Pinkins headed to Chipola

Marianna Bulldogs basketball standout Kruize Pinkins will continue his playing career for the Chipola Indians after signing his letter-of-intent on Tuesday night in a ceremony in Marianna.

The 6-foot, 7-inch Pinkins was a three-time All-County player for the Bulldogs, including County Player of the Year for the 2010-11 season.

The Bulldog big man averaged 16.7 points and 11.4 rebounds during his senior season, and led Marianna to three 20-win seasons as a varsity player, including a trip to the state semifinals in Lakeland in 2009.

Pinkins chose Chipola over Tallahassee Community College and Central Florida Community College, and follows in the footsteps of his father, Al Pinkins, who played for the Indians from 1991-1992.

“I thought it would be pretty cool to follow my dad,” the younger Pinkins said. “It’s my hometown, so I’ll get to play in front of a home crowd every game, and I would never really find that playing somewhere else. I talked to my dad, mom, and my grandma, and everyone thought Chipola would be the best place for me.”

Marianna coach Travis Blanton said he supported his former player’s choice.

“I think he made a good decision, and I’m glad he’ll be close to home,” he said. “They definitely have a player they can build a team around. I think they did a nice job of presenting something positive to him, and I’m happy for him. I think it’s a good start for Jackson County to get some more players through the door there.”

Chipola coach Jake Headrick said he was fortunate to find such a talented player such a short distance away.

“I’m very excited about Kruize’s decision to join our program,” the coach said. “He’s very familiar with our program, and the success we’ve had here, and his dad played and was a great player at Chipola. It’s not every day you see a 6-7, 240-pound kid who can really play walking around in your backyard.

“We felt like Kruize was as good as a kid we could find anywhere else. That’s the reason we’re so excited about it. It’s not just his talent, but a lot of people are going to get to see him play every night, and that’s probably an exciting part for him. We’re excited about what he’s got a chance to do at Chipola.”

Headrick said he thinks Pinkins’ skills are already suited to the college level, but that there is still much room for him to grow.

“I’ve always thought Kruize’s best days were ahead of him,” the coach said. “He’s a legit 6-7, he’s got a great body, and he can really rebound the basketball. He can think and play. There are a lot of kids who can play the game, but not many who can think the game and play it. He makes great decisions with the basketball. He’s got all the tools you want as a coach. He can pass the ball, rebound, and score with his back to the basket.”

Pinkins said he still has work to do physically, but that he believes he has the ability to contribute for the Indians next season.

“I can rebound pretty well, I can run the floor, and I’m very smart on the court,” he said. “I’m a coach-able kid. I just need to get a little quicker and faster, and get my body in better shape.”

While eager to get started at Chipola, Pinkins said he would miss wearing the purple and gold for Marianna.

Blanton said the feeling was mutual.

“He’s one of those guys you’re happy to build around, and he’s such a good person, too,” the coach said. “He has good character. He’s a fine young man. He leads by example, and he works really hard. We’re going to really, really miss him in more ways than one.”