Pima Community College has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years, establishing itself as one of the premier junior college basketball programs in the country. If the 2026-27 season unfolds as expected, the Aztecs will feature one of the most exciting backcourts in all of junior college basketball. Returning sophomore point guard Isaiah Hill and incoming freshman Adrian “Ace” Stubbs have the potential to form one of the nation’s elite guard tandems, giving basketball fans every reason to make Pima a must-see destination this season.
Hill enters the season as one of the most decorated returning players in the NJCAA Division-II ranks. The 6-foot sophomore was named both the ACCC Freshman of the Year and Conference Player of the Year last season after a spectacular freshman campaign. Now entering his sophomore season, Hill is projected to once again compete for conference and national Player of the Year honors, while continuing to generate significant NCAA Division-I recruiting interest. Already regarded as one of the top returning junior college prospects in the country, Hill possesses the talent to become a high-major Division-I point guard. This season presents another opportunity for him to prove exactly why so many college programs continue to follow his development.
Joining Hill in Tucson is one of Arizona’s most recognizable high school stars. Adrian “Ace” Stubbs arrives at Pima after an outstanding career at Maryvale High School, where he established himself as one of the nation’s most prolific scorers. Stubbs captured national headlines during his senior season when he exploded for 104 points in a single game, a remarkable performance that drew attention from ESPN and numerous national media outlets. Stubbs overall numbers as a senior were tremendous, as he averaged 25.3 points, 7.1 assists, 5 rebounds and 4.8 steals per game for Maryvale High School. He proved to be one of the most dynamic and productive players in the country. His ability to take over games, create opportunities for teammates, and impact both ends of the floor made him a constant problem for opposing teams. And then came the moment that put the entire country on notice.
Stubbs erupted for 104 points in just three quarters in a game against Yuma Kofa High School, one of the most remarkable scoring performances ever seen at the high school level nationally. The performance quickly gained national traction and became a defining moment of the season.
Despite receiving significant recruiting attention during his high school career, Stubbs chose to attend Pima Community College with the goal of continuing his development, while elevating his Division-I recruitment. His scoring ability, athleticism and confidence should complement Hill’s outstanding leadership, court vision and playmaking ability.
The combination of Hill and Stubbs gives Pima a backcourt capable of competing with any junior college program in America. One player is an elite floor general who makes everyone around him better, while the other is a dynamic scorer capable of taking over games. Together, they have the potential to become one of the nation’s most entertaining backcourts. Fire and Ice.
I recently spoke with Hill, who said he is excited about the opportunity to play alongside Stubbs. According to Hill, the two have already begun developing excellent chemistry, something that should only continue to improve as the season progresses.
Pima has dominated the ACCAC Conference in recent years, and the addition of Stubbs only strengthens a program that already entered the season with championship aspirations. Expectations are understandably high as the Aztecs pursue another conference title while setting their sights on the NJCAA Division-II National Championship.
Just as importantly, this season provides a tremendous opportunity for both players to elevate their college recruitment. Hill will look to solidify himself as one of the nation’s top Division-I point guard prospects, while Stubbs aims to prove he also belongs at the NCAA Division-I level. If both continue to develop as expected, their stock should rise considerably throughout the season.
For junior college basketball fans, Pima Community College should be one of the hottest tickets in the country. With Isaiah Hill and Adrian “Ace” Stubbs leading the way, the Aztecs have assembled a backcourt that promises excitement, high-level basketball and championship potential every time they take the floor.
