Day 1 of the Beneath Armour’s Subsequent Elite 24 occasion concluded on Thursday, as a stacked roster stuffed with among the prime highschool and worldwide gamers competed in a observe setting, seeking to show themselves in opposition to the very best ranges of competitors.
With a tricky group of competitors at guard, one participant that stood out early was excessive four-star Taylen Kinney, who’s at present ranked because the No. 1 participant within the state of Kentucky and a top-five level guard within the Class of 2026.
Kinney, who stands 6’2”, 160 kilos, was one of many smaller gamers on the court docket, however the guard made up for it and extra along with his tenacity, which was seen from the start of the day.
The four-star showcased his defensive instincts, working the back and front ranges in 3-on-2 drills to disrupt passing lanes, whereas additionally making a powerful restoration block in a while.
Total, although, the guard appeared to maintain fixed ball strain in an try to disrupt his opponents, with that tenacity standing out.
Kinney confirmed the power to attain as a sophomore this previous season for Newport Excessive College, averaging 17.5 factors and 4.0 rebounds per sport, serving to his staff win a second consecutive ninth Area championship.
So, coming into the occasion with quite a few NBA scouts in attendance, Kinney appeared to showcase his two-way skillset and the motor that separated him from the sector on Thursday.
The guard attributed these efforts to his highschool coach, whose No. 1 mantra is difficult protection.
“That’s all my coach preaches is difficult protection. Arduous protection,” Kinney stated. “Maintain our defender to the least factors as they’ll get. [I wanted to prove myself] simply popping out right here competing in opposition to the highest guys, exhibiting everyone within the NBA scouts, I can play either side of the ball, not only one aspect.”
With the uptick in competitors, Kinney is seeking to play the precise manner this weekend, whereas exhibiting extra of his off-ball abilities as properly.
“[I’m looking to prove that] I’m only a good participant. Like, I can play the precise manner. I don’t gotta rating each time. I don’t gotta have a ball in my hand each time,” Kinney stated.
However, in doing so, that motor is a staple of the four-star’s sport, who takes satisfaction in being a smaller guard, which retains him humbled with a chip on his shoulder.
“Yeah, you bought to [have a chip on your shoulder],” Kinney stated in regard to his measurement. “I don’t prefer to get bullied by no person.”
At 160 kilos, Kinney has power as a key focus of enchancment subsequent yr, whereas additionally seeking to higher his talents off the dribble and with distance taking pictures.
“My power and positively my tempo off ball screens [are areas I’m looking to improve]. And [working] off the dribble and taking pictures deeper.”
It’s nonetheless early within the recruitment for the 2026 guard, however match along with his subsequent program will likely be Kinney’s No. 1 issue.
“Only a good match,” Kinney stated about his best college. “I wish to construct a great relationship with the coach, . I wish to exit to a spot that appears like residence and that’s a terrific match for me.”
To this point, the rising junior has already accrued over a dozen scholarship provides, together with ones from Tennessee, Indiana, Louisville, and Texas A&M, amongst others.
Moreover, he picked up provides from faculties equivalent to Oregon, LSU, and Villanova after a robust efficiency on the Adidas 3SSB Championship earlier this summer time.
If Kentucky in the end provides the No. 1 recruit within the state, it may arrange for a aggressive battle between quite a few groups for the four-star.
However, in the meanwhile, Kinney is seeking to benefit from the alternatives introduced to him.
He’s already finished so with the Adidas 3SSB Championship, and now has his eyes set on the Beneath Armour Elite 24 this weekend.
