Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Kevin Kalu

The unsigned senior spotlight train continues and we move onto a 6-foot-9 center from Mt. Carmel in [player_tooltip player_id="837931" first="Kevin" last="Kalu"]. Kalu attended City College High School last season and showed progression in his overall game as he continues to become comfortable with his frame. This summer Kalu played with a talented Team Melo 16U squad who had some impressive showings down at The St. James. 

"My summer didn’t really go as planned," Kalu told Prep Hoops. "It was supposed to be a big summer for me especially coming off a good high school season. I was really ready to have a good summer, but with the pandemic I just had to make the best out of it."

Kalu made the move to Mt. Carmel and has been playing alongside two teammates from Team Melo in 2022 guards [player_tooltip player_id="904628" first="Deon" last="Perry"] and [player_tooltip player_id="904622" first="Tobi" last="Nnadozie"]. I had the chance to see this group in a fall league setting and the trio certainly have potential to make the Cougars a challenging opponent.

"I didn’t really have to adjust because I already have chemistry with those guys. It’s really fun playing with them because they get me the ball in the positions I like. I think they help me play better and make me look good," Kalu said.

Despite not having a summer that he planned on, Kalu still dedicated time to growing different aspect of his game. There were indication of this throughout the fall league session where he played a major role for the Cougars. 

"I definitely think I improved my jumpshot. Just getting more comfortable shooting the ball. Talking more on defense and I also think I’m becoming a better rebounder while also trying to get more blocks," said Kalu.

From what I gathered, Kalu is comfortable shooting from 15-to-18 feet. He isn’t at the point in his development where he can create his own shot off the dribble, but he’s a major roll threat following ball screens, so being able to switch up and drift within the mid-range off of those scenarios adds significant value. He dominated the glass in every game he played in. His wingspan and quick first jump allow him to pursue the ball at its peak and he’s a determined rim-runner throughout the course of a game.

Before this fall, Kalu was considered a shot disruptor, but not necessarily a shot-blocker. He displayed more aggression in making that a point of emphasis and has decent timing while going up for blocks. This is an area of his game I believe will improve as he matures and becomes even more explosive.

Recruiting wise, Kalu holds no current offers but has a few Division I programs that are starting to show more interest as time goes on. VMI has been the most consistent while Air Force, Marist, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and USC Upstate have all reached out. Kalu remains open an eager for a program to offer and give him an opportunity to prove himself at the Division I level.

https://twitter.com/n0limitkev/status/1347416585967906816?s=20