Eustace point guard Puriefoy commits to Stony Brook

Senior Carson Puriefoy, an Inquirer first-team all-South Jersey point guard from Bishop Eustace, has made an oral commitment to attend Stony Brook.

According to NCAA rules, high school basketball recruits can begin signing letters of intent on Nov. 9.

Puriefoy averaged 21.5 points and helped lead Eustace to a 21-7 record and the No. 4 spot in the final Inquirer South Jersey top 10 rankings.

He said he chose Stony Brook after making an official visit to the school over the weekend. Puriefoy chose Stony Brook over Princeton and Vermont.

Stony Brook is coming off a 15-17 season, but the Seawolves advanced to the America East final before losing to Boston University, 56-54.

"As soon as I left [the visit] I knew this was the place for me," Puriefoy said. "Stony Brook had everything I was looking for academically and basketball-wise."

He added that a good rapport with Stony Brook coach Steve Pikiell was another factor in his decision. NCAA rules prohibit schools from commenting on recruits until an official letter of intent is signed.

With Puriefoy and a strong returning cast, Eustace is expected to be among the top teams in South Jersey this season.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225, mnarducci@phillynews.com, or @sjnard on Twitter. Find his Rally columns at www.philly.com/narducci.