by Jet915 » Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:01 pm
Got this from the Vandy board:
Personal friend of Jackson here...also an avid Tar Heel fan as my username suggests, but I think Kevin Stallings is a class act and I respect the hell outta Vandy so I figured I'd provide my insight. Anyways, he comes from a FANTASTIC family. His dad played at UK and knows the game, but is also a great guy. His mom is a class act, and honestly, while I'm extremely biased, he's the type of high-character kid that can really help bring a team together. He has a fantastic attitude and great work-ethic making him very coachable.
But, without further ado, here's the skinny on him.
First of all, throw all rankings aside because they don't illustrate how good he is. He's got a LOT of talent...great size and fantastic athleticism, as well as very soft hands. The sky is the limit, and with the right coach he could very well turn into a solid pro-player IMO. In addition, his shot is underrated. Pretty solid form, and he can knock down the three at 6'9. He would like to play the 3/4 slasher type in college...can post-up, but I think he's best when playing the 3 and facing up. Just my opinion though. He's also a magnet when it comes to the basketball...great nose at getting rebounds and loose balls.
While in high school, he got offered the opportunity to play at St. Patrick's in NJ and Huntington Prep among others, but turned them down because he wanted to stay home and build a state-championship caliber team in Lexington. He did just that as LHS was a solid team this year. Unfortunately, beyond him, they didn't have much so his 30 and 30 games, (coined the nickname Mr. Double-Double) didn't have much help. Basically...if needed, he can be the man..and when he gets to be a junior or senior, I see him doing big things.
Also, as somebody mentioned he didn't win KY Mr. Basketball. In Kentucky, that award is extremely political and dissociated with the KHSAA. If it were based on sheer numbers alone, he would have won it in a landslide. However, because of Quentin Snider going to Louisville and being a 5* recruit, it was inevitable.
As for recruiting...the six listed above are his final 6. Already visited Columbia and said he enjoyed it. I honestly wouldn't count them out...he's a REALLY bright kid and would do well at an Ivy League school, although, in the end I don't see him going there.
His remaining 3 OV's (don't quote me on this) should be Arizona State, Creighton, and probably Bama (this coming from him). The proximity to Vandy and Butler makes those two prime for unofficials, but I wouldn't read into this too much.
As for where he'll end up? Right now he's totally open. 247sports is projecting him 60% to Vandy and 40% to Butler but I'd say EVERYBODY is on even playing field right now. That said, he's grown up in UK country (while not a UK fan) so I'd say the opportunity to play in the SEC is an advantage to Vandy and Bama, specifically Vandy. This is mainly because of the opportunity to play in front of friends and family every year, and be in close proximity to Lexington if he decided to come down to Nashville.
I'm not gonna make any predictions right now...but when I find out more I'll be sure to share. I think he'd be a GREAT fit at Vandy and could definitely help lead the Commodores back to the tourney and in contention for the SEC title while he's here. He's got a ton of potential, and I am confident he could blossom into a future pro player.