NICEVILLE, Fla. — For every guard chasing the next level, two things stand out: opportunity and timing. For 6′4″ guard Damarion Vann-Kelly, both are aligning at the right moment. After earlier stops and development, he’s arrived at Northwest Florida State College with an eye on bigger things.

Vann-Kelly’s path hasn’t been linear but has been deliberate. Previously listed at Northeast Oklahoma A&M, he has since enrolled at NW Florida State for the 2025-26 season. There, he’ll bring his size, athleticism, and a chance to raise his game in a competitive JUCO environment known for developing players who transfer to higher levels.

One of the most telling indicators of his potential: the offer he received from East Carolina this past July. That kind of Division I attention for a JUCO freshman or sophomore guard speaks volumes. It tells coaches he’s already on their radar — now he just needs to produce at a level that cements that status.

On film, Vann-Kelly shows a guard comfortable stepping into the lane, retrieving rebounds for his size, and scoring off both drives and pull-ups. Though public box-score numbers are limited, the context of his recruiting suggests an upward trajectory. At 170 lbs, he still has room to add strength — something that could unlock his ability to absorb contact, defend resiliently, and finish through pressure.

For NW Florida State, this is a savvy pickup. The program offers a stage for him: good coaching, visibility to four-year programs, and the opportunity to play meaningful minutes. For Vann-Kelly, this season is more than development — it’s audition time.

Key areas to monitor: Will he lift his three-point attempts and improve his shooting percentage? Can he extend his contributions beyond scoring into assists and defense? And will he emerge as a leader, both on the court and in the locker room?

If he answers yes to those questions, then come spring, Vann-Kelly might not just be the guard who transferred — he may be the guard who transferred up. His journey from Sacramento (or previous stop) to Florida may look like a detour, but it’s positioning him for the main turn.

So mark the stats. Watch the invites. And pay attention to the guard in the NW Florida State uniform — Damarion Vann-Kelly might just flip his “potential” into “production” this season.

Written by Paul Garwood
Photo credit: Northwest Florida State College Athletics