NJCAA LIVE EVENT
One of the first live events for JUCO basketball took place and at Faulkner University. The event featured some of the top Juco Programs from the Southeast, and Midwest were gathered in front of coaches from every level of college basketball. The event welcomed back to the juco ranks Coach Greg Heiar who returned back to juco basketball after stints at East Tennessee State, LSU and Wichita State amongst others. Check out a couple teams and players that caught my eye, on Friday at the Juco Live Event……
Joe Eatmon’s Shelton State Buccaneers look like they are primed for State Championship, and a national championship run, led by Georgia transfer Jaykwon Walton who had many on lookers saying he maybe be the best player in juco basketball this year. Walton uses his 6’7 frame and high motor to score either inside or out. Walton also showed the ability to rebound the ball at a very high clip as I counted one game he had at least 11 rebounds. The athletic combo forward played well and should have put high major Division One coaches on notice. 6’5 Guard Antonio Thomas showed he can shoot the basketball, and add Troy University transfer Antwan Burnett, who uses his big physical body to get to the basket and score. Burnett can score inside or out and loves to shoot the basketball.
Other Players To Watch:
Tuach Dol - Sophomore (6’11)
Thaddeus Williams – Freshman (5’10)
Andres Burney – Freshman (6’9)
Donnie Tyndall’s first year at the helm of the Chipola Indians produced a final 4 appearance, and a heartbreaking loss to eventually national champion Coffeyville. The Indians will be looking for another run at the championship, and will be led by returning players Shay Davis, Achor Achor, Fazion Fields, and Nea’Qwan Tolin. Shay Davis showed his ability to score and defend at high level . Fazion Fields impressed by how well he used his athleticism to finish plays at the rim. Expect Fields to be a very important piece to a very loaded puzzle. Nae’qwan Tomlin had some really loud plays for Chipola, and has major high level athleticism. The stand out play for me was the catch and monster finish starting from the top of the key.
Top Players To Watch:
Clifford Davis - Freshman (6’3) Shooter
Jatorian Warren – Freshman (6’7) Very Physical Defender
John Logan made a run to the NJCAA tournament finishing 18-5, under coach Kyle Smithpeters and will look to make another this season. Sophomore Sarion McGee, did a great job of using his big frame (6’8 255 pound) rebounding and finishing plays underneath. Tennessee Tech transfer Tujautae Williams, showed the ability to play both guard spots, and his athletic ability to get down hill and finish plays at the basket. Sophomore Cobie Barnes has a nice body and mid range game.
East Central guard Demaijon Topps showed the ability to lock up defensively, creating havoc on defense and handle the ball well.
Guards JD Allen and Alex Jordan stood out on the defensive end for Pearl River, JD Allen showed his athletic ability, Alex Jordan does a really good job of rebounding from the guard position for Chris Olney’s Wildcats