Tarkanian Classic – Out of SD Standouts, Part 1
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My time at Tarkanian Classic was relatively short, but it was more than enough to see a lot of talented players from across the West Coast and beyond. Here are some of the players who caught my attention from outside…
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Continue ReadingMy time at Tarkanian Classic was relatively short, but it was more than enough to see a lot of talented players from across the West Coast and beyond. Here are some of the players who caught my attention from outside of my coverage area.
Joshua Jefferson Joshua Jefferson 6'8" | PF Liberty | 2022 State #158 Nation NV , 6-8 2022 F, Liberty (NV)
Jefferson was flat-out dominant in a very-good opening round matchup against St. Augustine in Platinum Division play. He scored 36 points, including five 3-point field goals, and dominated the boards against the Saints. I’ve watched Jefferson’s development since the 7th grade, and it was always apparent that his skill level and feel were advanced, but his strides in his conditioning and physique have unleashed those gifts at a new level this season. Committed to St. Mary’s, Jefferson appears well on his way to cracking some of the Top 100-150 national rankings, making him a huge haul for Randy Bennett.
Bron Roberts Bron Roberts 6'11" | SF Pleasant Grove | 2023 State UT , 6-11 2023 F/C, Timpanogos (UT)
It’s easy to see why Stanford and other schools are in hot pursuit of Roberts, a wiry face-up forward who has a great inside-out package. Against the smaller Orange Glen team, he resisted the urge to step out and shoot from three and made plays on the low block, both with the pass (excellent reads against double coverage) and the shot (nice jump hook, post footwork). But when he did take shots from midrange and three, his release was crisp and quick. Additionally, he’s a very good rim protector with his length, timing and discipline. He is a high-major prospect at this stage.
Shant Chenorhavorian, 6-0 2022 PG, Arcadia (CA)
If I am an NAIA program looking for a guard, I am pushing my chips in on Chenorhavorian, a big-time scoring point guard with an automatic jumpshot, crafty handles and a will to win. He makes up for his lack of size and length with his competitive desire, ability to score on and off the ball and feisty on-ball defense. He had 21 points in the first half against face-guard coverage, including a four-point play where he ran off a double-stagger screen and quickly got the shot off with the defense trailing closely.
Dedan Thomas, 6-1 2024 PG, Liberty (NV)
If Jefferson was Batman, Thomas played an excellent Robin in the win over Saints. Much has been written about his offensive abilities (he’s a solid shooter, passer and scorer off the bounce), but what impressed me even more was his on-ball and off-ball defense. He turned over Saints guards at the point of attack and shot the passing lane for additional steals. He always was in a stance and competed every play. In a matchup against another highly touted sophomore, Lolo Rudolph, it was Thomas who got the upper hand on this night.
Alex Bossinakis, 6-2 2022 G, Fort Worth Christian (TX)
Bossinakis’ tough shot making was the catalyst of the Texas team’s comeback 68-67 win over Arcadia. The right-hand dominant guard isn’t the quickest customer, but his understanding of attack angles, physicality driving the basketball and quick release allows him to score from all three levels, especially from three, where he has range well beyond the college three.
Jojo Hunter, 6-4 2022 G, San Joaquin Memorial (CA)
The Fresno State-bound Hunter was arguably the best passer I saw on Day 1 of the event. A big lead guard with excellent court vision and feel, he set his teammates up for easy scoring opportunities off his dribble penetration, and really good skip passes to shooters. If there’s an area he might need to tighten up, it’s playing off of two feet in the paint when he makes those passes.
Truman Burningham Truman Burningham 6'2" | PG Timpview | 2022 State UT , 6-1 2022 G, Timpview (UT)
Burningham is a willowy lead guard who caught my eye against San Joaquin Memorial with his dead eye shooting and scoring through contact off the bounce. He and his teammates shot the ball at a high percentage, but it was Burningham’s fearlessness that made him stand out. He’s a college basketball player at some level.