By Amanda Scurlock for Los Angeles Sentinel
Originally published June 4, 2026
Compton freshman Suavius Denem created a strong campaign with the boys’ basketball team. He helped the Tarbabes to a 14-14 overall record and a 4-8 Moore League.
Denem averaged 15.3 points per game during his freshman season. He scored 34 points in a November game against Centennial.
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was 2 and it’s been my love,” Denem said. “I just keep playing, working out.”
His coaches, teachers and teammates helped him get used to being a high school student.
Along with basketball, Denem competed in swimming and taekwondo. He noted how swimming helps with stamina for basketball.
“It’s been good because I’m trying to win a lot of the games,” Denem said. “For when our transfers come back, so well have a good season. We can make it to the playoffs.”
Denem had 20 outings where he scored in double digits. He can shoot from deep range. His head coach, Tony Finley, noted how Denem is a “silent killer.”
“He’s always been talented. He has a great feel and IQ for the game,” Finely said. “At his age, that’s hard to teach.”
Outside of competing for the Tarbabes, Denem played for the AAU team Carson/Compton Lightning.
A challenging moment for Denem was the times where he had to grapple with injuries.
“Anytime I would roll my ankle or I had loose cartilage in my arm and it would bother me when I was shooting,” Denem said. “Getting into swimming helped me recover faster.”
Denem understands the importance of having a strong work ethic in the classroom. His favorite class is geometry.
“To be a student athlete, I know that I always have to keep my grades above an A and a B. My dad’s really pushing for me to get into college,” Denem said. “All my four years in high school, I don’t want to get a C, D or F. I want to get all A’s.”
Denem aspires to compete in the NBA. He also wants to be an entrepreneur.
“I want to go [Division] I and play basketball,” Denem said. “After that, I want to play in the pros. After the pros, I want to start my own business.”
