NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt men’s basketball head coach Jerry Stackhouse announced on Wednesday the signing of Isaiah West, Carter Lang and JaQualon Roberts to National Letters of Intent. The trio will be freshmen on the 2023-24 squads.
Last year’s recruiting class – currently Vanderbilt freshmen – ranked in the top 25 nationally, and this year’s group ranks No. 24 in the nation by ESPN.
“This is an exciting signing day for our program to officially welcome Isaiah, Carter and JQ to the Vanderbilt family,” Stackhouse said. “Each are talented players and driven student-athletes who come from wonderful families. They recognize what we are building within our program and across our campus community within the spirit of Vandy United. Our fans will really enjoy watching these young men grow in front of them for years to come while positively impacting both our program and Vanderbilt University.”
Isaiah West
- 6’2”, 190 lbs., Guard
- Hometown: Springfield, Tenn.
- High School: Goodpasture Christian High School
The local product is considered a four-star recruit by ESPN, the No. 1 player in the state of Tennessee and the No. 62 player in the nation.
The guard, who is currently a senior at Goodpasture, is a three-star recruit according to both Rivals and 247 Sports
As a sophomore, he averaged 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, helping Goodpasture Christian win its first state championship. West scored a game-high 19 points in the 2021 state championship game.
West played his AAU ball for NYBA Elite.
West on his commitment: “I chose Vanderbilt for the combination of great education and basketball inside one of the best cities in the US. I’m a very competitive person, so playing for a great coaching staff in the best conference is a dream come true for me.”
Stackhouse on West: “Isaiah is a local product who understands what it means to be a Vanderbilt Man. He has a serious approach to his game and is among the best backcourt athletes in his class. We are excited about the versatility, toughness and athleticism he will bring to our perimeter group.”
Carter Lang
- 6’9”, 245 lbs., Forward
- Hometown: Charlottesville, Va.
- High School: St. Anne’s-Belfield School
Lang is one of the top student-athletes in Virginia checking in as an ESPN four-star recruit and the No. 5 player in the state. He’s considered a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247 Sports.
The highly-touted big man averaged a double-double with 18.4 points and 14.0 rebounds per game as a junior for St. Anne’s-Belfield School.
Lang, who was invited to the U18 USA Trials, was VISAA All-State first team and Prep League Player of the Year in 2022. He was All-Conference first team as a freshmen.
Lang played AAU for Team Loaded in Virginia.
Lang about his commitment: “Vanderbilt has everything that I was looking for – an elite academic institution, competes in the SEC and is located in the heart of Nashville. I am also coming in at the perfect time with Coach Stackhouse and his staff building something really special with great recruits, a new basketball facility and excited fans. I couldn’t be happier.”
Stackhouse on Lang: “Carter is a high-achieving student and highly-productive post player who is a great fit for our program. He has competed regularly among the best players in his class in high school and AAU, and he continually finds ways to be productive. Carter has good feel for the game, and his passing and ball-handling skills for his position are a great fit for our style of play.”
JaQualon “JQ” Roberts
- 6’8”, 210 lbs., Forward
- Hometown: Bloomington, Ind.
- High School: Bloomington North High School
The long and athletic wing is an ESPN four-star recruit and No. 4 player in the state of Indiana, while checking in as a Three-star recruit by 247 Sports and Rivals.
Currently a senior at Bloomington North High School, Roberts averaged 14.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor as a junior. He led his squad to a 24-4 record, winning the regional title and making the Class 4A State semifinals.
Roberts was named an Indiana Junior All-Star, competing against the Kentucky Junior All-Stars. He earned 2022 Underclass SUPREME 15 All-State recognition in addition to, Herald-Times All-Area first team, All-Conference Indiana Tea and All-Regional first team honors.
Roberts played AAU for Indiana Elite.
Roberts on his commitment: “I chose Vanderbilt because of the relationships that were built with my mom, sister and me, the coaches that have a ton of NBA experience to help me achieve my ultimate goal, and knowing that I’ll be able to one day have an incredible degree from one of the top educational institutions in the world. I’m excited to become a Commodore and experience all of what Nashville has to offer and getting to know the fans, while also giving back to the community there.”
Stackhouse on Roberts: “We love the versatility and competitiveness that JQ brings to our program. He has athleticism, skill and the positional size to allow him to play both inside and out. He is a diligent student who is hungry to continue growing as a player within our system.”
