By: Raashaan Myers
Many locally didn’t
know much about UofL’s newest commitment when he announced for the Cardinals
last month. But after a superb showing at the NBAPA Top 100 as well as his MVP
worthy performance in the Peach Jam semifinals D.C. area product V.J. King has
Card Nation buzzing and is considered a must sign recruit.
As I evaluate
King I first want to try and find a player comparison that UofL fans can relate
to. The closest comparison I could come up with is the Wizard of Oz himself Mr.
Jason Osborne who was an athletic phenom with a 6-9 frame and guard skills at
the small forward spot. Boasting a long 6-7 frame and amazing dexterity and
ball handling ability King is also a matchup nightmare. Like Osborne in his day
King had a great ability to use his size to dominate smaller perimeter players,
but also the quickness and explosiveness to exploit big men when they attempt
to defend him. This ability to exploit bigger slower players was on full
display as King faced off against the mammoth front line of the Georgia Stars
EYBL team in the Peach Jam Semis.
The Stars (Who
went on to win the Peach Jam title) posses possibly the best front line in all
of AAU featuring elite 2016 big men Udoka Azibuike and Abdul Ado, as well as 2017
stud Wendell Carter Jr. Needless to say King (who was playing in the post all
game) had his work cut out for him. One of the biggest knocks on V.J. has
always been his motor because of his laid back style and general demeanor. This is something he has worked on and made
it a point to come out and stay aggressive.
And vs Georgia he did just that constantly staying in attack mode
against his bigger slower opponents using his quickness and taking smart angles
to attack the basket forcing the issue and drawing a ton of trips to the line
(16-20 FTs). When King found himself matched up on a smaller perimeter players
he would shoot over the top with a very consistent midrange jump shot or force
the issue with his length to finish in the lane. For the game V.J. King would
finish the game totaling 26 points and was no doubt the best player on the
floor looking like a McDonald’s All American.
This performance
by King to this point is more the exception than the rule, but it was a tantalizing
glimpse into his abilities as a player. Many analysts have said V.J. King is as
talented as any in 2016 other than maybe the 3 mega talented players at the top
of the class Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, and Josh Jackson. King is definitely a
recruit head coach Rick Pitino must hold on to until signing day and with ace
recruiter Kenny Johnson leading the way I do believe the commitment will stick.
And with this very talented piece in the bag look for more recruiting fireworks
to come!
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