Yaks standout MarJon Beauchamp heads to NBA’s G League
Following an impressive season during which he averaged a double-double for the Yakima Valley College men’s basketball team, Yakima native MarJon Beauchamp is taking the next step toward a professional basketball career this fall.
Ranked by ESPN as the nation’s No. 47 high school prospect in 2020, the 20-year-old Beauchamp signed with the NBA’s G League Ignite program in August. The developmental league kicks off its 2021 season in November and gives Beauchamp an opportunity to be drafted in the NBA’s 2022 draft class.
“I went through a lot of adversity at a young age,” Beauchamp said. “I play with a passion now because I love this game. NBA teams will see the energy I have, especially on the defensive end.”
After playing high school basketball in Seattle and Arizona, Beauchamp originally sought to bypass the college route and went to San Francisco to formally train with Chameleon BX, a program designed for high-performance athletes. However, the onset of the pandemic prompted a change in plans that resulted in Beauchamp returning home to play for the Yaks.
“I went through a lot of adversity at a young age. I play with a passion now because I love this game.” — MarJon Beauchamp
During a COVID-shortened season, he averaged 30.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 40% from 3-point range.
“It was nice to be back playing after a year off the court. It was a humbling experience at the same time, people asking me all the time why am I playing community college basketball,” he said. “It helped me in the long run to keep working. It’s just another part of my journey.”
While his impressive play at YVC prompted calls from schools including Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Texas Tech, Arkansas and LSU, Beauchamp said signing with the G League was the right call.
YVC Athletic Director Ray Funk said he’s proud to see Beauchamp take another step toward his goal of playing professional basketball.
“It’s always a great feeling knowing that YVC athletics has played any role in helping student-athletes achieve their dreams,” Funk said. “In MarJon’s case, he has worked very hard honing his talents and skills and is so close to the NBA he can probably taste it.
“In addition to his work ethic, he’s a kind and humble young man who is not only proud to be from Yakima, but will represent the community well in his future endeavors.”
