Recruiting Report: Justin Ahrens (2018)

There’s a 6’5” lefty from Versailles who has been causing a ruckus on the grassroots scene lately: <strong>Justin Ahrens</strong> (2018), a shooting guard with King James AAU. “I’ve been playing really well in AAU lately … Ohio State is starting to jump on the recruiting list now. And Purdue called and wants me to take another visit, same with Butler … Oakland, they’re starting to show a lot more interest, I’ve been in touch with coach Coach Drew [Valentine] a lot. Stony Brook offered a couple weeks ago,” Ahrens said. Prep Hoops was able to catch up with Ahrens fresh off of being named MVP of the All-Ohio Super 16. The growth this summer has been tremendous. If his game continues to trend at the same rate, the options for Ahrens will likely be consist of a variety of major programs in the Midwest So what is Ahrens looking for in a college program? “I’m looking for a coach that will push me to be the best I can be, and try to get me moved to the next level,” Ahrens said. “I know I have potential and I know it’s up to me to be great … I just want it to be right fit where I go. To feel like a family, to feel like home.” Ahrens, the younger brother of Michigan State shooting guard Kyle Ahrens, told Prep Hoops that he was impressed with the environment at Butler and Michigan. Additionally, he’s excited for his second visit to Purdue in June. He also showed gratitude to Stony Brook, which is the only team who has offered thus far. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4972448/highlights/327921456" target="_blank" rel="attachment wp-att-65987 noopener"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-65987" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/05/Screen-Shot-2016-05-25-at-7.05.44-PM-300x153.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-05-25 at 7.05.44 PM" width="500" height="255" /></a> Ahrens moves swiftly around the court — continually looking for a crack of open space in the defense, so he can stroke a jump shot. If that spot doesn’t exist, he has the ability to rise over defenders for the emphatic finish. “I’ve been shooting the ball really well and getting out in transition, dunking the ball. Dunking on people,” Ahrens said. “I would put myself up there [with the best players in Ohio], not to sound selfish, but with the way I’ve been playing lately …  I take pride in my defense too, always communicating on defense. Being a general on the floor, leading the team. And I’m very versatile too, still growing so who knows,” Ahrens said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW9hhjRxzlQ Ahrens told Prep Hoops that he has recently been receiving comparisons to a recent Ohio high school basketball star. “I’ve been getting a lot of Luke Kennard comparisons lately … I really like it. It’s a lot of hype but I’m trying to live up to it,” Ahrens said. Kennard was the 2015 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year at Franklin High School, and is entering his sophomore season at Duke University. When you compare the highlights of Ahrens and Kennard, it is difficult to deny the similarities between the two. High compliment for Ahrens, and one he is obviously embracing.