SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose State men's basketball head coach Jean Prioleau has signed junior college transfer guard Jalen Dalcourt for the 2020-21 season.
Dalcourt is part of a five-player incoming class. He will join fellow guard Sebastian Mendoza plus forwards Chase Courtney and Michael Ofoegbu and center Hugo Clarkin on the Spartans' roster next season.
JALEN DALCOURT
Dalcourt is a 6-foot-2 guard from Lafayette, La. After graduating from Lafayette HS, he played for one season, alongside Richard Washington, at Tallahassee CC before playing his sophomore season, in 2019-20, at Iowa Western CC. Averaged 10.6 points at IWCC while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. Had 50 assists compared to 31 turnovers. Scored a career-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting with four three-pointers in a win over North Central Missouri College on Feb. 18. Dalcourt averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game during his freshman season in Tallahassee, earning him an invite to the elite Jerry Mullin Top JuCo Camp in the summer. Averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game as a senior at Lafayette HS, where he frequently squared off against fellow Louisiana native, Seneca Knight. Dalcourt was an all-state high jumper in high school.
"Jalen is a combo guard that has a scoring mentality," Prioleau said. "His versatility gives us quality depth. He can get into the lane with penetration and he can shoot the three with range from the perimeter. Depth on the perimeter is not only essential in the Mountain West, but around the country."
SEBASTIAN MENDOZA
Mendoza, a 6-foot-4 guard from Riverside, Calif., was named to the CIF Southern Section all-3AA team as a junior after averaging 29.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Exploded for 49 points and 20 rebounds in a win against Grand Terrace in 2018-19. Mendoza was a MaxPreps Div. 3 all-state selection last season as well. He picked up all-CIF 3AA honors and Press-Enterprise all-area accolades as a senior in 2019-20 after averaging 17.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. Had a 30-point, 13-rebound game against Redlands East Valley as a senior, along with a 41-point outburst against San Gabriel. Nearly had a triple-double versus Beaumont with 25 points, nine assists and nine rebounds.
"Sebastian is an all-around guard," Prioleau said. "He's very athletic and can shoot the three both off the dribble and off the catch. He will be ready to make an immediate impact for our program."
HUGO CLARKIN
Clarkin is a 7-foot center from Las Flores, Calif. Clarkin helped JSerra Catholic HS to a playoff appearance last season. As a senior in 2019-20, he was named second-team all-Trinity League. Played at JSerra with Utah signee Ian Martinez.
"Hugo is a rapidly developing big man that is capable of shooting the three," Prioleau said. "He plays for a powerhouse program in Southern California and has really grown his game. His best days are ahead of him."
CHASE COURTNEY
Courtney is a 6-foot-10 forward who spent the past season at Golden State Prep School after graduating from Pinnacle HS in Scottsdale, Ariz. The athletic big man is the son of Joe Courtney, who played for the Phoenix Suns, among other teams, during a 10-year professional career. Courtney averaged 14.1 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior at Pinnacle HS, where he shot 50 percent from the floor and 80 percent at the free throw line. Averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game in 2019-20 at Golden State Prep.
"We are excited to add Chase to our basketball team," Prioleau said. "We love Chase's size, athleticism and ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. Most importantly, Chase is a high character young man who comes from a great family."
MICHAEL OFOEGBU
Ofoegbu (pronounced Oh-Fay-Bu) is a 6-foot-7 small forward with a 7-foot wingspan who graduated in 2019 from Mayfair HS in Lakewood, Calif., before spending a season at Golden State Prep School. The high-flying wing averaged 17.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the floor and 41 percent from three as a senior at Mayfair HS, helping his squad to the CIF Div. 2AA championship game. Had 19 points and 11 boards in a playoff win against Rancho Cucamonga. Attended Golden State Prep along with fellow future Spartan Chase Courtney in 2019-20 where he averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal per game.
"Mike is a very talented and versatile player," Prioleau said. "He's a capable 3-point shooter that can also slash to the basket and play above the rim. As a staff, we wanted to increase our athleticism and toughness, and we feel that he brings those traits to the table."
