Recruiting Report: Marc Kjos (2018)
Marc Kjos might fly under the radar because of where he plays. Make no mistake though, there’s a lot to like about his game.
Kjos, a point guard from Lake City who plays AAU with the Southeast Minnesota Lightning is one of the top shooters in the 2018 class. He’s also emerging as one of the better point guards in the state.
Making the transition from shooting guard to point guard can be difficult for a lot of players. Kjos has made it look easy thus far as he’s spending time as the primary point guard for his AAU club. That’s a role he’s going to have to play for Lake City and at the college level. He’s shown he’s a quick learner.
“I’ve been trying to distribute the ball more this spring,” said Kjos. “Been trying to do that in the AAU season and knock down shots when I need to. We have a bunch of good players so I can focus on that part of my game. Set more guys up. I’ll be doing that more this upcoming season with Mitch [Marien] gone.”
Kjos isn’t the tallest or most athletic player but he makes up for it with strength, great anticipation and the ability to change speeds to get where he wants on the floor.
His court vision is excellent and his handles have always been strong.
Kjos is also an elite 3-point shooter with range out to a typical volleyball line on the court. His shot is compact and quick and it is a weapon for him in that it forces defenders to play much further out on the floor than they are used to.
“I can shoot the ball and I think my distributing has improved a lot,” said Kjos. “I’d like to develop my mid-range game more. Turning the corner in ball screens and getting a pull up jumper or a floater into my game would open a lot of things up.”
SE Minnesota Lightning has had an up-and-down season to this point given so many guys are multi-sport athletes and in and out of the lineup but when the team is playing well, Kjos is a catalyst.
Kjos said he’s hearing from UMAC and MIAC schools in particular about playing at the next level.
“I’ve heard from a lot of the UMAC and MIAC schools,” said Kjos. “St. Johns, Morris, St. Olaf, Gustavus, Waldorf and Jamestown have been in touch with me the most. I’m hoping to set up some more visits and draw some more interest the rest of the summer.”