Cole Kelly Talks Monster Sophomore Season, Spring, Recruitment

The best player in the gym at Chi-Town Tip Off wasn't up for debate as it was clearly Neuqua Valley 2028 small forward Cole Kelly Cole Kelly 6'6" | SF Neuqua Valley | 2028 State #33 Nation IL who was running with Breakaway 17U.  What stood out the most about Kelly was how many different areas he impacts the game.  Skilled lefty small forward was one of the best passers I saw all weekend.  At his size he has such an elite feel for the game seeing over the defense.  Consistently grabbed defensive rebounds pushing off the break throwing long outlets for dimes.  Also has that same passing instinct in the half court set.  Always under control with the ball in his hands creating and playmaking.  As a scorer he bombed in threes, got downhill with his strength, and can post up.  Legit three level scorer that can get a bucket pretty much whenever he wants with his footwork and bag of moves.  Elite high-major player.  We chatted with Kelly about his sophomore campaign leading his team to one of the best seasons in school history.

“It was something special for sure going 32-2.  It was something that has never been done.  I know next season the competition only rises.  For me some accolades came through, but the jump I made from my freshman year to sophomore year was amazing.”

Next year there will be no sneaking up on anyone as they could very well be preseason #1 in the state with he and Mason Martin Mason Martin 6'4" | SG Neuqua Valley | 2027 State #192 Nation IL leading the way.  They are ready for the challenge.

“It is how you want to play basketball.  You want everyone's best shot.  I don't want anyone to over look us as a team.  I think it is the best thing for us being known as one of the best teams in the state of Illinois.”

How is it going so far this spring with Breakaway ?

“It is going good so far.  Throughout the circuit it is high level guys across the whole country.  I saw it last year at the 17U level and my teammates saw it at the 16U level.  It is going to be super fun to see how we can compete.”

He talked about the areas of his game he has seen the most growth over the last year.

“I think being able to create my own shot and handle the ball.  Coming off screens and read them.  I have big men that can set them and playing off them making the right read.”

We dove into recruiting with the standout 2028 wing who knows his recruitment will continue to tick up after June 15 when coaches can directly contact him, but he already has an impressive offer list.

“Northwestern, Illinois, St. Louis, DePaul, Drake, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Creighton.”

He has one visit scheduled and took three during the season.

“I am going to Purdue on April 29.  I went to Illinois, Mizzou, and Iowa in the fall.”

Kelly broke down each of those four programs.

Illinois

“They are a good team obviously making the final four this year.  They get a lot of threes up and play a good style of basketball there.”

Mizzou

“They are in the SEC which is a different beast.  I really like Coach Gates and how he runs his program over there.”

Iowa

“I saw them in October and to see the success they had with Ben McCollum and Bennett Stirtz and the guys that came from Drake goes to show you that a good coach and good players around him can do a lot.”

Purdue

“A winning program that wins a lot.  I love the way they play and Coach Painter.  They play a lot of Breakaway basketball so it definitely something I am looking into.”

Does he want to decide sooner like his teammate did committing early in his junior season or would he like to see the process out more?

“I think I am going to let it play out.  That is the best thing for me.  Mason (Martin) that was his dream school and he knew he couldn't turn it down.  I am proud of him.  I am taking it slow and enjoying it.”