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Kansas Jayhawks: Basketball Recruiting Index

By Ryan Noel

Feb 2, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks fans cheer from the stands during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jawhawks won 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks fans cheer from the stands during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jawhawks won 89-76. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trae Young – MoKan Elite – Nike EYBL

#20 Overall, #3 Point Guard

Oh boy, where to start here. Young’s performance over the past week was one we’ll be talking about in a few years like we still talk about that Andrew Wiggins performance against Julius Randle. Young’s name is officially part of any household conversation for top basketball players in the country, and he solidified himself as one of the best guards in the country in my opinion.

What’s his game like?

Young is just an absolutely magical scorer. He has range anywhere past halfcourt and his release is short and quick. He needs but an inch or two of space to get that shot up, and he gets that inch as well as anyone in the country, regardless of class. Even more impressive, though, is his crafty scoring around the rim. His ability to shift his weight, change pace, use the wrong foot, and switch hands make him a lethal scorer off of drives. He reminded me a lot of Tyus Jones’ early performances at Peach Jam a few years ago, with his ability to score on either side of the rim and through varying degrees of contact.

If Young has flaws – and there aren’t many – they’re mostly evident on defense where he can struggle to keep up with similarly athletic players. When he gets to college and everyone is as quick as he is, how will he handle that? The craftiness and skill we mentioned above is a good start, but he’s also going to need to add good weight in order to keep taking the hits down low too. RIght now he’s very slight, though he hides it by always wearing a shirt under his jersey. A good strength coach will go a long way toward helping Young’s pro and college careers.

Rumor Central

The rumors are out of control right now for this one. Kansas fans seem eager to believe they have no shot, but they’re definitely one of the few true contenders for Young’s services. Handicapping this one would likely see the odds as a two-horse race between Kansas and Oklahoma. We spoke to a lot of people this week – and with varying responses – but the few people who really are clued into this one all said Kansas and Oklahoma are the teams to beat. Kentucky and Washington are darkhorses, but I’ve been told to expect him to stay near home.

Next: Troy Brown

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