Recruiting Report: Klajd Kiri (2019)
2019 big man Klajd Kiri is an old school type of player.
The 6’11”, 247-pounder enters his senior season at Gulf Coast. He says he saw improvements in his athleticism, post moves and overall IQ last year.
“I’m looking forward to this season,” Kiri told Prep Hoops. “We have a lot of chemistry and became better as a whole in all aspects of the game and I think we will go far in the playoffs.”
The Sharks finished 17-8 a season ago losing to Riverdale in the Class 8A-District 12 semifinals.
Kiri has played the last two travel periods with Florida Elite Southwest.
First-year Gulf Coast head coach Rob New says Kiri had a great summer and told me that Division I, Division II and NAIA schools have come to the gym to see his senior center play.
New pointed to Kiri’s motor and will to score.
“Two years from now, he’ll be very good,” New said. “Over the last three months, I’ve seen him put in the work. He wants it bad.”
Kiri pointed to his ability to run the floor, maneuverability inside the 3 point line, strength, finish and defensive presence as his biggest strengths.
He wants to become a more complete ball player by bettering his dribbling, shooting and overall athleticism.
Watching Kiri a few times this summer, it was evident that his foot speed is there for a bigger body. His length is hard to defend considering he uses the hook shot and floater often. Kari can also shoot the mid-range well. If he can continue to attack and gain speed and awareness in transition, then he’ll boost his stock plenty as a senior.
Photo credit: Hoop Seen