A new addition to the ever expanding Tarkanian Classic was its absolutely loaded Junior College Showcase. Ran by former UNLV head coach and current Salt Lake Community College boss Dave Ricethe JUCO component of Tarkanian had 20+ D-1 coaches sitting courtside at nearly every game along with national scouting services looking for the next player who is able to contribute right away at the next level. With a half dozen top-25 NJCAA programs playing in the event (including the nation’s #1 JUCO Snow College) at the monstrous Orleans Arenathe Tarkanian JUCO Showcase served as an in-season preview for D-1 coaches to get a glimpse at the next wave of prospects before the NJCAA tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
While we were only able to catch five of the nine games throughout the Tarkanian JUCO Showcase due to bouncing between gyms, we were able to lay eyes on every team at least once to get a nice feel of the prospects that each team brought to the table.
Here are the top performers that we saw at the Tarkanian JUCO Showcase:
Deion Ware, 6’4, SG, JUCO Freshman, South Plains College (Texas)
The most dominant player from the Tark JUCO Showcase that I saw was Deion Ware, an electric scoring guard from South Plains College. The explosive New Orleans lefty was outstanding in isolation situations creating his own shot, exploited mismatches during switches, and was able to find open teammates out of pick and roll situations. Already having mid-major D-1 experience at Old Dominion, Ware is a plug and play guy wherever he lands for his next destination.
Bron Roberts, 7’0, C, JUCO Freshman, Snow College (Utah)
One of the bigger players in the event, Bron Roberts didn’t put up huge numbers, but showed the raw talent that coaches love to see out of a big. He showed remarkable fluidity with his movement for a 7-footer, had great touch with his finishes in the paint, and was a lob threat at the junior college level. Already holding more than a half dozen D-1 offers, Roberts will have no shortage of schools fighting for his services as a perimeter based center.
Ajayi Simmons, 6’8, SF JUCO Sophomore, North Idaho College (Idaho)
Able to play three different positions, Ajayi Simmons is exactly what you’d hope for out of a 6-foot-8 player in today’s game. While he makes most of his impact on the perimeter with his jump shot and ability to see over the top of the defense, Simmons’ utilized his length/athleticism at the rim on both ends of the floor.. The Seattle native is still wide open with his recruitment, but should have no shortage of suitors during the late signing period.
Xavier Wilson, 6’7, SF/PF, JUCO Freshman, Indian Hills Community College (Iowa)
Possessing immense long term potential, Xavier Wilson is just scratching the surface of how good he can become and showed that to D1 programs at Tark. The versatile forward changed the game with his athleticism, showed the ability to step out to the 3-point line, and offered a presence both on the interior and on the perimeter defensively. The MOKAN native is still wide open in terms of his recruitment, but has all of the tools to play either forward spot at the D-1 level.
McCaden Adams, 6’4, PG/SG, JUCO Sophomore, Snow College (Utah)
The most polished guard that we saw in Vegas was definitely McCaden Adams, the catalyst for top ranked Snow College. Able to play either guard spot, Adams showed off effortless range, easily created separation off the bounce, and showed the ability to put points on the board in a hurry as a volume scorer. Already taking official visits to D-1 programs at this point, McCaden is still on the board with plenty of D-1 options.
Lantz Stephenson, 6’6, SF, JUCO Freshman, Salt lake City Community College (Utah)
The younger brother of high school legend Lance Stephenson, Lantz Stephenson is carving his own niche and making sure everyone knows he’s a serious prospects in his own right. The younger Stephenson is a legit shooter with his feet set, relocates without the ball, and provides a presence at the rim defensively. Shortly after his play at Tark, Lantz received his first offer since hitting the JUCO ranks from Southern Utah and should have many to follow.
Austin Ouko, 6’7, SF/PF, JUCO Freshman, North Idaho College (Idaho)
Another big forward with a perimeter based game from North Idaho, Austin Ouko got it done from the wing and helped in the paint at Tarkanian. The Swiss forward showed deep range on his jump shot, used his strength to finish through contact in the paint, and made himself an offensive threat whenever he was on the court. The Wasatch Academy product already secured his commitment to play for Idaho early in the recruiting process.
Antallah Sandlin-El, 6’9, PF/C JUCO Sophomore, South Plains College (Texas)
One of the most productive bigs from the event, Antallah Sandlin-El got it done inside and out for South Plains during the Tark Classic. The wide body made a number of tough catches in the paint, showed the ability to shoot it from deep, and has head on a swivel to find open men. Having already played a year of D1 at Robert Morris, Antallah brings D-1 experience to the half dozen plus programs that have already offered him.