Prospect Spotlight: Naythan Vargas (2020)
While River Valley did not live up to their own expectations as they finished the season with 5 wins, the group has plenty of reason to be optimistic. One of the biggest reasons for that optimism is 5’7 2020 PG Naythan Vargas.
Vargas led the team in assists and steals this past year. Further, he was second on the roster in scoring. With Vargas coming back, River Valley should have high expectations for themselves.
This past off-season, Vargas participated with the Valley Ballers. During the season and off-season, in which he played in Australia as well, Vargas noted that he has attracted the interest of quite a few college programs.
While he sent over a lengthy list of interested schools, he noted that his only offer to play at the next level at this point is York College, an NCAA Division-III. However, he stated that he felt as though “Monclair seems the most interested”.
Part of the success that Vargas has had in regards to seeking college attention has been his high GPA. He stated that he is currently carrying a “3.7 GPA” . This has aided smaller schools in understanding that they can offer him athletic and academic money.
As far as what he is looking for in a school, he noted that he wants a school with “a good business program or good sports medicine program”. Also, he would be interested in a school with a good “pre-optometry” program “because those are the majors that I’m interested in right now.”
Moreover, he also noted that the size of the school does not matter to him. He is looking for an opportunity to get a good education and play at the next level.
In order for River Valley to take the next step and have a lot of success this upcoming season, Vargas will need to play a huge role. In addition to creating scoring opportunities for the team, he will need to be more of a scorer. His ability to create for himself will be crucial as he has already demonstrated that he is able to create for others.
In addition, as his three point shooting percentage goes up, he will put even more pressure on opposing teams. He is able to get into the paint well and find people. However, if teams have to respect him at the line, he will be able to get into the paint even easier and create more.
At this point, Vargas is a good fit at a number of NCAA Division-III or NAIA Division-II programs. He has good grades and is a skilled player who passes the basketball at a high level.
As Vargas continues to explore his opportunity to play at the next level, he has committed to playing in the Prep Hoops Arizona Battle in Bullhead this weekend.