Texas Hoops GASO JUCO Showcase: Top JUCO Performers

Continuing our pre-season hoops coverage, I made the journey to Dallas to take in the GASO JUCO/Prep Showcase. Held at the gorgeous Duncanville Fieldhouse, the JUCO/Prep Showcase blended over 50 JUCOs and prep schools from throughout the country under one roof, with courts that made things easily accessible to watch multiple games at once. Blue Zertuche, Michael Timmons, and the rest of the GASO staff made things seamless.

Photo courtesy of Zati Loubaki via Instagram

The field was led by defending NJCAA D1 champion Trinity Valley Community College (Tex.). Countless other junior colleges from within the region made the journey to Duncanville, culminating with a loaded two day event. Region V and Region XIV feature some of the strongest junior colleges in the nation, with household JUCO names such as Odessa, Tyler, Paris, Navarro, Angelina, and more, all joining the ranks for what actually proved to be the most exciting and competitive hoops of the weekend.

Having already taken a look at the top high school seniors, the top juniors, and the top underclassmen, here are some of the top junior college players who will see their stock rise with their play at the 2025 GASO JUCO Showcase:

Armani Henderson, 6’2, PG, Trinity Valley CC (Tex.)

The catalyst to the defending national champions, Armani Henderson, brings a level of energy to the floor that is absolutely infectious. “Mani” was an absolute blur pushing the rock up the floor, and is one of the best on-ball defenders that you’ll find at the JUCO level. The nation’s JUCO leader in steals last season has no shortage of D1 programs recruiting, with plenty more to follow as the season goes on, with the success that Trinity Valley should have.

Ahmere Carson, 6’3, PG/SG, Odessa CC (Tex.)

An electric scorer, Ahmere Carson, has quickly cemented himself as one of the best guards at the junior college ranks and showed that at the GASO JUCO Showcase. The lefty is a physical lockdown defender, capable of playing either guard spot for spurts, and is in constant attack mode when he has the ball in his hands. The Chicago product has no shortage of elite experience running with the EYBL and then playing at Kansas City last year, so he will undoubtedly be able to contribute immediately to whichever of the 15 or so D1 programs that have already offered him.

Zati Loubaki, 6’9, PF, Trinity Valley CC (Tex.)

The MVP of last season’s NJCAA National Championship has continued building on what was an outstanding freshman campaign with his play at the GASO JUCO Showcase. The face-up forward is automatic with his mid-range jumper, brings positional versatility, and has the ability to exploit mismatches. Loubaki is a native of France and has played with Overtime Elite prior to arriving at Trinity Valley, giving him a wealth of experience at different levels that will make him an immediate impact player at the D1 level.

Jaquarious Patterson, 6’6, SF, Navarro College (Tex.)

A player whom I was not familiar with leading into the event, Jaquarious Patterson, stood out within five minutes of watching him. The athletic swingman changed the game with his level of activity on both ends, was an outstanding cutter, and put constant pressure on defense with an explosive first step. Toss in the fact that the South Carolina product shot 42 percent from 3-point range last year, and you see why Patterson has all the makings of a mid-major prospect.

Braylon Wagner, 6’5, SG/SF, Trinity Valley CC (Tex.)

The epitome of a plug and play guy, Braylon Wagner fit in perfectly with the defending national champions with his ability to shoot the ball from deep. He was outstanding flashing to open areas versus zones, shot the lights out when he had his feet set, and constantly occupied defenders as a shooting threat from beyond the arc. The Ohio native is the type of guy that you don’t have to run any plays for and already holds offers from Bradley, Grambling, Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, and countless others.

Clarence Payia, 6’6, SG/SF, Angelina CC (Tex.)

Another player generating buzz coming into the event was Clarence Payia, a swingman out of Beaumont. With nice size for a swingman, he is an effective straight-line driver, jumps the passing lanes really well defensively, and showed the ability to knock down deep threes. Already holding D1 offers for next year, Payia brings D1 experience (he played at Louisiana Tech) to an Angelina squad that will be expecting him to put points on the board this season.

Derelle Desire, 6’10, C, Trinity Valley CC (Tex.)

The most intriguing physical prospect that the GASO JUCO Showcase brought to the table was Derelle Desire, a product of London. The super talented lefty has an outstanding frame, is very comfortable shooting the ball from mid-range, and looks to dunk anything that he touches in the paint. Owning all of the tools and talent of a high major big man, Desire’s production this session will ultimately depict what D1 level he lands at—massive frame.