From the backcourts of Waxahachie, Texas to the high-major spotlight of the Big 12 and the intensity of the Mountain West, CJ Noland has carved out a career that speaks to his resilience, skill, and leadership. Once ranked among the Top 100 players in the ESPN Class of 2021 (No. 98 overall), Noland’s journey reflects what evaluators love most — progression, maturity, and a battle-tested edge.
Standing 6’4” and 220 pounds, Noland is a physically imposing combo guard with three-level scoring ability, a proven body of work, and the type of mental toughness that translates well to the pro game. He’s competed at three competitive stops — Oklahoma, North Texas, and New Mexico — bringing versatility, defensive strength, and leadership presence at every level. What he may lack in flash, he makes up for in grit, polish, and winning intangibles.
🧠 Background & Development Track
📍 Hometown: Waxahachie, TX
🏀 High School: Waxahachie HS
– Named District MVP, ranked among top-5 guards in Texas
– Reputation as a strong-bodied, high-IQ scorer from early on
🌐 National Rankings – Class of 2021
- ESPN: No. 98 Overall | 4-Star Prospect
- Rivals: No. 86 Overall | No. 20 SG Nationally
🔁 Collegiate Journey:
- Oklahoma (2021–2023):
→ Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2022)
→ Key depth piece under Porter Moser in a power-conference setting - North Texas (2023–2024):
→ Breakout season, shooting nearly 39% from deep
→ Primary scoring option in Grant McCasland’s tough, defensive-minded system - New Mexico (2024–2025):
→ High-level role player for one of the Mountain West’s strongest cultures
→ Adapted to a winning environment under Richard Pitino
⚙️ Scouting Report | CJ Noland
6’4” | 220 lbs | Combo Guard | Oklahoma → North Texas → New Mexico
Birth Year: 2002 | Pro Projection: G League / Overseas Starter
🔑 Scouting Profile:
Thick-framed, tough-nosed combo guard with downhill scoring ability, consistent shooting mechanics, and real-world experience in multiple systems. Built like a linebacker, plays like a veteran, and carries himself with the confidence of someone who has seen every kind of coverage.
🟢 Strengths | What Translates
✅ Physical Finishing Ability
→ Absorbs contact and powers through defenders with a linebacker’s frame. Excellent in transition and slashing sets.
✅ Three-Point Shooting
→ Shot 38.4% from beyond the arc at North Texas. Excels as a catch-and-shoot weapon off movement and spacing. Pro-level arc and balance.
✅ Experience & Versatility
→ Played under elite coaching and varied schemes — adaptable, smart, and defensively capable at the 1 or 2.
✅ Toughness & Leadership
→ Team captain, vocal leader, and go-to presence in pressure situations. Earned Defensive Player accolades and brought grit to every locker room.
✅ Basketball IQ & Coachability
→ High-level understanding of reads, rotations, and when to attack or defer. Respected by teammates and staff at every stop.
🔴 Areas for Growth | Development Focus
⚠️ Playmaking / Facilitation
→ Career 1.6 assists per game – more of a scoring guard than a true creator. Needs improvement making second-side reads.
⚠️ Lateral Mobility on Defense
→ Can struggle against quicker ball-handlers in isolation. Better defending bulkier guards or within team concepts.
⚠️ Shot Consistency at Volume
→ 3PT percentage dipped at New Mexico. Needs refinement in mechanics to maintain efficiency with higher usage.
📊 Key Game Film Highlights
- 23 points (4-5 3PT) vs. Tulane – AAC Tournament breakout
- 21 points on 7-10 FG at LSU – efficient scoring in high-pressure NIT game
- Multiple double-figure scoring nights off the bench at New Mexico
🔍 Evaluation Summary — Unit 1 Hoop Source
- Ceiling: Tough, rotational 3-and-D guard with scoring upside
- Floor: Depth piece with shooting value and leadership presence
- Pro Fit: G League-ready; overseas-ready potential starter
- Comparison: Think David Nwaba or Josh Okogie with more offensive polish
🏁 Final Take
CJ Noland is a physically ready, emotionally mature guard who has battled through the Power 5, mid-major, and Mountain West trenches. His strength, shot-making, and coachability make him a serious candidate for G League development or an overseas roster spot. He is a ready-made piece who brings a pro approach and hard-nosed presence.
🔒 Editorial Disclaimer | Unit 1 Hoop Source
All scouting evaluations, statistical breakdowns, and player projections are based on verified sources, live/game film, and independent analysis conducted by Unit 1 Hoop Source. While we strive for 100% accuracy and fact-check all roster data, transfers, and stats through official team sites and media partners, rosters and roles are subject to change. Our mission is to provide honest, respectful, and insightful basketball coverage.
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