is jealous, then that’s sad.
We shoudn’t supportpcal kids. We should just support kids. It’s a great day when kids continue their academics and their sport.