Recapping Kansas, Part I — The Summer's Biggest Movers and Risers

What a summer it was, watching talented players from around the state compete on different stages. Above all, there were a handful of names that made the biggest jumps. I'll dive into what helped fuel their rise and what it could mean for them as the recruiting landscape continues to unfold.    The newest member — and perhaps the face of the state of Kansas moving forward — Jaxson Davis has made it official. He will now call Kansas City, Kansas home and suit up for the upstart Monarch Academy. Davis is well known and highly publicized for good reason. He's a true lead guard who can do almost anything on the floor.   The summer provided plenty of flashes of just how good he is and how well-rounded his game has become. He's a tough cover because of how unpredictable he is with his left hand and the way he changes pace. Davis showed deep range throughout the summer and the ability to stretch the floor, whether operating out of ball screens or creating for others as a facilitator. He also has an abruptness to his game, whether it's pulling up quickly or creating separation in a flash to draw extra defenders and find scoring opportunities. Competing against some of the country's best on the EYBL stage, Davis continued to shine and dominate at times, showcasing impressive two-way toughness and competitiveness.   While his options at the next level continue to grow, Creighton, Michigan State, and Kentucky are among the recent high-major programs to get involved in his recruitment.     Just a monumental jump and growth for Deng this summer has seen his game reach new heights. While he's a player I've covered for quite a while now, it appears many others are just getting their first glimpses of Teke and everything he brings to the floor. A legitimate 6-foot-11 prospect with a plus wingspan, players with his natural ability only come around so often.   He saved his best basketball for the end of the summer, taking over games on both ends of the floor with thunderous throwdowns and blocked shots seemingly coming from everywhere. The way he controls the painted area is impressive, but his biggest growth has come in how he operates on the perimeter. He can facilitate, attack off the bounce, and even stretch the floor with timely shooting both off the catch and off the bounce. He has dominated RecruitLook competition over the past few months and continued to prove that he belongs at the Power Five level.   UNLV and Kansas State are the latest programs to offer, but there are many more continuing to reach out and could extend offers soon.     Walsh, another player I've covered at length throughout the spring and summer, has made some of the biggest waves over the past month. Embracing the role of both scorer and playmaker while navigating the Pro16 gauntlet, his ability to stay under control and find creases and openings almost makes the game look effortless.   He's scored the ball at a high rate this summer, perhaps the best stretch of scoring throughout his high school career, which in turn has forced college programs to take notice.   With a recent Division I offer from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, it will be interesting to see which other programs continue to reach out and when he ultimately makes his decision. Regardless, he's a name to continue monitoring this fall and into the winter months.     Kerrigan has always been a steady presence, but his growth this summer has taken his game to another level, especially with the confidence he's shown offensively. Known as a tough and rugged defender and rebounder, he has now added a versatile offensive package that continues to make him a more complete player. Whether he's consistently knocking down shots from the perimeter or attacking and slashing off the wing, he's showing a much more well-rounded offensive skill set.   One of the biggest improvements has been his ability to relocate and find space on the perimeter, creating more opportunities to let it fly or make the right read when defenses close out. Conor has also finished through contact at a high level over the last month and developed into more of a volume scorer overall.   His impact on the UAA Circuit throughout both the spring and summer has continued to raise his profile and grow his name among college programs. The offers continue to pour in for Kerrigan, and he firmly looks like a low- to mid-major prospect moving forward.     Barnes is another name set to headline Monarch Academy this winter out of Kansas City, Kansas. The rising forward carried his momentum from the spring into the summer, where he has continued to control spurts of intense play both offensively and defensively. Cameron's size and strength around the basket have fueled his success offensively and on the glass, where he consistently shows strong timing and instincts.   He has also continued to flash his versatility on the perimeter, developing as both a shooter and slasher in ways that project well at the next level. There's a lot to like about the skilled forward and his ability to remain dynamic.   Like many players on this list, he has no shortage of opportunities ahead. Keep a close eye on Barnes over the next few months to see which Power Five program is fortunate enough to land his commitment.

What a summer it was, watching talented players from around the state compete on different stages. Above all, there were a handful of names that made the biggest jumps. I'll dive into what helped fuel their rise and what it could mean for them as the recruiting landscape continues to unfold.