Prospect spotlight: Michael Peake (2019)
KANSAS CITY — After transferring from Chicago Illinois after his sophomore year, Michael Peake has established himself as a player to watch in the city this upcoming season after a strong offseason playing with MoKan Elite 16U squad.
A high energy 6’7 2018 foreward, Peake competes hard in the lane, can post up or move to the perimeter to score. Peake says he knew after his move to KC this offseason that he would have to earn his way with a new team and says the experience playing with KC Northeast was a successful one.
“I had to compete very hard against very good and athletic competition this high school season and was more successful than my freshman year we lost second round it districts to Platte County,” he said.
This summer he has competed with one of the nation’s premier AAU programs and says the experience has helped him grow as a player.
“This summer has been very successful with the Mokan group the EYBL is a special event,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything like it this was my first year playing on an EYBL team. It was very exciting playing tough competition! I would say that we grew as family even tho we have our moments off the court or going at it in practice they are my brothers.”
Peake says he is looking forward to playing against former NBA point guard Greg Anthony’s son Cole Anthony next summer. The younger Anthony is also a fellow Class of 2019 athlete.
“He’s an exciting player to watch he’s a very good athletic player and I look forward to playing him next season,” Peake said.
Peake says his family has had the biggest influence on his basketball career to date.
“Each individual helped me understand and help me with my career,” Peake said. “They pushed me to my limits and sometimes beyond Even my close friends the little things they say makes a huge difference in my game just a great base for family, friends and coaches.”
A fan of Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, Peake says Kevin Durant is a player he wants to be like during his career.
“Derrick Rose and his explosiveness and the way he gets in the lane is amazing,” Peake said. “He’s little but can take on the biggest defenders love their effort and attitude to get the wins.”
Peake says he has drawn interest from several NCAA Division I colleges, including Western Illinois, Illinois State, Chicago State and Bradley University.
“They are all great colleges and something I look forward to visiting,” he said. “I will be visiting Bradley University and Chicago state soon so that should be a great experience for a young athlete like me to see what it’s like to be in a great environment and college I enjoyed talking to all the coaches.”