Derrick Tarver had a lot of high majors recruiting him in the fall, but the strong 6-4, 215 pound swingman signed with hometown Akron University in the fall.

A relentless offensive player, Tarver pumped in 28 points in City College of San Francisco's 95-93 overtime victory over San Jose City College at the recent SJCC Basketball Classic.

A strong driver who earns many trips to the free throw line each game, the lefty swingman does not have a great release or form on his three point shot. However, you've got to respect it because of his supreme slashing ability.

While he can be a bit wild and trigger happy at times, Tarver wants the ball in his hands so that he can make something happen.

Just six months ago, Tarver was in a state of limbo, wondering where he would attend junior college. He had signed back with Howard J.C. in Texas last spring after a coaching change, but then had second thoughts about that decision.

This past summer, he tried to enroll at Vincennes J.C. in Indiana, but realized the situation was not going to work out for a number of reasons. Without a release from Howard, nothing would be easy.

So in order to circumvent the NJCAA letter of intent, Tarver headed out to California -- specifically the City College of San Francisco -- since California junior colleges are not governed by the NJCAA.

After helping CCSF win the San Jose Tournament, he sat down with JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com to speak about a variety of subjects.

Here is a transcript of that interview:

JJ: A lot of people were caught off guard when you signed with Akron. You could have gone to a higher level school. Can you talk about your decision?

DT: I just liked Coach Dambrot and a lot of the players on the team. A big part of my decision was based on unity and being comfortable with the players on the team. Being from Akron, I know all of the guys on the team. I think I can help take them to another level next year.

JJ: Didn't you try to attend Akron out of high school as a non-qualifier?

DT: Yes, I tried to sit out there, but I decided to play junior college so I could get more experience and learn the game more. In high school I dominated more because of my physical ability instead of learning the game. So I just wanted to get more experience.

JJ: You were at Howard, but you were in a bit of a bind in terms of not being released to other NJCAA schools. You came out to the West Coast. How has the experience been for you.

DT: Good. Better than what a lot of people might think. California JUCO is a little different from normal junior college, but it's cool. I like the guys I am around, and we're doing good, we're 12-0. I am doing good in school so I can't complain.

JJ: What is the status of your academic situation?

DT: I am doing pretty well. I am 24 units away from graduating. I am taking 24 credits right now and I have a 2.85 on my mid-term. So I am doing good. I will need 24 in the spring and I will be finished up. Hopefully, I will need summer school.

JJ: Obviously, people in Akron know you very well. Can you talk a little about what you will bring to the table for the Zips next year?

DT: Intensity. Scoring. Just I love playing. A lot of guys play ball because they are good or they like playing, but I LOVE playing the game. I just think I will bring that to the team and try to bring some wins. I know they need that. I am looking forward to the challenge.

JJ: Any second thoughts about your decision?

DT: Yeah, because I like Coach [Bobby] Knight a lot and I was going to go to Texas Tech. That was my second choice. Sometimes, I sit and wonder what it would have been like playing for Coach Knight, because I had a similar coach last year at Howard in Tommy Collins. I don't look back and be mad about it, I am just looking for to the challenge and to next year.

JJ: Was Akron the only visit you took early?

DT: Yes. I had the opportunity to take three other ones -- one to Cincinnati, one to South Florida and another one to Texas Tech in addition to Akron. But I just decided to commit and once I did that, obviously, I could not go on any more visits.

JJ: Were there any other schools involved?

DT: Fresno State. Basically, Akron and Texas Tech were my top two. I wanted to go back home so that I could play in front of my dad. He had not seen me play in five year. On the other hand, everybody knows who Bob Knight is. If you play for him, he will try to take you to another level mentally, and sometimes, I might think I need that.

JJ: Are you keeping an eye on your twin brother Darren at George Mason this year?

DT: Yes, he is doing well. My brother was third in the nation in scoring before he fractured his foot. He'll be back on the 31st against Duquesne. My brother seems like he is a part of me. I miss him, but we are both doing good. I talk to him every day.

JJ: Does he give you any pointers?

DT: Yeah, he just said to be patient. He was in the same situation last year at Wabash. We're trying to win a state title, and they won a national championship at Wabash Valley. So I get a lot of advice from my brother on how to lead these guys. I am learning too, just like they are learning.