The big man is hard to miss when he walks into a gun as McKinney was the tallest prospect at the event. New to Kentucky, McKinney will make a splash in the 2027 rankings near the top when they are updated next to add him as he’ll be playing this winter for a Newport squad that’s now stacked with talent. McKinney was living above the rim with countless dunks in the paint with some powerful two-handed jams. McKinney also set strong screens and got a lot of offensive rebounds for his team to get extra shots at the rim. I also liked that McKinney was patient with his back to the basket and found open shooters when the defense sent two or sometimes even three defenders at him. One of the most talented players in Kentucky’s 2027 class, McKinney has lots of Division I interest already.

Sunday was my first opportunity to see McKinney since he transferred into Newport. I left impressed with the big fella. Not only is Ben a polished scorer in the low block area but he also is a big time communicator on the defensive end. That’s the sort of stuff that you love to see out of a young player. He’ll be a top 5-7 player in the 2027 rankings the next time we update them. Maybe even higher than that.

Of all the prospects that’ll be at the KY Expo, I might be most excited to get my first look at Ben. Originally from Indiana, he joins the KY hoop scene after completing the 25-26′ season with Sunrise Christian Academy, the top prep school in Kansas. He made the jump from the class of 2027 to the class of 2028 earlier this year. Watching him alongside that of Griffin Starks Griffin Starks 6'8" | PF Newport | 2027 State KY and Jayden Wilkins Jayden Wilkins 6'1" | CG Newport | 2027 State KY this upcoming season will surely be a treat but until then, expect him to be the biggest mismatch of the weekend.

Staying in Newport, McKinney just arrived in NKY recently. Formerly the top 2027 player in Kansas, Ben has offers from multiple D1 schools. With the sheer talent that the Wildcats have this season, expect coaches to be rolling into the gym at Newport early and often.

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 Sunrise Christian Academy | 2028 KS 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 Sunrise Christian Academy | 2028 KS 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 Sunrise Christian Academy | 2028 KS 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.