The Kansas Elite Camp is coming up next week and, as usual, some big names will be on campus to participate. It’s a chance for some of the up and coming basketball prospects around the country to really see what it’s like to go through drills and be coached by one of the premiere coaching staffs in the country. Here are profiles on some of the future college stars that are expected to be in attendance.
Luke Cothron- Cothron, the #7 ranked power forward in the 2010 class in the ESPNU top 100. The 6’8″ 200 pound power forward will be making his first trip to Lawrence and couldn’t be more excited about it as he told TheShiver.com when we spoke to him. (article here) Cothron is long and athletic and has made his name on both the defensive and offensive end of the court. Cothron can score with either hand and has worked hard on his jump-shot and mid-range game. While he needs to get a bit stronger to handle how physical the game is at the next level, Cothron has shown to be terrific in blocking and changing shots on the defensive end.
Benny Parker - Although a 2012 prospect, Parker has quickly made a name for himself in the Kansas City area. At 5’8″ the best way to describe Parker is a steady point guard. Parker’s best attribute is his defensive ability; Parker can directly affect the game with his on the ball defense. Parker possesses good handles, but isn’t a flashy point guard. He is a rock solid player running a team.
Ismael Wainwright-It’s not often that the Kansas City area produces a player that could be in the top 20 in basketball and football, but Wainwright could fit the bill, and he just finished the 8th grade. Already standing 6’4″, Wainwright has coat hanger shoulders and an incredibly long wing span. Right now Wainwright is more of a 4 than a 3, but he should fill into the 3 position over time. He can already handle like a 3, plays above the rim in transition, and is an excellent rebounder. One source said this about Wainwright “Right now, he could be playing, and playing well, with kids three years older than him.” Wainwright is also a terrific quarterback with a cannon for an arm. He is currently choosing which high school he will attend in the fall, which could say a lot about which sport he favors. Rockhurst, Raytown South, and O’Hara are said to be the three schools that Wainwright is considering.
Cameron Clark- At 6’7″ 190 pounds, Clark is a terrific athlete who can finish with authority around the rim. Clark also possesses a jump shot that looks awkward, but goes in much more often than not. The Sherman (TX) native has a very long list filled with some of the top basketball programs in the country, including the Kansas Jayhawks.
Kyle Collinsworth- At 6’5″ Collinsworth has impressed many over the last few months. He’s a deceptive athlete that could potentially fit well in a system like the Jayhawks run. Collinsworth can play anywhere from the 1-3 and isn’t prone to making mistakes on the court. He is currently working to improve his jump-shot, but has a knack of getting to the rim and to the free throw line.
Josiah Turner- At 6’2″ 180 pounds Turner has made a name for himself as a terrific passer who has the ability to find teammates for easy buckets. The Arizona State commit has made himself into a terrific point guard who continues to work on his game.
Shabazz Muhammad-Muhammad is a 6’3″ lefty who’s quickly making a name for himself throughout the country. In the 2012 class, Muhammad possess explosive athleticism, a good jump-shot and is strong enough to get into the lane at will. Muhammad already has offers from schools like USC and UNLV and should rack up more over the next few months.
Marcus Paige- Paige is a 5’11″ 150 pound point guard from Marion, Iowa who has little trouble getting into the lane and creating for his teammates. He possesses a decent left handed mid-range jump-shot and has developed into a good floor general. Paige is a class of 2012 product that is already seeing offers from schools like Iowa and Iowa State.
Zach Peters- At 6’7″ 210 pounds, Peters was originally in the 2011 class, but was reclassified to the 2012 class. He is a strong power forward who has little trouble finishing around the basket and is a good rebounder. Peters worked hard to develop his jump-shot, which has helped him become a top tier prospect in the country for the 2012 class.
Lonnie Jackson- This 6’2″ California native is one of the best shooters in the 2011 class. Jackson has a quick shot and a great touch that allows him to score points in bunches. Although he is still working on the development of his overall ball skills, Jackson has most of the programs on the west coast interested, including Arizona State.
Devonte Abrams-Abrams is a Texas product who has the state talking. This 6’7″ long, athletic, 2011 prospect possesses a terrific skill set that screams potential. Abrams has the ability to get to the rim and finish with power and he also has terrific athleticism that allows him to get up and down the court with an explosive burst.
Julius Brown- Brown is a 2011 point guard product who has little trouble getting in the lane and finishing after contact despite his 5’10″ 160 pound frame. Brown is a point guard first player that is skilled a running a team, good handles, good visions and a terrific passer.
Keaton Miles- Kansas fans should be familiar with the name Miles from Dallas Skyline High School. Keaton’s is not related to the current Jazz player, CJ Miles, who was once a major target for Bill Self. Miles is built similar to CJ, Standing 6’6″ 170 pounds. This class of 2011 player should be flying up the rankings as he continues to impress on the summer circuit.
Gavin Thurman- This Wichita Southeast product is one of the best in the class of 2012 out of the mid-west. Thurman is a face up 4 for his summer team KC Pump N Run, standing 6’6″ with a deadly mid-range jump-shot. Thurman is an unselfish player, but if the ball gets into his hands in scoring position, Thurman will finish. He posesses decent handles and will likely develop into somewhat of a tweener as a 3/4 at the next level.
Kyle Wiltjer- Wiltjer is another player who has multiple top basketball programs in the country hoping that he chooses them when he decides where to play college basketball. At 6’9″, and room to grow, Wiltjer posses the footwork of a young Nick Collison. While not overly athletic, Wiltjer can finish in the post and can alter shots on defense. This 2011 product will likely see offers coming in at a rapid rate over the next year.
LeBryan Nash- Simply put, this 2011 product will likely be one of the top players in the country in his class. He’s a high flying wing that can finish with a bang at the rim and has little to no problem getting to the lane. Nash is a decent shooter, who will need to improve his jump-shot a bit, he’s also a good defender at this point in his career. At 6’7″ 215 pounds, Nash is very physically developed and his opponents struggle with his size.
Evan Wessel-Another 2011 point guard prospect, Wessel is a KC Pump N Run product who runs a team with ease. Wessell is a win first point guard who at 6’4″ possess great vision, is a great passer and has terrific handles. While not a flashy guard, Wessel just wants to win and will do what it takes on the court to do so.
Perry Ellis- Ellis could potentially be the number one player in the 2012 class. Standing 6’8″, Ellis was terrific at leading his Wichita Heights team to their first State title in 32 years. Ellis generally plays the four now, but possess the skills to play the three and should develop into a player who can play between the two positions. Ellis is a terrific rebounder and scorer, who is always looking to improve other aspects of his game like his jump-shot and handles.
