The 11th annual Jerry Tarkanian Classic is being held December 16-21, 2023 @ Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas NV) and surrounding area gyms. 125+ high school boys squads (spread over 8 divisions) and 70+ prep programs (National Division) are participating this year.
A large contingent of national/regional media and scouts have already shown up so far during the first 2 days including Frank Burlison (BurlisonOnBasketball.com/McDonald’s All-American Game voter), Van Coleman (Nothing But Net Magazine/McDonald’s AA Game voter), Eric Bossi (247Sports.com), Ronnie Flores (BallisLife.com & GrassrootsHoops.net), Dinos Trigonis (Fullcourt Press & Nothing But Net), Jamie Shaw (On3.com), Gregg Rosenberg, Bruce Williams, Britt Wright and Greg Stein (Prep Hoops), Chad Groth (Area Codes Scouting), Alex Brown and Conrad Chow (Pro Insight), Chris Popoola and Jerina Madayeg (Hardwood Equity), Sam Cullen (Arizona Preps) and Nate Buss (Nate Buss Hoop Talk).
Colleges that came through on Day 2 included UCLA, Houston, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona State, Penn State, Washington State, UC-Santa Barbara, Utah State, Stephen F. Austin, UC-Irvine, San Francisco, Wyoming, Rice, San Diego, Old Dominion, Buffalo, UC-Davis, Cal Poly, Weber State, Sam Houston State, North Alabama and Northern Arizona as well as NBA team scouts from Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Portland Trailblazers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards
Yesterday we highlighted several players that stood out on Day 1: https://nbnmagazine.com/2023-tarkanian-classic-prep-school-division-day-1/
Below, we highlight several more players that are worthy of recognition on Day 2:
Jovan Milicevic 6’10” 2024 Canyon International Academy (Glendale AZ)
Sturdy Big man with great feel, passing skills and ability to score with regularity on the block. Toronto native had arguably the best overall performance of the day by scoring 27 points against a very good SoCal Academy squad (albeit in a losing cause). Jovan (a New Mexico signee) is one of the best post passers I have seen this year and his basketball IQ is top shelf.
Sammy Yeanay 6’8” 2024 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler AZ)
Arizona State signee is a “jack of all trades” hybrid forward that just makes plays on both ends. Dependable rebounder and always present defender, Sammy was consistently good here this weekend as well as when I saw him at HoopHall West in Scottsdale earlier in the month.
Winters Grady 6’6” 2025 Prolific Prep ((Napa CA)
Tough, hardnosed wing with plenty of range and accuracy on his perimeter stroke. Grady drained several big threes down stretch to finish off a very pesky BFL squad (58-50).
Miles Goodman 6’11” 2024 Southern Cal Academy (CA)
Penn State signee is a rapidly improving post-player that was active here both on the boards and by finishing at the rim. With improved strength, this 2023 Pangos All-American Camp invitee has the potential to be an impactful Big 10 player.
Del Jones 6’2” 2024 Southern Cal Academy (CA)
Clemson-bound PG is speedy in transition and has ability to rise above the rim.
Trent Burns 7’2” 2024 Good Vision Academy (TX)
Missouri signee has more than enough length for the center position and with increased strength could be a factor for future college coach Dennis Gates. Burns had 12 points in a win over DNA Academy/CA.
Jalik Dunkley Distant 6’6” 2024 Canyon International Academy (Glendale AZ)
Athletic slashing scorer can really elevate above the rim (had an impressive left hand tomahawk) against SoCal Academy.
Cameron Miles 6’3” 2024 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler AZ)
Quick and crafty combo-guard with a sharp-shooting stroke.
Trent Lincoln 6’3” 2024 Southern Coast Academy (FL)
Lefty lead guard has uncanny ability to make tough shots,
Danien Rucker 6’5” 2025 Skyline Prep (Phoenix AZ)
St. Louis MO native is an athletic guard with a quick first step. Excellent defender has offers from Vermont and SIUE.
Nikita Tyukalo 6’6” 2024 BFL Prep (Seattle WA)
Very good shooter from distance and with quick release did all he could to keep BFL within range of a loaded Prolific Prep team.
Christian Jones 5’9” 2025 BFL Prep (Seattle WA)
Tough little PG with a Rick Isaacs/H-Squad wiggle in his step and real ability to get off and make long range shots.
Kevin Alabi 6’8” 2024 Skyline Prep (Phoenix AZ)
High energy forward is physical inside and can finish through contact at and above the rim. Toronto Canada native has offers from Louisiana Tech, Southern and Jacksonville State.
Kellen Hampton 6’7” 2025 Southern Cal Academy (CA)
Junior WF with a nice frame has a pretty looking jump shot too. NorCal native is a real sleeper on the West Coast in 2025.
Jayce Nathaniel 6’8” 2024 AZ Compass Prep (Chandler AZ)
Active and productive forward with nice build and potential.
AJ Thomas 6’4” 2025 Eduprize (Gilbert AZ)
Guard with solid size and more than adequate hoop IQ can get to the cup with either hand.
Pape Fall 6’10” 2024 Good Vision Academy (TX)
Long and agile Senegal import has long-term upside.
Dennis Rocha 6’6” 2024 Skyline Prep (Phoenix AZ)
“3 & D” wing operates with a high IQ and motor. Toronto Canada import has an offer from Southern.
Carter McDole 6’6” 2024 DNA Prep (Chatsworth CA)
Athletic lefty scorer plays with plenty of confidence.
Jean Paul Ndong 6’7” 2025 Colorado Prep (CO)
Sleek swingman with smooth stroke on his perimeter stroke.
Chase Nelson 6’2” 2024 Skyline Prep (Phoenix AZ)
Dallas TX native is a poised PG with an offer from Sacramento State.
