Prospect Spotlight: Kaleb Becker (2022)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a strong offseason running with Kansas Pray N Play, Abilene rising sophomore is gearing up for a big season with the Cowboys in 2019-20.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 6’4, Becker brings intensity, toughness and a big motor to the floor. Despite his size, he likes to operate on the perimeter and has taken his game from the post, where he primarily played as a youngster, to the outside.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have expanded my game and now I prefer playing on the wing,” he says. “But if I have a smaller guy on me I still love taking advantage of them on the block.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A year ago, Abilene had a senior heavy team with six seniors and went 18-4 overall, won their league title, and eventually fell to Augusta in the sub state finals. Becker served as the team’s sixth man and averaged just over eight points per game.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That loss was disappointing but we had a great year,” Becker said. “I played a role I hadn’t had a chance to play very often coming off the bench. That was a great experience for me learning from those guys (seniors).” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Becker says this year’s team at Abilene will have a different look but expectations remain hight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think we have an opportunity to be really good,” he said. “Our expectation is always to win our league and go to the state tournament so I don’t think that changes for us.  For me I know I’m going to have to play a bigger scoring roll. Coaches in our schedule will probably try to take me away.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So there may be nights my roll may be to distribute, defend, rebound and it may be hard to score. I’m willing to do that because we have a good group.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beckers says competing with Pray N Play and on the  Adidas Gold Gauntlet Series was an experience that helped his game grow.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We saw a ton of great competition, they really threw us in the deep end of the pool,” Becker said. “We played well but lost a lot of games by a possession or two. That was great lesson to learn you can’t take any possessions off.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Becker says he has spent the offseason working on expanding his shooting range to the 3-point arc.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have always been solid from 15-18 feet but I spent a lot of time improving my 3 point game working out to 22-24 feet,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Becker says his parents have had the biggest influence on his basketball career to date.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My parents have taken me all over the United States to play,” he said. “They have given a lot for my chance to play.  Coach Grill from Maize has also given me and my parents some great perspective when it comes to recruiting. I also have had a lot of coaches who have worked me out over the last several years. Coach Vince Williams, Jaray Matthews, Jamar Williams from Free state, Jason Perez, and Will Spradling have all helped my development along the way.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Some I have never played for. I’m just really thankful they have all taught me so much.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Becker says he has not heard directly from any coaches yet, but has attended several elite camps, including University of Northern Colorado, and University of Central Missouri, and the Prep Hoops top 250 in Kansas City.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There are a lot of good players out there,” he said. “I have to keep putting myself into positions for coaches to see my game. I’m looking forward to continuing the process.”</span></p>