Highly Touted Isnord Nearing Decision
Reclassified Class of 2019 forward Kenny Isnord will be nearing a decision soon.
The hyper-athletic 6-foot-8 forward and Pompano Beach native has been heavily pursued by a number of prestigious prep basketball programs since graduating from Blanch Ely in June.
With big, soft hands and an electrifying above the rim game, the rim to rim four is an accurate depiction of a late bloomer. While he’s vertically explosive, he still lacks in the skill compartment.
Developing a tightened handle and a more polished back to the rim game, along with a fluid jumper would allow him to catapult up the rankings.
This is why programs such as West Oaks, Superior Collegiate, Scotland Campus Sports (PA), Red Devils Academy, Sunrise Christian (KS), Putnam Science (CT), and countless others have become viable hardwood destinations for Isnord.
“Right now I am just weighing my options and I will have a decision made come fall,” said Isnord, who rattled off Boston College, Virginia Tech, VCU, and Florida Gulf Coast University as the Division-1 programs actively pursuing him.
“At Blanche Ely I was fortunate to play alongside some great guards. Michael Forrest (now at FAU). Brandon Francois, he brought so much defensive energy and was really a dog out there on the floor. That’s my guy right there. He was always able to instill confidence me. He told me what I was capable of and he always lifted my spirits, telling me how good I can really be.”
With innate shot-blocking ability with both hands, a gazelle like fleet of foot which best aligns with the uptempo pace enforced at the high major level, and thunderous finishing aptitude, plenty of nationally reputable programs are vying for his services.
After playing under coach Kenny Gillion during the July AAU period, conventional wisdom indicated he would land at West Oaks.
Under Gillion’s 94 feet of gritty defensive pressure and guard-laden system, the Flame have been a highly lauded SIAA program known to churn out elite talent. Corey Sanders (Rutgers), Richardson Maitre (Florida Atlantic), Andres Feliz (Illinois), L.J. Figueroa (St. John’s), Sylvain “Frenchie” Francisco (overseas professional), are examples of decorated alum.
Current guards Tyrell Jones (2019) and AJ Neal (2021) are being inundated with a drawer load of offers.
It seemed like a no-brainer.
Currently, programs such as Sunrise Christian (KS) and Putnam Science (CT) appear to be front runners for Isnord, a native of the Bahamas.
“We’re pretty much exploring every option,” said Isnord, who wants to shed the label of “raw” and put an advanced offensive skill set behind the talent he already possesses.
Isnord said he prides himself on using his length, motor, unbridled energy, and proficiency around the rim. While he has evolved into a high percentage threat and a one dribble, attack the rim threat, Isnord said his focus is on becoming multi-positional offensively.
With the way today’s high major game puts a premium on hybrid forwards, stretch fours, and point forwards, incorporating a guard’s skill set would add value to Isnord.
FGCU coach Michael Fly, now in his first season after several years as an assistant, has done a commendable job recruiting Isnord.
A Leonard Hamilton disciple, Fly has mirrored the philosophy of FAU coach Dusty May in prioritizing top tier in state talent.
The 35-year-old head coach has been persistent with Ben Lubarsky of Benjamin High and Toumani Camara of Chaminade Madonna, a pair of high scoring lefties in the Class of 2019.