Recruiting Report: Tavon Tarpley (2016)

<div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Tavon Tarpley, who played AAU ball with NOVA Cavaliers this summer, is  an under-the-radar point guard who we’ve been tracking. At 6’2, Tarpley owns excellent size and tremendous length at the point. He’s a very good athlete, who applies max pressure on opposing ball-handlers, and contests shots effectively. In our AAU Team Profile of the NOVA Cavaliers, we solicited the opinion of his 17U Head Coach, Jerry Lin.</span></div><div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“Tavon is a pest defensively and lives at the free-throw line with his rim-attacking mentality,” said Lin.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Following his performances the AAU circuit with NOVA Cavs, Tarpley’s recruitment began to take shape. He has been on recent visits to Hood College, Mary Washington, and Keuca College (NY). With potential visits to Shenandoah and Randolph on the horizon, it’s clear that he’s a coveted target among Division 3 schools across the Mid-Atlantic. A self-proclaimed defensive-minded player, Tarpley has evolved offensively, and is seeing things slow down for him a bit on that end.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“I pride myself on defense first. I think I attack the rim well and get to the free throw line,” he began. “This year, I have a higher IQ. I’m able to slow the game down a little more, and notice different things from last year. I’m more mature with the ball, and I know how to pick my spots on the court now.”</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Tarpley is relatively tall for his position. He’s a good ball-handler, who is adept at penetrating off the dribble, and drawing contact. One thing he’s focused on improving, is his perimeter shooting ability. He believes it’s good now, but believes that with extra work, it can become more consistent.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“My jump-shot is underrated,” said Tarpley. “I don’t think anyone thinks that I can shoot that well, but I have confidence that I can shoot. I’m still improving from three-point range, just being more consistent.”</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">As a student-athlete, Tarpley knows and understands the value of education. A deciding factor in his college decision will be the types of courses a particular school offers. He mentioned hopes of pursuing a career in business.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“When I look at a school, I look at the education aspect of it,” he said. “The degree, and the major that I want to pursue. The basketball aspect is second. I want to pursue a business career, so I want to get my Business Administration Degree and then my MBA.”</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Tarpley is coming off a very productive summer, and is heading into his senior season with some momentum. We’ll continue to track his progress and provide relevant updates moving forward.</span></div>