Prospect Intro: Josh McGuire (2021)
Sophomore big man Josh McGuire is looking ahead to a big Sophomore season and a much larger role on his Knott County Central team. As a freshman, McGuire was a backup for the Patriots and appeared in 31 games while averaging 5 point and 4 rebounds per contest. Knott lost several seniors to graduation and McGuire will be one of the most experienced players on the KCC roster. Josh is looking for a big year and I recently caught up with him to discuss his game and his goals for the year ahead.
PHKY: Describe your game for people who may never have seen you play. What are your strengths? What do you need to improve?
JM: I’m a 6 foot 6 inch versatile Power Forward/Center. Offensively, I’m capable of scoring in the paint and bringing my game off the block to shoot the jumper. I can also shoot the 3 ball. I have always been big, so my coaches got used to playing me as center, but I am working hard to improve my game and show that I can be a threat off the block. Defensively, I would like to get quicker and have been working with a trainer to achieve that. I would also like to improve my footwork and execute my post moves quicker. I am a solid rebounder and can block shots when I get myself in good defensive position to do so.
PHKY: Reflect on your high school season. Were you happy with your individual performance? Were you happy with your team results?
JM: I am happy with my freshman season as a Knott Central Patriot. Our team went 27-7, 14th Region All-A Champions and advanced to the final four of the All-A State Tournament. My biggest regret was falling short in the 14th regional tournament. We were Runners-up and missed our chance at competing in the Sweet 16. I was 6th man coming off the bench and played in every varsity game but two due to an ankle sprain. I averaged 6 points, 5 boards coming off the bench and I hope that by becoming stronger and quicker, I can contribute to the team even more next season as a starter. I was one of the leading scorers and rebounders on JV.
PHKY: Who are you playing AAU with? How is your season going so far?
JM: I am currently playing AAU with (Kentucky Express) for Matt’s Mustangs 15U team. We have had a successful run so far this year, winning 3 tournaments; Gatorade Championship, HoopGroup Louisville JamFest Champions and Battle of the Borders Champions. I play with an extremely talented, unselfish group of guys and we play well together.
PHKY: What schools are recruiting you? Any offers? If you have offers, do you have a leader right now?
JM: I haven’t had any official offers but I did participate in the High School All-American Showcase in Lexington this year and was approached by the Head Coach for Kentucky Christian University after he watched a 5 on 5 scrimmage. He thought I was older, a junior, and after I told him I was a freshman, he gave me his card and told me to keep in touch which was pretty cool. I was also invited to the Elite Invitation Only Summer Camp for the top performers in their spring showcases.
PHKY: What can you take from your AAU season and apply to your next high school season?
JM: Coach Henry Parker has really encouraged me to come off the block and work on my outside game, giving me the green light to shoot outside and drive the ball instead of just posting all the time. I appreciate the confidence he has shown in me and it makes me want to work harder. I hope to apply that versatility to my HS game and be able to contribute and help my team more. Playing against opponents who are my size and bigger makes me a better player. The quickness and physical component of AAU basketball really helps prepare you for the pace of HS basketball.
PHKY: What are your goals for your next high school season?
JM: My goals for next season are to become a varsity starter and really show my versatility. I want to combine my outside shooting with my post play, and be a threat everywhere on the floor. I hope to become stronger and quicker on defense and help my team in all ways possible. We are hungry for a chance to compete in the Sweet 16 and show the naysayers that the Mountain teams are capable of winning once they make it there.
Heading into his Sophomore campaign, Josh has an opportunity to be an impact player for one of the top high school programs in the mountains. McGuire is on track to score over 1,000 points and pull down over 1,000 career rebounds by the time he graduates. What will determine his ceiling as a prospect is whether he can grow another 2-3 inches or if he can develop the wing skills needed to play and guard the wing. As it stands, Josh will make an excellent small college post player but it’s early and his ceiling is high as a prospect. Josh McGuire is definitely a name to know in the 2021 class.