McKinney was the top ranked 2027 in Kansas before enrolling at Newport. He holds multiple D1 offers and at 6’11” will put the Wildcats in the mix to be the top team in Kentucky for the preseason. PH Kansas’ Adrian Maloney said the following: “At 6’11” with rare versatility, he’s a matchup nightmare—too skilled and fluid for traditional bigs to stay in front of, yet too strong and polished for smaller defenders to contain. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, protect the rim, and finish through contact makes him virtually unguardable. With a complete blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Ben isn’t just the top prospect of his class—he’s a generational talent in the making.” That’s some seriously high praise for the newest D1 player in Northern Kentucky.

McKinney, now reclassed to the 2028 class, has potential that trends through the roof when you pair his size and length with the way he moves. The spring has been good to him, as he’s competed against tough competition alongside strong players from both Missouri and Kansas. He’s playing with much more strength around the basket and has consistently been able to establish position on the interior. He’s added size and strength, allowing him to be more effective on both ends of the floor and hold up against different body types. Ben can finish over either shoulder and shows good touch around the basket. He’s also effective offensively at countering defensive coverages and reading where openings are developing. Defensively, he’s erasing shots and consistently closing out possessions with solid rebounding.

Ben McKinney Ben McKinney 6'11" | C/PF Newport | 2027 KY is a 6’10” big who makes a consistent impact on the defensive end with his size, length, and instincts around the rim. He excels as a rim protector, using his timing and verticality to alter shots and deter drives in the paint without fouling. On the glass, McKinney is a strong, physical rebounder who boxes out well and pursues the ball with purpose, giving his team extra possessions while limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents. His presence in the paint provides defensive stability and anchors the interior.

Played with great energy last night in limited minutes and ran the floor really well. He knows how to seal his man under the rim on a fast break and did the best job at establishing a post presence out of anyone so far on Day 1. Ben was also extremely active in defending the paint and the rim last night against Veritas. I counted 2 big blocks in under 10 minutes of play.

Ben McKinney Ben McKinney 6'11" | C/PF Newport | 2027 KY is a highly versatile player who can effectively impact the game from the inside out on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is equally comfortable scoring in the paint through physical play and touch as he is stretching the defense with his perimeter shooting and smart ball movement. Defensively, Ben’s adaptability allows him to guard multiple positions, protect the interior, and step out to contain shooters without sacrificing intensity or discipline. His well-rounded skill set, basketball IQ, and willingness to do whatever the team needs make him a reliable and valuable presence in any lineup.

Ben McKinney Ben McKinney 6'11" | C/PF Newport | 2027 KY is a versatile big man who impacts the game in multiple ways. He can stretch the floor with a reliable shooting touch, create pressure as a rim finisher who plays above the rim, and consistently convert around the basket. On the defensive end, he holds his ground, protects the paint, and competes with physicality and awareness. His blend of skill, athleticism, and defense makes him a complete and dependable presence in the frontcourt.

Ben has firmly established himself as the #1 center and overall player in the 2027 class, and his dominance is easy to understand. At 6’11” with rare versatility, he’s a matchup nightmare—too skilled and fluid for traditional bigs to stay in front of, yet too strong and polished for smaller defenders to contain. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, protect the rim, and finish through contact makes him virtually unguardable. With a complete blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Ben isn’t just the top prospect of his class—he’s a generational talent in the making.

Ben has emerged as the new No. 1 player in the state, and at roughly 6’10”, he’s as complete a prospect as they come. His skill set stretches across every part of the game—he can put the ball on the floor like a guard, knock down shots with confidence, and finish above the rim with ease. On the defensive end, his length and instincts allow him to disrupt plays, protect the paint, and guard multiple positions. With his rare blend of size, versatility, and two-way impact, Ben stands out as a dominant force and a matchup nightmare for anyone who lines up against him.

The in-state 2027 class is starting to really come into their own and see some guys breaking out. One of the more intriguing prospects in that class is Brebeuf Jesuit big man Ben McKinney Ben McKinney 6'11" | C/PF Newport | 2027 KY . At a legit 6-foot-10, McKinney as gotten stronger, more polished around the basket, and even flashes some burgeoning face-up ability than what we saw from him as a freshman and looks to be a guy that has unlimited potential. He will slide into a more important role for Bebeuf this year and will be exciting to watch what he can do. Watch him this week at Indianapolis Ritter on 11/27.