Meet Jovian Cormier

A 6-foot-4 freshman out of Heritage High, Jovian Cormier is a tantalizing prospect. Athletic and full of bounce, he has been a dominant presence on the court of late for San Joaquin Delta College.

On the season, Cormier is averaging 13.4 points in 16 games, with 13 starts. His 10.4 rebounds per outing -- ranked eighth in the state -- is split between 4.6 on the offensive boards and 5.8 defensively. His shooting accuracy is 49% overall, with no trey attempts plus 54% at the foul line.

Here's a taste of his last few games:

2/11 versus Santa Rosa : 10 points, 10 rebounds, shot 5-9
2/09 versus Sacramento: nine points, 10 rebounds, shot 3-12
2/05 versus American River: 25 points, 15 rebounds, shot 10-25
2/02 versus Sierra: 19 points, eight boards, shot 9-10
1/29 versus Diablo Valley: 21 points, 13 rebounds, shot 6-13
1/26 versus Cosumnes River: 18 points, 15 rebounds, shot 7-16

Cormier's scoring average has grown in each month of the season thus far.

However, deficiencies in a couple of areas appear. They are:

* the need for improved ballhandling and passing as he has achieved just two assists in his last six games

* consistent and efficient shooting as well as greater range in order to play the wing at the next level

As to the first, in fairness the Mustangs need Cormier to score so ball distribution isn't what he is being asked to do.

Regarding the second, he'll have less scoring opportunities at the four-year level without a dribble-drive and pullup plus a catch-and-shoot facing-the-basket skills.

Cormier is playing the role best for his team right now but some enhancements will need to be displayed next season.