Tulane Basketball Commitment: Joah Chapelle

Patrick Harkness • May 6, 2026

Tulane Green Wave  Commit


Versatile Forward


Joah Chappelle

6’8” / 200 lbs

Dutchtown HS (5A GA State POY) / Pearl River CC / Georgia State

(Hampton/Atlanta, GA)


Physical Profile:

Long, athletic 6’8” forward with excellent length, mobility, and a high-motor frame. Has grown into his body and added strength since high school, giving him the versatility to play multiple positions on both ends. Elite wingspan and quickness allow him to guard 1-through-5 effectively while crashing the glass and protecting the rim. Explosive in transition and finishes with authority around the basket.


Scoring Versatility (Primary Strength):

Efficient inside scorer with a rapidly expanding perimeter game. At Pearl River CC, he averaged 16.3 PPG on 53.1% shooting with six double-doubles and multiple 20+ point games (season-high 27). Capable of scoring in the post, attacking off the dribble, and knocking down open threes (improved 37.8% from deep at Georgia State). High-level athlete who finishes through contact and excels in the open floor, lefty with soft touch and developing face-up skills.


Playmaking & Basketball IQ:

Surprisingly skilled passer for a forward, dished out 3.1 APG at the JUCO level with vision that creates for teammates. High IQ player who reads defenses, makes smart decisions in transition, and elevates those around him. Understands how to use his size and length to manipulate help defense.


Defense & Rebounding (Elite Trait):

High-motor, blue-collar defender who takes pride in shutting down opponents. Extremely versatile, can guard guards, wings, and bigs with his length and lateral quickness. At Georgia State he led the team in blocks (0.9 BPG) and offensive rebounds while posting strong rebounding numbers (5.3 RPG overall). Instinctive shot-blocker and lob threat on the defensive glass. Never takes a play off.


Intangibles & Leadership:

Relentless competitor with a championship mentality. Named 5A State Player of the Year at Dutchtown and MACCC Freshman of the Year at Pearl River, proven winner who steps up in big moments. High-character kid with a strong work ethic and family-driven background. Coaches rave about his versatility, toughness, and ability to impact winning on both ends.


Overall Traits & Projection:

Dynamic, multi-positional forward with elite defensive tools, rebounding prowess, and growing offensive versatility. Tulane lands a high-upside transfer who can immediately anchor the frontcourt with his length, motor, and two-way impact. Projects as a difference-maker in the AAC, a modern forward who can guard, rebound, run the floor, and develop into a primary scoring option. His senior year at Dutchtown and dominant JUCO campaign showed massive growth, and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.


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Exterior of a stadium with overlaid text reading “WHAT IF THERE WAS NO PORTAL”
By Patrick Harkness September 19, 2026
 Same rules as the offense: only original Tulane high-school recruits, including guys who later left. No portal arrivals (Ed Smith IV, Reshad Sterling, Derrick Shepard, Chris Rodgers, Jack Tchienchou, Anthony Rogers, Macho Stevenson, Dalton Hughes, Justin Agu, Kajuan Banks, etc.). Tulane’s current defense is a 4-2-5. Defensive line DE Geordan Guidry/Josh Lewis/Gerrod Henderson DT Kameron Hamilton/Maxie Baudoin DT Maxie Baudoin IV/Jordyn Crites Hamilton (Zachary HS) is the big keep, multi-year starter, 12 career sacks, back for a fifth year. Guidry (Ruston HS, 2024 class) is a homegrown edge still on the roster. Lewis is a young homegrown end. The 2025 CFP front was mostly portal/graduates (Harvey Dyson, Santana Hopper, Tre’Von McAlpine). Without the portal you don’t get those Power-4-bound imports or the 2026 replacements (Smith, Sterling, Shepard). Bandit (hybrid DE/OLB) Matthew Fobbs-White/Jah’rie Garner/Warren Roberts Jr Garner (St. Augustine, New Orleans) is already the 2026 starter and a true homegrown product. Fobbs-White (Neville, Monroe) signed with Tulane, became a 2024 starter at bandit, then left for Baylor. In this world he never leaves, so you have a proven local edge duo instead of leaning on portal rushers. Linebackers MLB Makai Williams/Jesus Machado WLB Cory Platt Jr/Dickson Agu/JC Joseph Agu (Dutchtown, Geismar) is a homegrown starter right now. Williams (Cibolo Steele, TX, 2023 class) is a long-time Tulane recruit and the next man up. Chris Rodgers, the current WLB, came from Troy with Sumrall, so he doesn’t count here. The room loses portal depth (Dalton Hughes) but keeps two original Wave LBs who already play. Secondary CB E’zaiah Shine/Jahiem Johnson CB Reyshaun Pleasant/Armani Cargo Spear Javion White/Micheal Igbinoghene SS Kevin Adams III/Josh Simms FS Kentrell Webb/Joshua Moore Shine (Mainland, FL, 2024 class) is already a 2026 starter. Nicholas is a West Jefferson / Harvey product. Adams (Destrehan) is a homegrown safety and current starter. Moore (Clear Falls, TX) was a 2023 signee and would start at free safety instead of Troy transfer Jack Tchienchou. Javion White (playmaking sophomore safety/nickel who left for Houston) and Jahiem Johnson (starting CB, 4 INTs in 2025, left for Arkansas) were developed at Tulane after signing there. If they stay, the back seven is actually one of the stronger parts of this hypothetical. Jayden Lewis, a 4-star 2025 high-school signee who later entered the portal, adds another homegrown corner. Bottom line The back seven is playable Agu, Adams, Shine, Garner, Williams, Moore, plus leavers like Fobbs-White, White, and Johnson. The front is the problem. Without portal D-linemen, you’re asking Hamilton and a bunch of younger homegrown ends/tackles to replace an entire CFP rotation that walked to Power 4 schools. Special Teams K Patrick Durkin P William Carroll LS Jason Arrendendo If I’m missing anyone please let me know. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
By Hunter Sheffield September 19, 2026
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