Major talent leading Ravens again

The San Jacinto College Ravens just might be the most successful junior college program in the country over the last decade. In the past nine seasons, San Jac has won or tied for the conference title in every season. The Ravens have never won fewer than 24 games in that time period and have topped the 30-win mark four times. San Jacinto has been the runner-up at the national tournament twice and has made it to Hutch two more times.

"The expectation around here is to try to get to nationals and win it," said assistant coach Scott Horstman. "Expectations are high. We like our team right now, we feel like really strong at guard, we may be a little thin inside."

JucoJunction reported that San Jac guard Rob McKiver committed to the Houston Cougars earlier this week. But McKiver is hardly alone on the San Jac roster. Horstman estimates the Ravens have three other Division One players on the roster.

Frontcourt men Tafari Toney and Manuel Neto will provide a strong presence down low in the starting lineup. Both will be Division One players next season.

"Both of those kids, I guarantee, have had 10 or 12 D1 schools in to see them," Horstman said. "Oklahoma was just in to see Neto."

Along with the Sooners, UNLV and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi have shown heavy interest in Neto so far according to Horstman. Toney is being recruited by Charlotte, Houston and Wyoming among others. Starting point guard Ben Bell, a transfer from North Texas, visited North Texas, which may be his leader in the clubhouse, but Horstman said it is quite possible all three players will wait to sign until the spring.

JucoJunction will continue to follow the Ravens' progress throughout the season as they vie for their tenth consecutive conference crown.

JucoJunction will continue to follow junior college recruiting across the land. To talk about this story with other juco hoops fans, check out the JucoJunction Board or our premium forum.