Prospect Report: Ryan Kooser (2018)
Division III schools looking for a stretch 4 would be wise to make a trip out to see Kenston High’s, Ryan Kooser.
Kooser, a 6’5’’, senior showed off a polished offensive game, athleticism and will-to-compete during a June 25 game against state power Garfield Heights in the Earl Boykins summer league.
Kooser was matched up against Division-1 surefire prospect Brison Waller, but more than held his own against his bigger, more athletic opponent.
Kooser, who was all-conference and a special mention all-Ohio, a year ago, had some huge games as a junior but said he’s still not being actively recruited.
“I play hard and I play to win and I’ll do anything to win,” Kooser said of mindset.
Offensively, he considers himself versatile and there exists out on Youtube video of him absolutely torching defenses with a feather outside jump shot that appears to be mechanically consistently.
“I spread the floor a lot, open it up for my teammates,” Kooser said.
He sees himself as a smaller Kevin Love, “I like his game a lot,” Kooser said, who will enter his second year as a starter and averaged 17 points and five rebounds a game as a junior.
Kooser said he loves playing in the Earl Boykins League and the competition.
“It’s good basketball,” Kooser said.
Kenston coach Matt Vespa said Kooser can shoot with the best players in the country.
“He looks like a Division I tight end,” Vespa said of the bruising Kooser. “But he shoots it like a Two guard. He’s probably the best shooter I’ve coached,” Vespa said.
Vespa also raved about Kooser’s toughness.
“He’s not scared of anyone. It doesn’t mind if LeBron is out there, he’s not going to back down,” Vespa said.
At the next level, Kooser’s ability to play both inside and outside should add to his value.
“He’s a knockdown shooter. His shooting is at the Division I level. All those Division II players have one skill at a Division I level and he’s got legit 25-foot range and can go inside and out. He’s a smart offensive and defensive player,” Vespa said.
As a junior, he gave a hint of what could be a big senior year. He scored 29 against St. Ignatius and 35 twice.
“We are looking forward to his senior year,” said Vespa.
Kooser has already taken some college-level courses.
“He’s a really good student and a good kid. Somebody is going to be really lucky to sign him. I think he’s just scratching the surface,” Vespa said.