2018 Commitments Heating Up
AAU season is over and high schools across Kentucky have opened their doors in preparation of the new school year. With that also comes 2018 college prospects narrowing down their lists and choosing their academic and playing destinations. Prep Hoops Kentucky takes a look at the most up-to-date 2018 commitment list.
C.J. Fredrick / Covington Catholic / 6’4 Guard / Commitment: Iowa
Fredrick had an outstanding summer playing with Adidas Gauntlet powerhouse Indiana Elite. He proved to be one of the most effective shooters in the country. Currently ranked as Prep Hoops’ top Kentucky prospect, C.J. averaged 19.7 points at a junior, shooting over 40% from 3-point range.
Andrew Taylor / Corbin / 6’3 Guard / Commitment: Furman
Taylor had his fair share of offers, over 20+; including offers from Belmont, Davidson, Wright State, and Rice. But it was Furman, who went 23-12 last season and seem to be a favorite to finish out on top in the SoCon this upcoming season, that landed the talented guard from Corbin High School. Taylor has sited the idea of playing immediately, the staff, and recent program success as reasons why joining the Paladins. As a junior, Taylor averaged just under 30 points per game, as well as 12 rebounds. He shot right at 50% from the field. Taylor is capable of playing both guard positions.
Jake Walter / Covington Catholic / 7’0 Center / Commitment: Xavier
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Walter committed to Xavier today (8/18/2017). Kentucky’s top post prospect decided on Xavier over Miami (OH), Indiana State, Bowling Green, Northern Kentucky, and Wright State. Walter’s stats won’t pop out at you, he averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds as a junior. But he is a definite presence in the paint. He also had a number of solid showings with Indiana Elite this summer. Xavier and Chris Mack have a knack at developing bigs, prime example being former Xavier big man Matt Stainbrook. Stainbrook ended his career averaging 12 points and 7 rebound his senior year with the Musketeers.
Adam Kunkel / Cooper / 6’3 Guard / Commitment: Belmont
Kunkel had an outstanding junior season at Cooper High School, averaging 16.3 points per game. He also helped lead Cooper to the state tournament championship game, falling to Bowling Green. Kunkel played AAU ball with Twenty Two Vision, along side one of the nation’s top 2018 prospects, Romeo Langford, and a number of other top Kentucky prospects. He chose on Belmont over Lipscomb, Chattanooga, East Tennessee, and Northern Kentucky.
Anthony Wales / Samford / 6’0 Guard / Commitment: Samford
Wales committed to Samford early in his high school career. Wales helped Fern Creek reach it’s first ever Kentucky state tournament, going 35-3 overall during the season while advancing to the semi-final game. The 6’0 guard averaged 14.3 points while shooting 53% from the field (41% from 3-point range).
Zach Kelch / Simon Kenton / 6’7 Forward / Commitment: Naval Academy
Kelch averaged 12 points and 7.8 rebounds as a junior at Simon Kenton last season. This summer, along with Kunkel, Kelch played with Twenty Two Vision on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit. He chose Navy over Army (West Point Military Academy).
Cooper Robb / Scott County / 6’1 Guard / Commitment: UNC Charlotte
The surprise of the summer. Robb was thought to have been a small college prospect, or on his way to earning more college football interest, going into the summer. Fast forward to August and Robb has committed to D-1 UNC Charlotte. Robb had a fantastic showing at a Phenom Hoops Report event that caught the eye of the Charlotte coaching staff. In one game he dished out 15 assists, in another he scored 11 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Cooper returns to a Scott County team that has the makings of a state championship team.
Danny Butt / Pulaski County / 6’3 Guard / Commitment: University of the Cumberlands
Pulaski County is another team looking to return back to the KHSAA state tournament, and Butt looks to be a big part of that alongside brother Steven Fitzgerald. Butt is a bulldog on the court. His size at the point guard position allows him to finish down hill at the rim, and he’s also capable of knocking down shots with range. He’s also capable of zipping passes to open teammates on a dime. Cumberlands competes year in and year as one of the top teams in the NAIA’s toughest conference, the Mid-South. They are annual contenders to make the NAIA national tournament.