Davis, Calif. - UC Davis secured additional size and length on the perimeter on Thursday with the signing of Joaquin "JQ" Strong to a National Letter of Intent. 

"We are lucky to be adding someone like Joaquin Strong to our program," head coach Jim Les said. "'JQ' has as much upside as anyone we have recruited in recent years. It's rare to find someone with his size, athleticism, and shooting ability. And the reality is – he is still only just scratching the surface of how good he could be."

Strong averaged 16.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as a junior at St. Bernard High School in Playa Del Rey, showcasing the all-around game that fits in immediately in the Aggies' versatile, fast-paced system. 

He was ranked as the No. 1 small forward in Southern California by the Press Sports app. As a junior, he led St. Bernard to a first place league finish and a quarter final section playoff berth in addition to playing for his club team, Compton Magic. 

He also finished with honors in the classroom in both his sophomore and junior years. Strong will play his senior season at Villa Park High School.

"As a person JQ checks all of the boxes for what we look for in future Aggies – upstanding citizen, excellent in the classroom, and passionate about becoming the best version of himself both on and off the court," Les added. "He will be a great addition to our Aggie Basketball family and I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to coach him."

He was a multi-sport athlete at St. Bernard, earning All-Western First Team and Section MVP honors in volleyball and and All-Western League Honorable Mention in lacrosse. 

In committing to play Division I basketball, Strong follows in the footsteps of his father, Derek, who played in the NBA for 10 years after starting at Xavier.