Meet the Freshmen: Portland’s D’Marques Tyson

With loads of experience from coast-to-coast, Bothell, Wash. native D’ Marques Tyson is primed to make an impact at the University of Portland.

While the WCC doesn’t get as much exposure as the Pac-12 or possess as many big arenas as the ACC, it provides a special opportunity for certain players. Tyson has a chance to shine in the WCC with set of skills, and four years with the Pilots will help him develop even further.

So, without further adieau, here is an introduction to the 6-foot-5 wing from Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, NC.a

At Lakeside High School

Tyson’s high school basketball journey started at the Lakeside High School in Seattle, where Tyson played alongside current Missouri commit Tramaine Isabell and fringe seven-footer Peter French.

The Pacific Northwest native played all three season’s on varsity for Lakeside, with his junior season being the most illustrious. Tyson was a team-captain in his final season at Lakeside, and averaged 15.1 points in route to becoming a First Team All-Metro Conference recipient.

His junior season ended in dramatic fashion, with Lakeside falling to traditional Seattle metro basketball powerhouse Rainer Beach by a score of 62 to 59. Lakeside was a few missed free-throws and a missed 3-point jumper at the buzzer from capturing a 3A state championship, but the odds were not in the schools favor. In the game, Tyson had 14 points and made some long jumpers in key moments.

At Quality Education Academy

For his senior season, Tyson transferred to Quality Education Academy, which is projected to graduate six players to Division I schools, according to its head man Isaac Pitts.

Tyson put up impressive numbers while playing against some of the best talent on the east coast, averaging 18.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in his senior campaign.

Quality Education Academy reached a No. 12 ranking nationally at one point in the season, and knocked off prep powerhouse Oak Hill academy. Tyson scored 18 points and nailed four 3-pointers while coming off the bench, helping his team to victory in the upset. He was upgraded to the starting lineup afterwards.

Impact at Portland

Paired with fellow 2014 commit Jason Todd, Tyson and his northwest partner (Todd) could make up one of the most formidable off-guard tandems in the conferences. Both players are very well-rounded as players, and can make impacts on both ends of the floor.

With Tyson in particular, he is a player that can stroke it from deep with great success. If he proves he can make some of those shots in his debut season in the WCC, he will earn a lot of playing time for the Pilots, whether it is at the shooting guard or small forward spot.

Down the road, Tyson should slide into Bryce Pressley’s role once his eligibility runs out at Portland. With his offensive skill and athleticism, he should slide in perfectly.