Recruiting Report: Tyler Kelley (2018)
With some great size that pairs with an athletic but physical style of play, West Delaware’s 6-foot-5 wing, Tyler Kelley, could be flying a bit under the radar right now.
The Iowa Mavericks small forward does have some NAIA and Division III interest starting to trickle in, but could likely see some Division II looks by summer’s end.
“I visited Briar Cliff and talked to their coach. I’ve also received letters from Grand View, Simpson, Coe College, Augustana (IL),” said Kelley.
“NAIA seems like a good fit, I’m more of a small college guy, I like the small campuses. Also I’m attending Upper Iowa’s elite cap coming up, and they’ll take a look at me. If I can get up to D2 as high as I can, that’d be awesome.”
His size and physicality alone will make him intriguing to D2 coaches that see him later this spring and summer. But he’s got an increasingly developed skill-set to pair with those tangibles.
“I’m a big wing, and I think I’m a pretty physical wing for my size. I think I’m best at taking to the rack, but last summer I developed my pull-up game and my 3-point game a little but more. I feel like I’m a three-way player who’s able to take it to the hoop, hit the pull-up and the three,” said Kelley.
“I’m definitely working on my ball-handling and also on my 3-point shot, I want to jump a little higher on it — so I’m looking to improve my jump-shot all together.”
As a junior, Kelley helped lead West Delaware to the 3A state tournament while averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and just north of one block per game.
“I thought I played pretty well. I sprained my ankle in a game and then I wasn’t as versatile after that because I had to tape it all the time,” said Kelley. “Next season I hope to be one of the leading scorers on our team, and make a run to the state tournament again.”
After playing with the Martin Brothers in year’s past, Kelley decided to make the switch to Iowa Mavs for his 17U season.
“Our team is really good, and I’m excited with the guys we have,” said Kelley. “I just want to see a spike in my recruitment. And since I switched teams I’ve been playing a lot more, so I feel like more coaches will see me.”