Prospect Watch: Kyle Bushman (2018)
Class of 2018 post player Kyle Bushman of Mt. Vernon has emerged as one of the top inside players in the Southwest Missouri region.
The 6’8″ Bushman has been an excellent shot blocker throughout his career, but now he has become an all-around offensive threat in his senior year. His progress has been noted as he has received offers from Nebraska Wesleyan and Fontbonne with increased interest from schools such as Missouri S&T and Baker University.
The college program that gets Bushman will be getting a player whose best basketball is well ahead of him. He is a late bloomer who is just starting to come into his own as a total player.
As a junior, Bushman averaged seven points and three blocks a game, but those scoring numbers have increased during his senior year as he has become more of a focal point of the offense. He had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a big 61-59 overtime victory over Lamar last week. Not only can he score in the post, but Bushman can step outside and knock down 3-pointers.
“My most improved aspect is my jump shot,” he said. “I put a lot of time into that during the offeseason and it has helped me a lot.” I really enjoy being a bigger part of the offense. It makes me feel like a leader on the team and it pushes me to help this team become even better.”
On the defensive end, Bushman is an imposing force with his combination of height, length and excellent timing do he does not commit fouls.
“The key to my shot blocking has been getting my timing down and to keep from chopping at the ball,” he said. “That has made me successful.”
As the postseason is almost at hand, Bushman’s main goal is to help the Mountaineers win a district championship. Mt. Vernon is the top seed at next week’s Class 3, District 12 tournament, which it is hosting. The Mountaineers were edged by rival Lamar in the championship game a year ago.
“My No. 1 goal this postseason is to take the district championship,” he said. “We came so close last year and after that, we just want to see what we can do.”
(Kyle Bushman #33 photo courtesy of SWMO Basketball)