Jesuit High School (OR) big man, Kyle Wiltjer, made his way to Lawrence this weekend for KU’s elite camp. The class of 2011 star had the opportunity to be coached by a legend, play with an All American and he even found time to walk around campus.
KU’s elite camp brings in some of the best prospects from around the country, that was no different this year with talent like Wiltjer in attendance. According to Wiltjer, the camp was a great experience and a lot of work.
“It went really well,” Wiltjer said of elite camp. “We did a lot of individual work. One on Friday and two on Saturday. I worked a lot with Coach Manning on a lot of skill work,” added Wiltjer.
It’s not often that high school players have the opportunity to work with one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. For Wiltjer, the experience was one he won’t forget.
“Coach Manning was great. I respect him immensely. He was a great coach to work with,” Wiltjer said of Manning. “Every drill he was great, and he would give us feedback. This definitely wasn’t just a weekend of playing games, but a weekend to get better. I wish it was longer, “Wiltjer added.
The camp was also full of a lot of 2 on 2, 3 on 3, and 5 on 5 games. It was before the 5 on 5 game when Kansas head man, Bill Self, showed the campers the basic Kansas offense which campers like Wiltjer found beneficial.
“It went well. I liked running the pick and roll because I like to shoot,” Wiltjer said.
Wiltjer has the game for the jump-shot off the pick and roll. Fundamentals are very much apart of his development. These skills have been encouraged by his father, Greg, a former draft pick of the Chicago Bulls. Greg Wiltjer, who played at Oregon State for Ralph Miller, spent most of his career overseas.
“My dad spent a lot of time teaching me the fundamentals,” Wiltjer said of his father. “No one expects me to be able to shoot, which allows me to get at least two shots off easily. Once I get that, I can then go to an up and under move,” Wiltjer added.
Those moves have helped the 6’9″ 215 pound Wiltjer to receive offers from Arizona State, Gonzaga, Oregon State and San Francisco. Other schools like Kansas, UCLA, Cal, Kentucky and Florida have also shown interest in him. In fact, Cal has shown so much interest that it wouldn’t surprise Wiltjer if they gave him an offer sometime soon.
The trip to Kansas this weekend surely helped both KU and Wiltjer.
“I think they had just heard of me so they invited me to the camp,” Wiltjer said. “During the camp though, they liked me a lot and I talked to coach Self and he said he liked me and that he would be out to see me at AAU events this summer,” added Wiltjer.
Wiltjer was able to see KU off the court as well over the weekend; he made time to see other parts of the campus.
“We had lunch by the football stadium, and they showed us a video of the new facilities, which looked cool,” Wiltjer said. “After the camp I walked around a bit and it (campus) looked real nice. The weight room looked nice, but I didn’t get to see the Fieldhouse because it is under construction,” added Wiltjer about the KU campus.
After traveling that far, to miss out on seeing the inside of Allen Fieldhouse is certainly tough, but the chance to face of against Kansas players is something that can ease that pain a bit.
“The team did drills with us. They played 5 on 5 with us, but not 3 on3,” Wiltjer said of the current Kansas players. “They are physical. Cole is real physical, and they certainly play at 150% the entire time,” added Wiltjer.
Wiltjer was able to score on some current team members, but not exactly at full game speed. He did, however, get to see how the All-American big man throws it down.
“I got them a couple of times, but it was mostly in drill work ” Wiltjer said laughing. He (Cole Aldrich) did get a few. He throws it down hard,” added Wiltjer.
Although Wiltjer lives in Portland, location isn’t something the 6’9″ player sees as a problem.
“Location isn’t a big deal,” said Wiltjer. “Wherever I’m going to get better,” added Wiltjer about improving his game in school.
