Recruiting report: Michael Peake (2020)
Blue Valley Northwest 2020 forward Michael Peake is largely an unknown in Kansas’ basketball circles, but that is about to change in a big way.
A transfer from Kansas City Southeast, Peake is coming off a big summer running with MoKan Elite 16U squad and has started to draw attention from college coaches as he currently holds an offer from Detroit Mercy and Denver.
At 6’7, Peake brings a well-rounded skill set to the floor with the ability to create a little off the bounce, get to the basket and finish above the rim. He is a versatile defender who can guard big men or switch out and defend on the perimeter, and he has an emerging outside jumper.
“I am a big body with the ability to guard any positiom,” Peake says. “I can shoot, post up, dribble and my effort on the court to do the little things that matter.”
Peake says he gained valuable experience competing for MoKan Elite and says he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
“Playing for Mokan was more than expected,” he says. “I adapted teammate skills as in being a better teammate, Leadership skills, behavior skills, A lot more than expected. it had prepared me for this season by keeping me in shape and showing me the highest level I can play at for my high school team.”
With the addition of Peake and Markell Hood, Blue Valley Northwest figures to be a force this season with Kansas recruit Christian Braun, 2021 wing Jack Chapman and others in the mix.
“We have the chance to be a great force with one another,” Peake said. “We all are focused on winning, no personal stats, (just) one word — win.”
Peake says his coaches mom and close friends and family have had the biggest impact on his high school career to date.
“Seeing where I came from has an impact on where I am now,” Peake says. “My people push me to be my best in whatever I do — school, basketball, self being. I want the best so I can change people aspects of just because you start with nothing doesn’t mean you’ll end with nothing. Gotta work.”
A fan of Kevin Durant and LeBron James,, Peake says he has been able to take a lot away from watching both players.
“I like watching KD’s game because he can do everything on the court and LeBron because his effort he puts into his craft is unbelievable and he pushes through whatever is in his path,” Peake said. “I take those attributes and try to add them in little by little to my game.”
In addition to offers from Detroit and Denver, Peake says he has heard from Creighton, Ohio State, North Dakota, Utah State and Iowa State.
“I’m open minded to all colleges I will be until I have to decide what’s best for me educational wise and sports wise,” he says.