Unsigned Senior Spotlight - Jaheim Tanksley
Jaheim Tanksley may not have played in New England, but he's certainly made his mark here.
The point guard for both New Heights as well as the Patrick School's national team, Tanksley has made his mark on both the highest levels of grassroots and prep school basketball.
Accordingly, he's had steady recruitment from a series of division II schools, including those in the NE-10, but aspires to play at the division I level, specifically in the MEAC.
Prospect Profile
Hght/Wght: 5'10" & 160lbs
High School: Union Catholic (NJ)
Prep School: Patrick School (NJ)
AAU: New Heights
By the Numbers
2018-19 Stats: 19.8ppg, 5.0apg, 4.3rpg, 2.2spg, 51% FG, 40% 3pt, 81% FT
Academics: 2.9 GPA, 980 SAT, 26 ACT
Personal Statement
I would like all coaches to know I’m someone who is motivated and ready to make an immediate impact. I love to compete and I’m always looking at how I could better my game and my teammates around me. My motivation and willingness is something I feel makes me play with so much passion. I play the game of basketball for the love of the sport and it allows me to always want to be the best player on the floor. Being overlooked has done nothing but motivate me and made me the person I am today. I had a very successful high school career, scoring 800 points in two-and-a-half years playing varsity basketball. Playing in one of the best conferences in high school basketball in Union County made me a much better player. Playing schools like the Patrick School, Roselle Catholic, and Linden twice a year really helped mature my game. After my senior year I attended the Patrick School for my prep year. In that span, I’ve gained a few extra pounds and added a better overall outlook to my game. I’m a student-athlete both on and off the court. I thank God everyday that I’ve had the opportunity to play in front of lots of coaches in my basketball journey so far, and talking to coaches on every level has been a blessing. I’m still searching for the right fit. One thing I can promise, I will work hard and be a great team player wherever I end up. I’m a feisty and gritty point guard, who can score the ball on a high level while also making my teammates around me better. My athleticism is a huge part of my game that allows me to finish very well around the rim. My jumpshot allows me to disrupt any defense which opens up opportunities for my teammates. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in my next chapter.
Recommendations
"Jaheim is a great leader and a pit bull on defense. He guards the ball 94-feet and gets the opponent out of what they want to do. Offensively, he is lightning quick and you can’t keep him out of the lane. He can score attacking the basket and can make shots. He would be a great fit at a low Div. 1 school or a high Div. 2 school. He is also a coach on the floor and a great teammate."
- Adam Berkowitz, Director, New Heights
"Jaheim is a smart point with good floor vision, passing skills and an excellent feel for the game. He's a savvy player who can run an offense, get teammates good shots, and put them in favorable spots with consistency while also using change of pace and shiftiness to create for himself off the dribble. Good pick and roll player, what makes him special is his athleticism and defensive concepts. Jahiem is every coaches dream and can play at lower level of division 1 or any division 2 college in the country."
- Rodney Frazier, Head Coach, New Heights u17
Scouting Report
"What Tanksley may lack in sheer size, he more than compensates for with heart, intangibles, and quickness. His quickness allows him to both get wherever he wants off the dribble but also to defend the length of the floor. His contributions can't be measured just by that though. He's the type of point guard who makes others around him better, not just because he can create offense from his defense and create for his teammates off the bounce, but also because he's an energy-giver who raises the level of those around him."
- Adam Finkelstein, NERR & ESPN
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