Recruiting Report: Kyle Rode (2019)

We are on the tail end of summer basketball and around the country, college prospects at all levels are working on their game and working toward earning an opportunity to play at the next level.  Prep Hoops Kentucky puts the spotlight on prospects around the Bluegrass State. Currently ranked fifth in our 2019 rankings and holding four Division I offers before starting his junior year at Lexington Christian Academy, Kyle Rode intends to build upon his momentum from AAU. Standing 6'7" with a strong frame, Rode possesses major positional versatility as he can (and often does) play point guard all the way to power forward for the LCA Eagles. He played primarily the small forward and power forward positions with Indiana Elite 16u this spring and summer but is capable of being a primary ball handler. I recently caught up with Kyle to discuss his very successful summer and his big goals for his Junior year at LCA. PHKY: Describe your game. What do you do best? What are you working to improve? KR: I'm a tough, competitive, winner who is very versatile. I can play multiple positions and can score from all three levels. I'm a great passer, shooter, and defender. I'm working on my vertical and playing above the rim more. PHKY: Recap your AAU season. Were you happy with how you played? KR:  I was really happy with how I played this AAU season. I was able to show all parts of my game, and helped my team to a really good record over the spring and summer. PHKY: What colleges are showing interest or have offered? KR: I have offers from NKU, Samford, New Orleans and SEMO.  I have interest from Rice, Liberty, Lipscomb, Wright State, Vanderbilt, Stanford, SIUE, Youngstown State, Davidson, Notre Dame, Purdue, Michigan State, Purdue, Belmont, Morehead State and East Tennessee State. PHKY: What are you looking for in a college? Basketball and otherwise KR: Really am looking for a great coach who cares about his players on and off the court! Also the academics, facilities, and style of play. PHKY: What are your goals for the upcoming HS season? After making the region for the first time last year, can you get to Rupp this season? KR: Yes I believe we can get to Rupp this season, and to win the 2017-2018 KHSAA state championship is the goal this season. But as a team I know we are going to just try and get better everyday and the rest will take care of itself! Kyle Rode has been a known commodity in Kentucky's 2019 class for several years now. He was starting varsity as an 8th grader and averaged 15.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season for an LCA team that advanced to the regional tournament for the first time in school history. Kyle may not lead the Eagles in scoring or rebounding this season but he will lead them in playmaking. According to LCA coach Nate Valentine, "Kyle has worked extremely hard this offseason to improve all facets of his game. He is a complete player and will once again be expected to provide valuable leadership for our team." LCA has the biggest starting lineup in the 11th region and probably in the entire state. They are more than capable of winning the region, the All A State Title and even making a run at Rupp Arena. For them to achieve those lofty goals, Rode will need to show people that he's deserving of all his accolades and high major Division I attention.