Kuqo, a forward out of the Newman School in Massachusetts, burst onto the scene this summer while playing for the Middlesex Magic and continued to show out at the showcase. At 6’10”, he has a big frame which allows him to take over games around the rim. He can operate as a roller or pop guy out of screens, shows soft touch on his shot, and has a variety of finishing moves around the rim. On the other end, he delivers timely outlet passes off of his rebounds, knows how to play angles when defending screens, and can really mix it up on the glass.

The thought with Kuqo moving into the area was that he could end up one of the better 2028s- but the early returns have surpassed expectation. A skilled big man who is at his best scoring out of the low post, an improved three point shot has made him even harder to guard. His complete offensive skillset thanks to his passing. As he gets stronger and more assertive defensively, he could end up one of the top bigs in the class nationally.

Kugo, a rising junior at the Newman School in Massachusetts, has already made a name for himself in New England while playing at a high level this spring with the Middlesex Magic. The 6’10” forward has a bit of a throwback game as a back to the basket scorer, but also shows the ability to step out and hit catch and shoot jumpers from the perimeter. He does a nice job of passing out of double teams, finishes with authority around the rim, and is able to find soft spots as a roller out of screens. Defensively, he uses his strength to his advantage as a rebounder, makes things difficult for opposing forwards in the paint, and offers some rim protection when coming from the help side. He’s another 2028 that should have a busy phone at the conclusion of this weekend.

A highly effective big with a unique skillset who’s really grown into his own over the last several months, Luka Kuqo Luka Kuqo 6'10" | PF Newman School | 2028 State New E should provide a tremendous impact on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor, leveraging his size and length to be a strong interior paint presence. Kuqo not only thrives as an insider finisher— sprinting the floor in transition for above the rim finishes, or working effectively from the dunker spot, all while also providing an ability to space the floor as an outside shooter. A strong defensive anchor, Kuqo is also just as impactful manning the paint— showing strong anticipation skills as a shot blocker, disrupting attempts at the rim while also rebounding effectively

Even as times have changed, big men are still incredibly important to the structure of a successful team. It’s widely known that players with size develop slower than their peers but Luka already has the clear makings of a high-major prospect. At 6-foot-9 with mobility and long arms, Luka possesses a very enticing array of physical tools. He moves extremely well for his size and already appears comfortable switching onto smaller guards in space. However, most of Luka value comes around the basket. He’s a tremendous rebounder with the length, strength, and positioning to legitimately dominate the glass on both ends of the floor. Even when he’s unable to secure the ball, he seems to get his hands on every possible rebound. Defensively, Luka already displays an understanding of how to anchor the paint, block shots, and wall up to alter shots without fouling.

Luka Kuqo Luka Kuqo 6'10" | PF Newman School | 2028 State New E displayed his ability to finish around the basket with strength through contact and with power above the rim. Kuqo also flashed the floor spacing ability he provides at his size, offering a unique dynamic to Bergen Catholic’s offense. Kuqo also established a strong interior presence on the defensive end of the floor as a strong defensive anchor.

Beginning to grow into his own, Luka Kuqo Luka Kuqo 6'10" | PF Newman School | 2028 State New E had strong showings over the course of the July live period that saw him use his size and length to impact the game on the interior on both sides of the floor. Whether it was running the floor in transition and finishing above the rim or operating out of the dunker spot, Kuqo showcased his strong finishing ability around the basket. Defensively, Kuqo was much of himself as a rim protector— playing with good anticipation as a shot blocker altering shot attempts at the rim while also rebounding the ball effectively.

Kuqo contribute to his Bergen Catholic squad in a supportive role. He scored from behind the arc and also was a threat convert inside the paint. He continues to get better with experience and is one of the best bigs in the state in his class. Kuqo has good timing when going up to alter shots. He should see an uptick in his recruitment in the coming months.

A skilled big man with tremendous upside, Luka Kuqo Luka Kuqo 6'10" | PF Newman School | 2028 State New E showcased his unique skillset over the course of the weekend. Effective on both sides of the floor, Kuqo displayed an impressive shooting touch particularly off the catch from three point range while also being an anchor defensively both rebounding the basketball and blocking and altering shot attempts at the rim.

Kuqo received an offer from Hampton over the initial scholastic live period. Continuing to get stronger while refining his skillset, look for Kuqo’s recruitment to pick up a little bit of steam going forward.

Luka Kuqo Luka Kuqo 6'10" | PF Newman School | 2028 State New E ‘s unique skillset at his size was on full display on Thursday against Paterson Eastside. Kuqo thrived as a floor spacer for Bergen Catholic’s offense, knocking down open shots in rhythm from three point range. Kuqo also showed instincts defensively as a shot blocker, contesting shots at the rim with good timing and anticipation.