Holiday hoops season is officially here and there is no better national tip off than the Tarkanian Classic. Held throughout Las Vegas, the Tarkanian Classic brought over 250 teams together throughout Sin City in three separate events: The Prep Showcase, high school bracket play, and the first year Junior College Showcase. Given the amount of talent across the board, media and scouts alike came about, too.
Over 100 credentialed members of the media, 100 D1 college coaches, and a dozen NBA teams were in attendance for the second day of the Tarkanian Classic’s Prep Showcase. Companies Spalding, Nike, Crocs, Gatorade, BallerTV, and the Orleans Casino jumped in as title sponsors. Event co-Directors Dinos Trigonis and Grant Rice and staff did a resounding job for providing everyone in attendance with schedule updates and accurate rosters, a rarity in today’s wild west of grassroots events.
All in all, the Tarkanian Classic’s Prep Showcase lived up to its reputation as one of the nation’s truly premier events, both on and off the court, with no shortage of talent putting ten toes down on the hardwood.
Having already examined a number of five star prospects from day two of the event, there are countless others who deserve attention for what they brought to the table at Tarkanian. Whether it be lights out shooters, glue guys with intangibles that don’t show up in the box score, or high upside prospects who aren’t quite there yet, the Tarkanian Classic provided an opportunity for hundreds of prospects to boost their recruitment in front of college coaches and scouts alike.
Here are some of the stock risers from Day 2 of the Tarkanian Classic Prep Showcase:
Avery Huston, 6’3, SG, Iowa United Prep (Iowa), 2027
One of the more electric shooters of the event, Avery Huston showed that he could put points on the board with a minimal number of bounces. Great off of pindowns, with his feet set, or relocating, Huston had an effortless release that he could get off in a hurry. Having already showed that he could produce in the EYBL, Huston will have plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents as a floor spacer alongside 7-foot Arafan Diane for Iowa United Prep.
Tyran Frazier, 6’10, OTE RWE (Georgia), 2027
Known as more of a shooting big, Tyran Frazier showed that he can do more than shoot with his feet set at the Tarkanian Classic. The agile big man is getting much better playing through contact, has a super high release on his finishes, and has the mobility to get out and defend on the perimeter. A native of St.. Louis, Frazier ran with Brad Beal Elite in the EYBL and is certainly one to watch as a modern shooting big.
Manu Manciel, 6’3, PG/SG, Wasatch Academy (Utah), 2026
As far as the backcourt was concerned, Manu Manciel did a little bit of everything for Wasatch Academy during their intense matchup with Dynamic Prep. He is a serious shooter who provides help as an on ball defender, can initiate the offense, and is a threat as a floor spacer. Heading to Stephen F. Austin, Manciel will be able to provide minutes at either backcourt spot.
Keanundre Morris, 6’3, PG/SG, Dream City Christian EYBL (Arizona), 2027
A player whose impact goes far beyond the box score, Keaundre Morris did a little bit of everything. He was outstanding as a secondary ball handler, showed the ability to create for others off the bounce, and was a constant floor spacing threat (four 3-pointers made) against Rod Wave Elite. Playing alongside five star point guard Ikenna Alozie, Keaundre was forced to play a myriad of roles which will only help him moving forward with his game in the EYBL Scholastic.
Franck Belibi, 6’4, SG, Colorado Prep (Col.), 2026
A household name in Colorado basketball circles since he entered high school, Franck Belibi showed he could hold his own with anyone nationally at Tark. The powerfully built two guard is great coming off screens, is physical enough to lock down on either back court spot, and can really play through contact on attacks to the rim. Cameroon’s leading scorer at the FIBA 19U World Championships is heading to Pacific next year, where he should contribute right away given his continual improvement.
Aaron Ekwere, 6’6, SG/SF, DRIVE Academy (Finland), 2026
Making the way from Europe to the States for Tark, Aaron Ekwere was one of the more versatile players offensively on Day 2 of prep school action at the Tarkanian Classic. Playing anywhere from the 1 through the 4 during spurts, Ekwere was able to change the game with his athleticism, and is able to help out on the interior when needed. Holding a number of D1 offers, Ekwere is still wide open in terms of his recruitment and will be a nice find during the late signing period.
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