Recruiting Report: Joel Kabimba (2019)
Joel Kabimba, a 6-foot-8 forward from Middleburg Academy, stood out among some of the area’s top prospects this past weekend at the DMVElite 80. Kabimba is considered one of the top unsigned seniors in the DMV, and during a recent interview with Prep Hoops, he spoke in depth about his recruitment among other topics.
PH: For those who haven’t seen you play, how would you describe your game?
JK: “I like to get everybody involved. Because I can shoot. I work on that every day. But I also want to keep my teammates involved so they can stay confident. Other than that, I’m a hard worker.”
PH: What is the most underrated part of your game?
JK: “My shooting ability. Most people, when they see someone my size, they assume that I’m not a good shooter. My shot is one of my biggest strengths. Five years ago, I was a skinny guy. The only way I could make an impact was shooting. I’ve been working on other stuff, but I think shooting is one of my biggest strengths. When defenders see me with the ball, they back up. That’s an advantage for me.”
PH: How tall are you?
JK: “I’m 6’8.”
PH: Which schools would you say are recruiting you the hardest right now?
JK: “I would say James Madison. They already offered me. I also have an offer from Norfolk State. I also have interest from Georgetown.”
PH: What are your short and long term goals?
JK: “My long term goal is to play in the NBA. I want to be one of the best players. My short term goal is to get better every day. I want to improve my english, my grades, my body, and my mind. It’s a process. Every day.”
PH: What’s your role going to be like this year?
JK: “Leader. To lead the team.”
PH: What is the timetable looking like for your decision?
JK: “I’m not rushing. I want to take my time and weigh my options. To see which school is the best fit for me. I want to go somewhere where I can develop my skills. To get better in all aspects of the game. I just want to play basketball, and be one of the best players.”
Joel Kabimba is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top-25 prospect in his class. To view the full ranking of Virginia’s 2019 class, click here.