Five standouts from the Tarkanian Classic Prep Division

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Tarkanian Classic got so big this year they had to break the event into two three-day sessions. The first session was prep school teams, high school programs that are not associated with state organizations. The second session is the high school division, comprised of schools that are associated with state organizations.

Each session was made up of over 100 varsity-level teams from across the globe. The first three-day session has come to an end; there was talent across the field. There were 26 NBA teams who applied for credentials to watch the Tarkanian Classic Prep Showcase, and over 50 college coaches lined the baselines.

Any time you get this many players under one roof, with the esteemed audience that was in the stands, players are able to build on their reputations. That reputation could have been already established or just starting, but each of these prospects can write their own.

Here are five overall standouts from the Tarkanian Classic Prep Division.

Read The 3 most intriguing players at the Tarkanian Classic Prep Division

Five-star PG AJ Johnson (2023)

Height/Weight: 6-5/170
High school: Los Angeles (CA) So Cal Academy
On3 150: No. 7
Committed: Texas

AJ Johnson is a consensus five-star prospect in the 2023 class, so it is no surprise he is a standout. Johnson stands in the 6-foot-5, 6-foot-6 range, with long arms and jet-quick speed. The point guard is a late bloomer, growing a few inches over the last couple of years, but his time at So Cal Academy has helped him adapt to his new frame and his position.

What Johnson showed this weekend, the added nugget to his game is consistency. Over the summer, he was a flashes guy. Someone that you would watch and say, “he will be good.” Well, all of that is coming together at this point, and it starts with the jump shot. Johnson shot the ball consistently from three this weekend. Off the bounce, off the catch, he was comfortable, with a consistent base and release.

His speed and burst will continue to be at the top of every floor he walks on, but the change of pace and the threat of the jump shot make Johnson that much tougher to keep in front. He is one that continues to add something to his game.

Four-star PF Jaden Toombs (2025)

Height/Weight: 6-9/215
High school: Dallas (TX) Dynamic Prep
On3 150: No. 40

Jaden Toombs is a naturally big player with good size, a thick frame, and great length. And he is also a naturally skilled player who continues to grow his game each time you see him play.

In this setting, Toombs showed off some perimeter skills, which was nice. Whether it pick and pop, catch and shoot, or one/two dribble pull-ups, Toombs was confident and consistent with his jump shot. He also used his big hands to rebound his area well.

Toombs is still young, with a 2007 birthday, so there is still some growth to be had. He will get stronger, which will help all parts of his game. The production is already there, and it is consistent. There is a bright future ahead here.

NR SF David Tubek (2023)

Height/Weight: 6-7/210
High school: Glendale (AZ) Dream City Christian
On3 150: NR
Committed: Memphis

While David Tubek’s numbers might not have stood out, his impact on the game was glaring to anyone watching. Toughness is Tubek’s calling card. He does the stuff that people simply do not like doing. The defense, the diving on the floor, the extra pass, the boxing out; it is the stuff that affects winning.

With his strong 6-foot-7 frame, Tubek can guard up and down a lineup. He can move his feet with perimeter guys, line up with fours, and switch down to guard fives mid-possession. Where his game has grown over the last 12 months is that he is consistently able to pull gravity with his shooting.

A true three-and-D player, an archetype that is incredibly valuable in basketball today. He is signed to play with Penny Hardaway at Memphis.

Three-star PF Tyler Mason (2024)

Height/Weight: 6-9/225
High school: Las Vegas (NV) Trinity International School
On3 150: No. 148

Tyler Mason is a player who jumped on the scene during COVID. He has always had good size and touch with range. The intrigue has been there.

A transfer to Trinity International School, with a pit stop at Minnesota Prep, has Mason expanding his overall game. Over the past couple of years, Mason has added good weight, which allows him to be durable in the paint. That leads us to the second piece; Mason is a threat on the block now.

The lefty was comfortable and consistent over his right shoulder. He would flash into the paint, catch, gather, and go up with purpose and touch. Still able to step out and knock down a shot from range, the added option of playing in the paint has opened new doors to his game. Interest should be growing; these next six months will be interesting to see where things grow for Mason.

NR PG JJ Madaquit (2025)

Height/Weight: 6-0/175
High school: Salt Lake City (UT) Real Salt Lake
On3 150: NR

There is a throwback feel to JJ Mandaquit’s game. All the accolades you can think of, gritty, coach on the floor, etc. Mandaquit is that. He plays with a great pace and excellent balance. His head is always up, and his motor runs hot.

Mandaquit is a 2007 birthday, one of the youngest players in his class in the country. His age is interesting because of the poise he plays with. Mandaquit has an array of plays in the paint, floaters, crafty finishes, and left-hand/right-hand passes.

He calls fellow point guard Derrick Low a mentor. Low, also from Hawaii, won 75 collegiate games, including two top-25 finishes and three NCAA Tournament game wins at Washington State. He is young, and it will be interesting to see how the guy who makes everyone around him better continues to grow.