Jabari Narcis, fresh out of college, is signing his first profession contract with CD Maristas Palencia, a Spanish basketball club that plays in LEB Oro, the 2nd division of Spanish basketball.
Narcis, a 6’9″ 240 lb. power forward, is a graduate of the University of Texas-Arlington (The Mavericks) where he averaged 5.5 PPG, 4.8 REBs and 1.3 BLK in 165 games with the college. In his senior year where he started all 32 games (only player on the team to do so) he averaged 7.8 PPG, led the team in 3-point percentage (37.6%) and rebounding (6.6 REBs). His rebounding numbers were ranked tied for 7th in the Sun Belt Conference. He’s also the Mavericks 7th all-time shot blocker despite only playing his junior and senior years for them (79 blocks all-time; 1.3 BLKs SR year). His block numbers were ranked 4th in the conference. His 47 3-pointers made (in 125 attempts) were the 2nd-most on the team that season.
During his senior year, He had six total double-doubles, tied 6th most in the conference. He tied a single game program record for 3-point percentage by going a perfect 5-5 against Gonzaga on Nov. 19, who was at the time was the 8th ranked team in the United States. That 5-5 performance was also the most 3-pointers made by a Sun Belt player during the year without missing. He reached double figures 12 times during his senior year, and had his career best of 23 points against Arkansas Tech. He also had five games of three or more blocks, made three or more 3-pointers nine times and had five triples on three occasions.
Narcis is a very versatile player. At 6’9″ he primarily plays power forward with shooting range all the way out to the 3 point line. With his wingspan (7 feet) and his mobility, he can play some small forward but thrives in the paint with his physicality, rebounding and rim protection. At 240 lbs., he could also play as a small center, and with his ability to space the floor, creates a lot of pick and roll opportunities for Palancio to utilize.
Head coach of Palencia, Alturo Álvarez had this to say about Narcis joining the club:
“Jabari is a pearl in the rough. He is very tall, an atypical player, who shoots an excellent three-point shot, is a great rebounder and a very good blocker and finisher. I think that with this signing we solve the 4 open that we need and also that it can help us also the 5. We are facing a player of great projection who has chosen Palencia for what it entails as a club and as a fan, but which we will see in Europe for many years and, surely, in major leagues.”
– Alturo Álvarez, Coach CD Maristas Palencia
Jabari Narcis is a Central man: born in Chaguanas and attended Chaguanas North Secondary School (also attended ASJA Boys’ College). He was selected to play for the National Under 19 basketball team. His high points for the National team included a 28 point, 7 rebound outing against Team NYC in the Jamaica Hoopfest Club Tournament in 2016 and was named Finals MVP while playing for Trinidad at a tournament in Jamaica in 2017.
Before playing for the University of Texas-Arlington, Narcis spent his rookie and sophomore seasons playing for Jacksonville (Texas) College. As a freshman he averaged 6.7 PPG, 7.4 REBs and 1.6 BLKs per game and shot 45% from the field. He scored a season-high 15 points on four occasions and pulled down a season-best 18 rebounds at LSU Alexandria. He also had 16 rebound performance against Provision Prep.
In his sophomore season, he upped his scoring and rebounding output (7.6 PPG, 8.3 REBs) and had 1.3 blocks in 20.9 minutes per game. His efficency also improved, shooting 55.8 percent from the field. He scored a season-high 20 points with 16 rebounds in a home victory over Blinn College and then scored 19 in another win against Blinn at their house. He registered 9 double-figure rebound performances with his season best of 18 in a loss to Panola College. He was pivotal in helping to lead the team to a 21-9 overall record and a Region XIV South Division title.
It is unsure when LEB Oro is beginning the season, with COVID-19 still a factor around the world. When the season does start, we hope for a successful first season from our son of the soil, and we wish him success in his professional basketball career.
Q Sports 