ROCKINGHAM — As Richmond Senior center Jarvis Tillman inked his commitment to play for Davidson County Community College inside the Raiders’ media center on Friday, a group of people he considers family were in attendance for the big moment.
“I want to thank my whole team, varsity and JV, my whole coaching staff and the program itself. I also couldn’t do it without my family,” Tillman said after what he called a ‘great’ experience.
Tillman says they all played a part in his progression as a player. But another familiar spectator on hand, Davidson assistant coach Josh Allen, is credited for being a major factor in coming to the college.
According to Richmond coach Donald Pettigrew, Tillman had offers from a host of local schools including Pitt and Catawba Valley community colleges, but it was Allen and Co. that watched him play the most, dating back to last summer.
“He went with loyalty…and I can’t blame him,” Pettigrew said of Tillman’s decision. “[Davidson] is one of the top (junior college) programs and coach (Matt) Ridge does a heck of a job getting those guys seen and prepared to go to the next level.”
“It’s great. This is what we do it for — me and my coaching staff try to develop players and give them an opportunity to play at the next level, added Pettigrew.”
Tillman also stated that besides the talking to the Davidson coaches, he was able to establish a familiarity with the program through his older brothers and sisters and even his father, who all played for the Storm.
The 6-foot-7 athletic big says he drew attention because of a combination of speed and defensive instincts.
“One of the main reasons they recruited me was the defensive position,” said Tillman. “How I move and know where the ball is at all times, they said that’s really something you can’t teach.”
Tillman wrapped up his senior season as Richmond’s leading shot-blocker for the second straight season, totaling over three swats per contests.
“He’s one of the best shot blockers I’ve ever had since I’ve been coaching,” said Pettigrew. “There’s games where he didn’t score a lot, but he affected the games in different ways.”
He also had the most double-doubles, including a few stat-sheet stuffing performances like the 17 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks he posted against the conference’s top team, Pinecrest, in January.
Tillman helped the Raiders to its first 20-win season since 2016 and now joins another successful program as Davidson is currently 31-1, boasting a conference championship as well as the Region 10 Division-II Tournament title.
The defensive-minded athlete says he looks forward to making improvements in his physical strength and scoring prowess at the next level and that his ultimate goal is to transfer to a four-year college.
