A rapidly improving forward who’s made significant strides in just a short time, Kanye Perkins Kanye Perkins 6'7" | PF Middle Township | 2027 State NJ stands out for a unique blend of length, physical tools, and perimeter fluidity. Throughout both contests Saturday afternoon, Perkins demonstrated an ability to create off the bounce out of different actions and finish inside— impressing the most exploiting driving angles out of different DHO’s and attacking driving angles as a roller in different PnR actions while also showcasing he can put the ball on the deck to create for himself from the perimeter out of different face ups.

Perkins has steadily improved over the last several months and looks ready to put together a big senior season. The New Zealand native is increasingly comfortable operating from the perimeter, whether attacking off the dribble, pulling up in the mid-range or spacing the floor from three. The improvement in his jumper makes his overall profile much more versatile than it was even a few months ago. Perkins has the tools to fit the modern game and should be a name for low-major programs to track closely throughout the winter and spring.

Kanye Perkins Kanye Perkins 6'7" | PF Middle Township | 2027 State NJ possesses an intriguing physical profile, combining elite length with glaring fluidity at both his size and position. Perkins’ hints of fluidity and guard skills immediately popped— reflective of the moments where he was seen creating for himself off the bounce from out on the perimeter paired with comfortably stepping into open looks as a spot up shooter, with efficiency. All while simultaneously suppling plenty of two way value on the interior— finishing with his off hand in the low post, scoring out of his face up game in the post, providing impact as a vertical lob threat in the open floor, leveraging his length and vertical pop as a rim protector, and even winning battles on the boards with his physical tools.

An athletic and high motor forward who possesses some of the physical tools that directly translate to two way impact on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, Kanye Perkins Kanye Perkins 6'7" | PF Middle Township | 2027 State NJ strung together a number of strong moments that highlighted his ability to be an efficient interior finisher and a potent defensive anchor. Perkins excelled at taking advantage of opportunistic looks around the basket while also flashing his vertical finishing ability, finishing above the rim a few times. All while being equally as impactful on the defensive end of the floor altering and blocking shot attempts around the basket with timely anticipation and winning box outs to secure rebounds on the glass.

Perkins is an athletic post player who has great timing going up to alter shots and keep points off the scoreboard. He also converted a handful of high percentage chances inside. In good spots on the floor to collect turnovers and turn defense to offense. Perkins has a nose for finding rebounds. I like the way he runs the floor. Perkins also can make a highlight play at the rim in a blink of an eye. He tracks as as scholarship prospect.

Perkins showed flashes over the course of the year last year, his first in the U.S. after relocating from his native New Zealand, but looked bigger and better while showing an alluring skillset in his most extensive run yet during Middle’s summer opener. A modern forward with standout size and developing athleticism, he showed impressive inside-out ability offensively. He looks to be a natural shooter with a soft touch out to the arc, and while he’d clung to the perimeter a bit too much in the past, was effective on Saturday in using his size as an interior finisher and rim protector. Things are still coming together for him, but with high-level bloodlines in his favor and an enticing foundational skillset, the finished product could look quite interesting for Perkins down the line.