Myck Kabongo
6’2”, 170 lbs, class of 2011
Highschool: Findlay College Prep
Signed: University of Texas Longhorns
Player Position: Point Guard
Born in Ontario, Canada, this Canadian basketball player, playing in the States, is ready for Division I basketball. Graduating from Findlay College Prep in Neveda, Kabongo received a scholarship to play for the Longhorns. Get ready for this selfless point guard is to make some serious plays for Texas! Let us analyze.
Athleticism:
Sitting at 6'2" at 170 lbs, Kabongo is a decently big point guard. He's only a freshman who's going to bulk up over the years. Known for his high speed and agility, Kabongo possesses a powerful drive to the net. He is a sharp cutter which allows him to switch directions instantaneously when he's dribbling down the court. Not exactly a high flyer, however, Kabongo can dunk. He uses his vertical to get arc on his spot up threes and pull up jumper.
Grade: B+
Scoring:
Scoring is not the first thing on Kabongo's mind which is the way it should be with play making point guards. With that said, it does not mean he's not capable of scoring. Averaging 17.1 points per game in his senior year, he is familiar with using both hands, finishing finesse layups and dunking on fast breaks. Even though he spots up for threes and pulls up mid range occasionally, I wouldn't say shooting is his forté. That doesn't mean he isn't a threat. He can draw contact which sends him to the line shooting 70% from the free throw. Another one of his best qualities as player is his knowledge of the game. He can recognize when the defense is collapsing which he than can make a smart decision to shoot or pass.
Grade: B+
Passing:
From analyzing the defense, Kabongo will choose to shoot or pass; if he chooses to pass, you can bet that the receiving player is going to be wide open! Being a decently tall point guard with a pass-first mentality, his best attribute is his court vision. Kabongo is a very unselfish player always looking to get his teammates involved. Combined with his athleticism, and proficient scoring ability, he can drive to net aggressively enough to convince the defenders that he's finishing at the rim. Once he draws two or three defenders, look for Kabongo to kick the ball outside for a teammate spotting up for an open three or a no-look dish to a post player for a wide open dunk. Knowing that he's going to pass doesn't help either. Kabongo's got a few trick passes in his repertoire including behind-the-backs and wrap-around passes that will leave the defender in a daze. In his final season, he averaged 6.0 assists per game.
Grade: A+
Ball handling:
Being a point guard, Kabongo has the handles to create any play off the dribble. He's excellent at creating a situation from a drive and kick. He can beat defenders with ease as he breaks them down with various inside outs and behind-the-back crossovers. Combined with a quick first step, defenders usually give him enough room for a shot knowing that any tighter close outs will result in Kabongo blasting by them.
Grade: A
Rebounding:
Kabongo isn't known for his rebounding skills, nor is any point guard in particular, but he isn't afraid to get in the paint and do some dirty work. He's big enough to box most opponents out, resulting in an average of 5.3 rebonds per game at Findlay College Prep. This advantage allows him grab the boards, and run on transition without the need for an outlet pass.
Grade: B+
Defense:
Not a flashy defender, Kabongo isn't looking to swat shots out of the court. He is good with his hands and getting steals and interceptions but what really impresses me is his fundamental ability at keeping his opponent in front of him. As a competitor, you can see he takes pride in his defense. Using his athleticism, his lateral movement allows him to get in position to not get beat off the dribble. In the next level of basketball, I'm eager to see how he will use this skill to draw some offensive fouls.
Grade: A
Ranked ninth among the top point guards of his class, Kabongo is ready for college basketball. His ability to score and pass will naturally create team chemistry. (I mean, come on, who wouldn't like to play with a guy that makes you look good). I can see him taking on some leadership roles being the lead play maker. His role on the Longhorn roster will be an impacting one and hopefully, this will bring Texas not only some easy offense, but also some lock down D!
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