Heading back to SoCal Academy, Phenom Hoops was able to sit down and talk all the latest with 2026 6’1 guard Jachai Cantave who has been a target for many schools. It was a big summer for the guard who suited up for Gulf Coast Blue Chips, as he was able to showcase how dynamic and skilled he was with the ball in his hands. He is a smooth operator on the court and picks his spots, as several big schools have been coming his way. Holding multiple offers already, we spoke to him more about his game and some of the latest in his recruitment in our latest Phenom 1-on-1.
Phenom: How was everything this past season for you and your team? And how has this summer gone for you overall?
Cantave: This past season was a blessing for me, being able to play the whole scholastic season and summer AAU ball was just amazing. Dealing with an injury my freshman year sucked in not being able to play.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game and how you like to operate? Where do you flourish?
Cantave: The best way to describe my game is very smooth, nothing is forced. I let the game come to me and play off the flow of the game. I like to operate in transition and flourish and ball screen actions.
Phenom: What areas of your game have you been working on to develop?
Cantave: I’ve been working on being a true point and knocking down the 3 ball more consistently.
Phenom: What are your thoughts on your latest offer? What did the staff have to say, who has been your main contact, and what all do you know about them?
Cantave: My latest offer was from New Mexico State University, I am so grateful and blessed to receive a scholarship, especially in this day and age, especially from the head coach.
Phenom: What other offers do you hold? And who has been strong with you from those?
Cantave: My other offers are Houston, LSU, Creighton, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Sam Houston State, George Mason, UT Arlington, and UC Riverside. The main schools that are recruiting me the hardest are LSU, Creighton, UC Riverside, and Houston.
Phenom: What other schools have been showing interest that have yet to offer?
Cantave: Some schools that are interested but have yet to offer are Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt, Stanford, Utah, and TCU.
Phenom: What schools have you been able to visit? If so, what did you like about each?
Cantave: I’ve visited Houston, LSU, and Sam Houston. I enjoyed all three of my visits; they all showed a family environment and good service to myself and my family.