PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

“This offseason was a variety of different types of basketball workouts. Coach Chris Haynes had our Yankton Bucks doing workouts as a team and at basketball camps, while I had individual workouts with my parents and Coach Terrell Newton. Both of my parents played basketball at the college level, but the game has evolved a lot since back then, so it’s good to get different instruction and approaches. I worked on all the aspects of my game, focusing on ball handling and different scoring moves to get to the hoop and the midrange areas.“

PHD: What’s one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you’ve made the most progress?

“This offseason, I have taken more of a European approach, which is putting the focus more on skill development and fundamentals. I really worked on my ball handling and just getting to the hoop with different moves, especially with my left hand. Next spring and summer my focus will transition to AAU approach and I’ll play with Warwick’s top team.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“I am a multi-sport athlete. This fall I’m playing football and am the quarterback for the Yankton Bucks. In addition, I have fall baseball practices 1-2 times a week. But I make sure I’m in the gym a couple times a week working on my game. Our family has a gym, so I get in there when my schedule allows.“

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

“Basketball goals for this year include getting the Bucks back to the State Tournament. I want to be a leader and see my teammates love the game as much as I do.“

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

“The past couple of years and especially this summer, Coach Terrell Newton really helped me improve my game and has made a huge impact on me as a person. He worked with me to expand my skill set and helped me with getting comfortable with uncomfortable situations.“

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

“I don’t want to show the cards now, but this upcoming season I think the Yankton Bucks will be a team to look out for this year. My junior class has been playing basketball together for a long time and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.“

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

“My favorite player to watch is definitely Luka Dončić or Anthony Edwards. I really like to model my game off of how Luka plays and how he gets to his spots and I love how Anthony Edward always has confidence and wants the ball in tight moments.“

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

“In the last few seasons, I feel like my ability to get to the rim, and especially just having more confidence, have really came a long ways. I am always looking to improve these things.“

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that’s a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

“My parents are my #1 fans and are always pushing me to be the best version of myself, whether that’s on or off the court.“

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a “go-to” move you like to use?

“A go-to spot for me is anywhere on the three-point line and I really like getting into the midrange area with a dribble move.“

-Love his size for his position looks and plays bigger then listed 6’3

-Makes alot of tough contested shots

-Excellent finisher through contact at the rim

-Understands the game and finds the open spots on the offensive end of the floor

-Mismatch for most guards in the post

-Has a mature game with fake & moves, great handles, good w/ contact

-Very effective from 3-point land, moves well w/o ball

-Looks good posting up & getting crafty buckets

-Excellent crossover move to change direction, gain ground & beat D

-Impressive hesi-move, great at hitting/finishing/scoring over defense

-Appreciate how he uses his body to protect the ball & draw fouls

-A hand in his face is not a problem, must have great concentration

-Soft-touch shooter & finisher, great balance

Game Reported: 20

-17 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 51 FG%, 45 3FGM, 46 3FG%, 48 FTM, 66 FT%

-Breakout soph season, high percentage jump shooter, long guard w/ deep range

-Team record was not great, but Kudera is a legit baller

-Hits the triple w/ a capable shot, upside as a scorer

-Known as a tough competitor with potential

-Scored the rock at a solid clip in the 2nd half of the season

The Bucks’ record may not be where they want it right now, but Kudera continues to show he is a tough, reliable presence. He is a well-rounded player who brings versatility and defensive toughness every time he steps on the floor. On the offensive end, Jackson has been heating up, averaging 17.4 points per game over the last five contests. He is a capable three-point shooter with a smooth, confident stroke, and he rebounds exceptionally well for a 2 or 3 guard. Kudera impacts the game in multiple ways and remains a steady force for the Bucks.

-Impressive showing at the PH Soph Expo

-Adept passer, shooter, slasher, finisher

-Polished skills, unselfish, has a natural feel

Kudera turned heads at the Prep Hoops Soph ID Camp, showcasing a well-rounded and polished game. He moves with purpose, makes sharp cuts, and knows how to finish strong at the rim while also knocking down triples with confidence. He’s a good passer who keeps teammates involved, and in transition, he plays smoothly and efficiently. On defense, Jackson forces turnovers with his activity and awareness. Add in his quality ball skills and a jump shot that’s both accurate and reliable, and it’s clear Kudera is a Yankton baller to keep close tabs on.

#627

-Pretty backdoor cut & score at the cup

-Catch & shoot triple from deep left wing, fluid stroke

-Skip pass assist to Larson for a 1st half triple

-O-board, quick reverse lay-up putback score

-Physical baseline drive to start the 2nd half, 5-foot pull-up J for 2

-Made a sharp backdoor cut, nice to see that awareness

-Aggressive attacker to the rim/paint

-Middle drive, corner kick assist to Larson for a triple

-Long O-board, quick assist to Larson for a triple

-Transition finger-roll bucket to end the game

Great slasher

Nice shot from 3

Gets to the rim and finishes

Never ran out of energy – Hard worker

Showed take over ability late in the day