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 taken a look at some of the nationally known players from the final day of the Tarkanian Classic Prep Showcase, we wanted to take a look at a number of the players who are certainly helping themselves both in the rankings and with their college recruitment. There were no shortage of interesting International players who are either new to the States or others who are still falling a bit under the radar, and there were plenty in Vegas.
With an International flare, here are some of the players who helped themselves from Day 3 of the Tarkanian Classic Prep Showcase:
D.J. Smith, 6’10, PF, ABC Prep (New Mexico), 2026
As far as the look test is concerned, DJ Smith has everything that you hope for out of a big man in today’s game. He’s every bit of 6-foot-10 (if not taller), has a massive wingspan, and has a picture perfect jumpshot. Finishing with 11 points and 8 rebounds vs. AZ Compass Grind Session, the impact and potential that Smith offers go far beyond those numbers.
Mading Kuany, 6’8, PF, Iowa United Prep (Iowa), 2026
With a game predicated on motor, length, and athleticism, Mading Kuany was able to change the game with his level of activity on both ends at Tark. The long armed forward did not back down at all against OTE RWE, provided a shot blocking presence, and changed the game on both ends when his motor was going. Kuany made a couple of nice plays offensively facing up, but his level of activity and athleticism will certainly be his calling card at the collegiate level.
Dior Anderson, 6’2, PG/SG, The Patrick School (NJ), 2026
There weren’t many guards tougher at the Tarkanian Classic than Dior Anderson, a gritty combo guard out of the historic Patrick School. Able to play either backcourt spot, Anderson played best with the rock in his hands, kept defenders honest shooting it from 3-point range, and excelled playing through contact. Still wide open with his recruitment, Anderson showed that he could hold his own against Faith Family’s EYBL squad and did the same on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with Wiz Kids.
Baba Sow, 6’9, PF, Colorado Prep (Colorado), 2027
In today’s game where you want your power forward to do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor, Baba Sow is that type of guy. He has the agility to put pressure on the ball all over the floor, has an ideal physical profile, and showed promise as a shooter with his feet set. The Senegalese junior has the tools and has been rapidly improving his status as a D1 prospect.
Favour Nkemka, 6’3, PG/SG, Iowa United Prep (Iowa), 2027
A tough combo guard, Favour Nkemka did a little bit of everything from either backcourt spot for Iowa United. He excelled getting to the rim and playing through contact on the offensive end, whereas he utilized his length and athleticism to put immense pressure on the rock defensively. Already holding a few D1 offers, Favour’s recruitment should continue to grow as he gains more experience playing lead guard in the EYBL Scholastic.
Miles Hamilton, 6’6, SF, CODE (Canada), 2026
In my first time seeing Miles Hamilton you could immediately appreciate the versatility that he offers as a prospect for CODE. He has great size for a wing, can post smaller defenders, and has shown the ability to make plays for others. Toss in the fact that he knocked in a couple of 3-pointers and you see why he is one of the serious sleepers north of the border.
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