Interview: Anthony Finkley – 2023 K-Low Elite / West Catholic
Anthony Finkley of K-Low Elite & West Catholic. Last winter Anthony Finkley debuted on the Philadelphia high school hoops scene for West Catholic as a 6’6”, versatile role player with guard skills who can also shoot the three-ball a little…
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Continue ReadingLast winter Anthony Finkley debuted on the Philadelphia high school hoops scene for West Catholic as a 6’6”, versatile role player with guard skills who can also shoot the three-ball a little bit.
This summer Finkley took his game to another level. In July balling for K-Low Elite on the grassroots circuit, Finkley proved that he can excel in a hybrid point-forward role. He displayed good handles, excellent court vision / passing skills and the ability to drain the three more consistently. As a bonus to all those perimeter skills, Finkley proved he is no slouch on the interior. His length and solid footwork allowed him to score from either block with ease.
Then in August, Finkley tore it up at the Hoop Group Elite Camp and gained a national rep for himself. His high level play in July and August resulted in an offer from Billy Lange at Saint Joe’s. Needless to say it was a hell of a summer for Finkley.
Recently I jumped on the phone to catch up with the elite 2023 prospect the kids refer to as “Antman” and let me tell you something — he is ready for a big sophomore season at West Catholic.
Prep Hoops: Back in August you outstanding effort at the Hoop Group Elite Camp served as your national breakout. What was clicking for you at that event?
Finkley: I was under the radar in middle school and then I got to West Catholic and that’s when I wanted to put myself on the map and started taking basketball serious. It was perfect timing to get my name out there. My play making and scoring were clicking. Honestly I felt like all elements of my game were “on” at that camp.
Prep Hoops: What was your reaction to the hype that week generated for you?
Finkley: I felt like a lot of hard work finally paid off.
Prep Hoops: You just participated in the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp. How did that 2-day event play out for you?
Finkley: It went well. I made the Top 60 game. I played well and really thought I was a leader on the court. I was defending well and played really hard.
Prep Hoops: You played with K-Low Elite this summer. What’s it like to play for one of the premiere AAU programs in Philly area?
Finkley: It’s the best and most fun AAU team I have played on. I played with my friends and my high school coach (Coach Bocachica). Plus I actually got better. I got be a leader and I have never been in that position before. It’s great. I love coach Lonnie and all the rest. They are different from everyone else. They get the best out of you by pushing you to work hard. They make you a dog.
Prep Hoops: I know you received an offer from Saint Joe’s, what was your reaction to getting that first DI offer?
Finkley: I was in shock and I was excited, but also like, ‘Let’s go get more’. I believe more are to come.
Prep Hoops: You own solid handles for a 6’6” guy and have the ability to run as a point-forward. Were you a guard as a youngster?
Finkley: I really wouldn’t say that as I played all over. My handles come from working out with a ball handling trainer every day after school. We used to live across the street from a recreation center and we would meet there every day.
Prep Hoops: A number of scouts and coaches label you as a point-forward. How do you like that description?
Finkley: I absolutely love it. It means there are no limits to my game and I can do everything.
Prep Hoops: One coach / trainer described as a throwback to Antoine Walker in his Boston Celtic days. Have you searched him up on YouTube to see what folks are talking about?
Finkley: No. I have no idea who he is. (Sorry ‘Toine)
Prep Hoops: You had a solid freshman season at West Catholic. Tell me how you think last season went personally.
Finkley: Last season, to be honest, there were ups and downs. I really had to work for my spot, but I like that. It pulled something out of me that I didn’t know I had inside. Coach really held me accountable, especially on defense. I started getting better towards the middle of the season. I made the right plays for a freshman and contributed where ever I could.
Prep Hoops: How did you use the down time during the Covid-19 basketball hiatus to improve yourself?
Finkley: I worked out every day at a local park. I ran laps and worked on everything – offense and defense. I really worked on shooting. I am trying to be a more consistent shooter because doing that will open up the game for me.
Prep Hoops: In interviewing a number of high school players during this pandemic, I have found that almost all of them are watching film. Are you watching film?
Finkley: I watched some online. I like to watch Naz Reid video. He went to Roselle Catholic (NJ) and now plays for the Timberwolves (Minnesota). My friends say that’s who I play like. He’s 6’9” can dribble, shoot and do everything.
Prep Hoops: I know you have been hitting the Difference Maker Elite Runs over in Cherry Hill, NJ. Tell me a little about your experience with Julian Dunkley and those runs?
Finkley: It’s been great over there. Those type of events show me the holes in my game and what I need to work on. I look to score more and test my jump shot at those runs. The competition is real good and you get to play against high level players like Shawn Simmons (Friends Central – 2023).
Prep Hoops: How would you describe yourself as a baller?
Finkley: A one of a kind playmaker. I love to win and I do whatever it takes to win. I am leader, a hard worker, someone who is accountable.
Prep Hoops: Who has been biggest influence in your young basketball life?
Finkley: My uncle, Brian Samuels went to Simon Gratz during the Rasheed Wallace era and then went to Rutgers for one year. He’s been through everything I am trying to do.
Prep Hoops: How do you handle the spotlight that comes with being one of the top 10th graders in the Delaware Valley?
Finkley: I am not paying any mind to it. I am just dialed in on working hard. Stuff comes along with it – like hatred. But I just ignore all the haters and just work. There’s definitely love that comes with it as well. So I will take a little bit of that from people and use it as motivation.
Prep Hoops: What are your expectations for this year at West Catholic?
Finkley: I think this will be the biggest season yet for me. I have improved over last year and I changed my body and I think I will have a bigger role. I have very high expectations for this season. I believe we can win the Catholic League. With Ryan Edwards Ryan Edwards 5'10" | SG Norwin | 2023 State PA (5’9” / Sophomore / Point Guard / transfer from Boys’ Latin) and Kaheim Roach (6’6” / Senior / Forward / transfer from Woodbridge HS in Delaware), plus myself we have the talent. If we don’t win it all (PCL), I still think we are Palestra worthy.
Thanks to Anthony for his time and best of luck this coming season at West Catholic.