Prospect Update: Kong Neyail (2019)
Grand View Christian has a wealth of talent on its roster, 6-foot-2 guard Kong Neyail is a good example of that.
After transferring into GVC from Des Moines East after his sophomore season, Neyail played sparingly with the Thunder at the end of last season. He’s looking to be a starter next season, and will be a guy who could have a breakout winter.
Athletic, with a developing perimeter game, Neyail says he’s been working hard to improve his jumper of late.
“I can get to the rack and athletic, and I can jump over anybody, people don’t expect that coming from me,” said Neyail, a rising senior.
“I’m trying to develop my game and become a more deadly 3-point shooter. I barely shot any 3s during last season, so I’m just developing that more, because we’re going to need more 3-point shooting this season.”
He played in 15 games last season for GVC, helping the Thunder to a 1A state title while averaging 4.9 points per game. He’s had a much more prominent role this summer with the Thunder in high school team camps.
“My role last year was to come in and attack the basket and play defense. It was my job to come in and help lock-up the other team’s best player,” said Neyail.
“My role is going to change this season. I’m going to be a starting guard and help fill Grant’s (DeMeulenaere) role from last season. And I want to be a great leader just like he was.”
In the meantime, Neyail will be playing with Beyond Ball 17U this summer. And hopes he can start to see his slow recruitment pick up.
“Spring went well, we won our last tournament in Minnesota, and things are going good,” said Neyail. “This summer, I’m just trying to get better. I’ve been in the gym getting up shots just to get my shot better so more coaches will notice me.”
Dakota State coaches have been in contact with him, they saw him after a Minnesota tournament. But that’s all he knows of for recruitment so far.
“I’m hoping to get some more coaches noticing me,” Neyail said. “Hopefully coming up this summer season, I can make that happen.”