Recruiting Report: Kris Bortz (2019)
Last week, when we spoke with Monte Vista’s 6-foot-8 post Kris Bortz, he was trekking across the East Coast checking out some high profile academic schools.
Nor-Cal’s 35th-ranked 2019, Bortz is certainly a capable college hoops prospect. It’s academics, though, that are his first priority.
“I have a lot of interest from small, high academic D3 schools. Which is actually why I’m in Boston right now, we’re looking at five or six out here,” said Bortz.
He was in Boston, New York and Pittsburgh on the trip, and visited Tufts, Brandeis, Amherst, NYU, Vassar, and Carnegie Mellon.
“I’ve always been a good student and I’ve tried really hard all through high school. I spent all that time studying, and I want to go to a place where I feel like I earned it,” said Bortz.
Like he is in the classroom. Bortz is adept on the hardwood, too. He says he’s a true post, a gritty player; and is working to improve his perimeter skill-set.
“I feel like I mainly provide an inside presence on both ends of the floor. I feel like I’m a pretty good offensive rebounder and make some good hustle plays and make some good post moves, too,” said Bortz.
“What I’m working on now is my perimeter play, and jump shots from outside the key. Also, ball-handling and stuff like that.”
Bortz’s junior season wrapped up not too long ago. He says he averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for the Mustangs this season.
“I thought I played pretty well. I was kind of our main scoring option in the post and that was nice. And I feel like I anchored the defense kind of, blocking shots and protecting the rim,” said Bortz, who is looking forward to an expanded role next season.
“I’m trying to get my permiter play better, so I’m hoping my role next year will include more outside jump-shots and playing more from the perimeter.”
First, though, he’ll have a spring and summer playing with Lakeshow 17U.
“It’ll be a big spring and summer ahead, and I’m going to try my best and hopefully I’ll see some results,” said Bortz, who outlined his recruitment goals.
“I just want to get into the best school I can and play basketball there. It’s got to be a great school, though, and that’s the biggest part of my future decision.”