Recruiting Report: Goodnews Kpegeol (2018)
At 15th overall in our Class of 2018 rankings, North St. Paul guard Goodnews Kpegeol is absolutely one of the most talented senior prospects still available.
He was instrumental in the former coach Joey Janquart taking NSP from nothing to a state appearance, and now he’s the senior leader for new coach Damian Johnson — a successful player in his own right, having played for the Gophers, the D-League and international teams.
“I know that he doesn’t like to lose, and he will do everything in his power to make sure we win,” Goodnews said of Johnson. “He has a really high IQ and knows how to coach us to be successful.”
Just like how Goodnews has faith in coach Johnson, the feeling is mutual.
“I’m expecting Goodnews to show everyone that he is capable of playing high major D1 basketball,” Johnson told NHR. “He’s been working hard on becoming a consistent player, and I am expecting to see that consistency on display this season.”
Goodnews is a very intriguing prospect as a 6-foot-5 guard who often guards the other team’s tallest and/or best players.
“He has the skill set to be a matchup nightmare for most high school bigs and will be able to shoot over guards. We will utilize that and put Goodnews in positions to be successful depending on match-ups,” Johnson said.
After a good July with D1 MN 17U, college coaches from all levels took notice of Goodnews. He holds several junior college offers, and both he and coach Johnson expect Division Is to follow North St. Paul’s season and monitor the senior guard.
“I have offers from Mineral Area, Northeast Nebraska, Lake Region, Highland in Illinois and Panola in Texas,” Goodnews said. “I have some interest from four-year schools as well. Right now, I’m just focused on the season.”
Goodnews also noted that the preseason open gyms have been very competitive, and the team is going through a rigorous strength and conditioning program. North St. Paul’s season opens Dec. 2 against Chaska.