Prospect Spotlight: Kenny Curtis (2019 Rainier Beach HS)
High level AAU teams are typically comprised of guys who have been stars at their high school programs, so often times there may be an adjustment when it comes to a player’s role. This could be said of Kenny Curtis. The quick 5-foot-8, 145-pound point guard from Rainier Beach took a little time to get adjusted to playing with Seattle Rotary Select on the EYBL circuit, but as the summer has progressed he has found his groove and his college recruitment has been growing.
“Through AAU season, I wouldn’t say I was struggling but I was looking to find my place and role,” Curtis said. “By the time we got to Peach Jam, that was perfect timing. I was able to put it together and I stepped up big for us coming off the bench and scoring.”
There’s no question that Curtis can shoot the ball. He knows how to get to open spots for kick outs, but can also create off the dribble. His ball-handling and shooting certainly came in handy for Rotary during the Premier Summer Championships this past weekend and for old school hoops junkies, his stature and game is a little reminiscent of Keith “Mister” Jennings. Curtis knows there’s more to being a complete point guard than just shooting however. “I’m just working on my defense and finding others,” he said.
A number of college programs have been following Curtis this summer. He noted that UC Irvine, Seattle University, Point Loma Nazarene, and Western Oregon are four schools that stand out to him so far, and all four had coaches watching him on the sidelines in Salem. There are no offers yet so he’s keeping all of his options open. “A place where I can play my game and they have faith in me in what I can do on the court,” Curtis said of where he would like to play college ball. “Wherever I can get my school paid for.”
Overall, Curtis has enjoyed his time with Rotary as they finish out the summer in Las Vegas. “I feel like as a team we have all bonded together,” Curtis said. “Unfortunately we didn’t end up going to the finals of the Peach Jam, but it was a good experience for us. Now I just want to Keep improving, keep getting wins, and trying to get as many looks as I can. Hopefully I can come out with a scholarship offer at the end of the summer.”