The First Five: MoKan Elite 17U
MoKan Elite 17U has earned the right to be called one of the nation’s premier AAU programs after winning Nike Peach Jam a year ago and starting the 2017 spring 8-0 on there EYBL circuit.
So what prospects do they have? Prep Hoops Kansas takes you through the roster and takes a look at what each player brings to the hardwood.
Israel Barnes (6’4 wing from Wichita Southeast): Barnes is among the state’s premier 2018 players and at last report had scholarship offers from Tulsa, Penn and Texas Tech. He has been solid this spring for MoKan Elite and capped the third EYBL session in Atlanta with a 23-point, 8 rebound performance against Portland BC on Sunday. He is a strong athlete capable of defending several positions at a high level and is at his best at the offensive end attacking the basket off the bounce.
Malik Hall (6’7 wing from Sunrise): A skilled wing with terrific size and a versatile skill set, Hall is among the premier 2019 prospects in Kansas. He currently holds several scholarship offers, including from Big 10 Iowa. Hall has showcased his all-around game this season for MoKan Elite, averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.
Cooper Kaifes (6’3 guard from Mill Valley): Although he has built a reputation as one of the state’s premier shooters, Kaifes brings terrific size and athleticism to the court at 6’3, 200-pounds. He can not only play off the ball and shoot off screens or catch-and-shoot situations, but is able to handle the ball and get MoKan in an offense as well. He most recently picked up offers from Missouri State and Drake and has drawn interest from Auburn, Bowling Green, Rice, Northern Iowa and several others.
Parker Braun (6’8 forward from Blue Valley Northwest): Braun was one of the biggest risers this past season at Blue Valley Northwest going from an unheralded player to a legit Division I prospect in the 2018 class in Kansas. He is long and rangy, is bouncy around the rim and battles in the paint defensively despite a slender frame. Offensively he is a good finisher around the basket but has shown the ability to step away from the basket and knock down perimeter shoots. Long term, Braun could develop into a stretch 4 as he has shown range to the 3-point line.
Jontay Porter (6’10 forward from Columbia): Reports are that there is a good chance Porter will reclassify and join his brother Michael at the University of Missouri as freshman this fall. He is among the premier big men in the country with a diverse and well-rounded skill set and a big, strong frame that translates well to the next level. He has been among the premier players in the EYBL this spring, putting up huge numbers. Through 12 games, Porter was averaging 18 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. He is a terrific 3-point shooter and leads MoKan with 24 3s and has shot 40 percent from behind the arc.