Recruiting Report: Skylar Kooyenga
Big man Skylar Kooyenga has great size at 6’9” with a strong frame and length that plays well on the defensive end. He flashed his potential back in the fall on the camp circuit and was primed for a breakout junior year. At Warren his coach barely played him for some reason. It was a frustrating year for the post. Next year he will be transferring to Woodstock Academy in Connecticut to play prep ball. He will have the option to be a 2018 or 2019 prospect there along with being able to develop his game. He is a strong presence inside that rebounds well and is best getting on the offensive glass for put backs. Does a nice job on the defensive end altering shots while not getting fouls called on him. Also has a mid-range jumper. Should be monitored by low-major schools.
It has been a fun experience this spring playing major minutes on an athletic Young & Reckless 16U squad.
“So far it has been really good. We have won a lot. I feel a lot more at home here. The guys are nice to me and we play well together. I think I played solid this spring. Could have been better, but a lot worse too.”
Where has he seen the improvements in his game?
“I think I am getting better when I catch in the post at just going and not spending as much time thinking and trying to pass instead going to try to get a bucket.”
When his offensive game is rolling what is he best at?
“I am best at shooting from the mid-range and playing off that. Pump faking once my shot is falling and getting to the hole.”
After a year where the talented big man hardly saw the floor he has decided to transfer out of state to a prep school in the Northeast. He walked us through the decision.
“I am going to be going to prep school next year in Connecticut at Woodstock Academy. I haven’t made a full decision if I am going to reclassify or not. The coach there is cool with it if I want to reclassify. He wants to do what is best for me. It was really just a lot of negativity at Warren and finding out this is a really good opportunity for me to get scholarships.”
He says that Ohio University is a program showing quite a bit of interest in him.
“I don’t know a lot. I was talking to one of their assistant coaches. They want me to come down for a visit. I have been checking out the school online and it seems like a pretty solid place. I am going to go check it out.”