Sun Devils land junior college center
Iowa Western Community College center De'Quon Lake had an attractive list of suitors to choose from and initially wasn’t planning to make a decision until next month. Yet, after visiting Tempe a couple of weeks ago, he didn’t see any need to prolong the process and committed to ASU on Monday afternoon.
“I thought Arizona State was the best fit,” Lake said. “They really need a big ban so that was a big positive for me. I was their number one option and that was another good look. It’s a nice campus that has good facilities so that’s another reason why I committed.”
The 6-10 245-pound Lake was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and moved to Newport News, Virginia in the eighth grade and he later prepped at Menchville High School. As a sophomore for the 25-7 Reivers Lake led his team with 13.5 ppg (shooting 67.6 percent from the field), 7.2 rpg and 1.5 bpg. He earned NJCAA Region XI honors his freshman season and last summer he was invited to the Jerry Mullen’s Top 100 Juco Camp, recognizing the center as one of the Top 100 returning NJCAA players in the nation.
“I can bring scoring inside, blocking shots,” Lake described.
In a previous interview lake mentioned that working on his shooting with his left hand and adding 15 pounds were some aspects of his game he needed to improve on.
Brendan Walker, the National Director of JUCO Scouting & Recruiting for Elite Basketball Services has seen Lake numerous times over the last two years and believes ASU one of the best front court players in the junior college ranks. “There isn't any other big (in junior college) that has the combination of size and athleticism like Lake," Walker said. “He gets off the floor quickly, very powerful and takes up space. Has good touch with his right-hand jump hook. Can be really good defender when he wants to be -- blocking shots and rebounding. “He's definitely good enough to play at that (Pac-12) level. He is a legit prospect, he is the best true big left in JUCO. There is no other big with his size and lift off the floor. He could be a potential double-double guy in his senior year and consistent low-post threat."
Following his visit to ASU the center was planning to visit Rutgers and Kansas State in April, and he also held offers from Kansas, Iowa State, West Virginia, Missouri, Memphis, and Oregon State. Ultimately though, there was only one school who was the clear leader and caused Lake to change his plans.
“I’m not taking any more visits,” lake stated. “I know Arizona State is the best fit for me and I don’t want to waste my time and other schools’ time. That’s why I committed.”
Lake is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent with ASU during the regular signing period which begins April 12th. He’s set to graduate Iowa Western in mid-May and arrive in Tempe in June.
Lake is ASU’s fourth addition to the 2017 class. He joins Rivals150 signees Remy Martin and Kimani Lawrence, as well as commit Kenny Wooten who is also expected to sign with the Sun Devils in April.
Erik Pierson contributed to this article
