In a city that continues to produce good basketball talent, Taj DeGourville is quickly becoming one of Las Vegas’ most promising young prospects. A versatile 6’5″ guard/wing with size, toughness, and playmaking ability, DeGourville brings more than just raw talent to the court—he embodies the next generation of Las Vegas basketball culture. As he enters his sophomore season at San Diego State University, the expectations are rising—and so is his value to a program known for defense, toughness, and winning basketball.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, DeGourville represents the heart of a city that is quietly becoming a pipeline for Division I hoopers. His calm demeanor, strong frame, and natural feel for the game have already made him a key contributor to the Aztecs’ rotation, and with a year of experience under his belt, the opportunity is there for him to take on a much larger role in 2025-26.

As Vegas continues to build a strong basketball identity rooted in discipline, versatility, and pride, Taj is proving to be a flagship example for future ballplayers in the region. His development and impact are being watched closely—not just by Mountain West coaches, but by NBA and international scouts eager to see how far his game can rise. Whether it’s locking down on defense, facilitating offense, or stepping up in big moments, Taj DeGourville is the type of player who makes his city proud—and one who’s just getting started.

Taj DeGourville: Sophomore Scouting Report (2025–26)

Height/Weight: 6’5″, ~215 lb (98 kg) 
Position: Combo Guard / Wing (1–4)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Class Year: Sophomore (2025–26) 

🔍 Role & Expected Opportunity

• Expanded leadership: With senior guard Reese Waters sidelined in 2024–25 and high-scoring departures in the offseason, DeGourville is expected to climb the depth chart. He’ll slot into the primary rotational guard bench, seeing more on-ball and secondary ball-handler duties .
• Estimated Minutes: Projected to play 24–28 minutes per game, an increase from his freshman average (~19 MPG)

📊 Statistical Projection (2025–26)

Stat Freshman (2024–25) Sophomore Projection

Minutes/Game 19 mpg. 24–28 mpg

Points per Game. 5.1 ppg. 9–12 ppg

Rebounds/Game. 2.9 rpg 4–5 rpg

Assists/Game. 1.8 apg 2–3 apg

3‑Point %. 30.4% 34–36%

Free‑Throw Rate. 71% FT. Slight increase via aggressiveness

✅ What Coaches Will Look For

• Scoring assertiveness: Stepping into a scoring surplus created by departures, Taj must diversify shot creation—drives, pull-up jumpers, catch-and-shoot triples.
• Playmaking growth: Expected to operate in secondary ball-handler roles, controlling tempo, improving assist-to-turnover ratio.
• Defensive consistency: With his frame and instincts, he’ll be key in switching and guarding multiple positions.

🎯 Skillset & On-Court Impact

• Offense: Developing midrange pull-up, off-ball movement, and catch-and-shoot 3s. Must improve shooting consistency while retaining his spatial awareness.
• Playmaking: Demonstrated strong vision, averaging nearly 1.4 APG over final 7 games as a freshman.
• Defense: Capable of guarding 1–4 with a switchable presence; steals (19) and blocks (10) highlight his active hands.
• Physicality & Effort: Known for his tough frame, energy on the glass, and overall motor—evidenced by offensive rebounds and hustle plays.

💬 Coach Expectations & Culture Fit

• Brian Dutcher has praised Taj’s “calm demeanor” and “outstanding court vision,” pointing to continued trust and increased responsibility collegenetworth.com+10sonsofmontezuma.com+10eastvillagetimes.com+10.
• Amid roster shake-ups and NIL pressures, Dutcher’s culture emphasizes loyalty: Taj’s anticipated growth is viewed as both tactical and a product of character.

🌍 Pro & International Scout Appeal

• Strengths: Positionless flexibility, switchable defense, emerging playmaking ability.
• Areas to Watch: 3‑point consistency, assertiveness in shot creation, decision-making under increased usage.
• Projection: With growth, a solid candidate for two-way NBA contracts or international roles—particularly if perimeter offense becomes reliable.

🔮 Season Storylines to Follow

• Crucial metric trends: FG/3P/FT%, assist-to-turnover, usage rate, and “clutch” shot opportunities.
• Key games: Monitoring his impact in big MWC matchups and late-game situations.
• Leadership moments: As a returning guard, watch for him owning quarters when rotations tighten.

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✍️ Field Report Wrap-Up

Bottom Line: Taj DeGourville is primed for a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025–26. His projected leap in minutes and role—paired with continued defensive grit—could elevate him to 9–12 PPG, solid secondary playmaker, and dependable defender. Look for a 3‑point percentage climb toward mid-30s, and a boost in assertiveness that rounds out his positionless wing profile—an appealing package for both NBA and international evaluators alike.