Narvaez Leads By Action For McArthur
When discussing the prospects of prolonging his basketball career at the NCAA level, Jacob Narvaez flashes a boyish smile and sounds jarringly similar to Lonzo Ball when asked about playing for Luke Walton.
“I’ll play for anyone,” said Narvaez, a smooth Class of 2018 off guard who possesses high level 3-point shooting aptitude.
“If there’s an opportunity for me to play somewhere at the next level and to be on the court somewhere next year, I’m in. I’m definitely going to pursue it. That’s the goal.”
Yes, the 6-foot-2 senior is purely unknown on the recruiting market. And while the Hollywood, Fla. native may not be currently generating any interest, he’s garnering credibility as a crafty scoring threat.
Adept at creating his own shot and carving through defenses with shiftiness and stylish finishes, Narvaez appears to be a late bloomer. He’s been a key piece in the catch-and-stick game for McArthur, hitting timely treys throughout the season.
With a smooth form, a quicker release than most at this level, and an eye for spotting up and knocking down corner 3-pointers, Narvaez has been instrumental in pioneering scoring spurts.
In addition, Narvaez has flashed a potent pull up game and knack for splitting defenders on hard, thorough takes to the rack.
If he continues to expand on his scoring and two-way presence, Narvaez could be a pivotal late pickup for a program that needs an active kick out shooter with capabilities at both back court positions.
This much was on display during the RMF tournament at Chaminade Madonna high school last month, when Narvaez dropped a game best 23 points (on 9-for-17 FG) on a series of deep 3-pointers (4-of-5 from beyond the arc), transition leak out finishes, and drives. Narvaez also pulled down a game-best 13 rebounds in this particular performance, en route to a 57-53 win over Suncoast.
Narvaez was an eighth grader when Sandro Noel emerged into a late-blooming man-child forward, averaging 14 points and nine rebounds while infecting McArthur’s lineups with furious displays of Division-I athleticism.
A versatile 6-foot-7 wing who spent a post-graduate season at now defunct Elev8 Prep in Delray Beach, Fla., Noel is now at Georgia Highlands (JUCO) after a one-year stay at Southern (La.). And while it’s been a wild and unpredictable campus to campus journey ride for Noel, the Miami native could potentially wind up as a high-impact transfer at Stetson.
Narvaez knows Noel’s story and is cognizant the road to success is filled with detours and alternative routes. As he continues to progress as an off the ball scorer, he’ll jump at any opportunity that comes his the underrated guard’s way.