Prospect Spotlight: KJ Crump (2021)
Freshman point guard KJ Crump stands out amongst his peers even though he’s often the shortest player on the court. KJ stands about 5’9″ but the way he controls the pace of the game is reminiscent of Chris Paul. Crump is a pure point guard who knows how to run a team. He also knows how to create space to get his shot off over bigger defenders. Time will tell if KJ will continue to grow but if he can just become a more consistent shot maker from behind the 3 point line, he should be a low major Division 1 point guard at worst by the time he graduates University Heights Academy. I recently caught up with KJ to discuss his upcoming freshman season and what his expectations are for his recruitment moving forward.
PHKY: Recap your AAU season. Who did you play for and how did it go?
KJ: I originally played for WACH/YRB Elite and that went great. I felt like I had a good season but then I played a couple tournaments with Team Manimal and I feel like that’s a better fit. So I’ll be playing with them next summer.
PHKY: You’ve already got varsity experience. How does that help you as you look to be a varsity starter as a freshman?
KJ: Getting varsity experience last year helped me see how high school basketball was played and how the tempo of the game changes a lot. Now that I already know how high school basketball is and how fast the game is, I think it’ll be easier for me to focus on being a better point guard, communicating with my teammates, and scoring the basketball.
PHKY: You’ve grown up going against Tray Hollowell and KyKy Tandy in practice. What have you learned from those guys?
KJ Crump. Photo Courtesy of KY Prep ReportKJ: Practicing with one of the best players in their class helped me learn how to be more of a floor general and communicate with my teammates. They also taught me to always work hard because there is always someone that thinks they’re working harder.
PHKY: You’re already getting college letters. Are you surprised to get attention so early in your college career?
KJ: Yes but no, I feel like I’ve worked very hard to get them. But I feel like it’s a blessing to receive these letters from colleges already and I just continue to thank God and work harder every day.
PHKY: What are your goals for yourself for this season?
KJ: I want to average 15 points 6 assist and 4 steals and become a all district and region player
PHKY: What are your goals for your team for this season?
KJ: I would like to go undefeated this year. Win all A, district, regional, and make it to rupp.
PHKY: You’re ranked as the #3 player in the state of Kentucky in the 2021 class. Do you think that puts a bullseye on your back? Do you like when people are trying to make their name by going against you?
KJ: Yes but it doesn’t really bother me, I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder because I still have things to prove myself. I like the challenges, when people challenge me it only motivates me to prove that I’m one of the best players in the country. But now that I’ve lost my brother (Hopkinsville Freshman) EJ Austin, it puts a bigger chip on my shoulder. I feel like I’ve got to work even harder for not only for me and my family but for EJ.
EJ Austin was tragically killed this fall. KJ playing for his memory is not surprising as the young man shows the maturity and poise that most 14/15 year old young men aren’t yet capable of. And I think that generally summarizes how KJ Crump plays the game of basketball. As a point guard, Crump displays the maturity and poise of players much older and more established than most his age. As his game develops over the next 4 seasons, we should look forward to continuing to follow his growth and I am especially excited to see just how good KJ can become.