Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Keeyan Itejere
Class: 2021
Committed to: Texas
What the Player Said:
PHR: What made Texas the place for you in the end? What did they say when you informed them of your decision?
Itejere: Overall, I felt it was the right fit for me. The staff holds values that I admire. They told me that they really love what I do. I just felt the coach really knew what I could do and could help me get tow where I want.
PHR: What do they want you to bring to the program on the court?
Itejere: I hope to bring a motor for the team. I hope I will help defensively, mainly on blocks and on the boards. And getting lay-ups and with my mid-range on offense.
PHR: What will be your focus now with your decision behind you?
Itejere: This decision has only made me want to improve more. I hope to be able to impact the program.
Coach’s Thoughts (Coah Morris/ GRACE Christian):
PHR: What do you see him bringing to the Texas program?
Coach Morris: Instant activity and intensity. A high-level player that plays above the rim. He is going to be a versatile player that can play multiple positions. Also, a shot blocker and cause a mismatch problem.
PHR: How has he grown over the years as a player and what is his potential at the next level?
Coach Morris: Over the last couple of years, I have seen his game expand. He has gotten comfortable dribbling the ball and shooting the ball with range. I just have seen his understanding of the game expand; he is a true student of the game. His quest to be the best has improved. Keeyan is such a hard worker and one of the most coachable kids out there.
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“In regards to his on-court identity, Itejere is a long, explosive forward prospect with rapid development over the last calendar year, going from a run-and-jump guy to a legitimate two-way player. His combination of size, motor, and defensive instincts allows him to regularly create havoc for the opposition. He’s an excellent weak-side shot-blocker with the ability to step out and reliably defend the perimeter or force turnovers by jumping into passing lanes. Itejere is the first person to get on the floor or sacrifice his body for extra possessions and has the presence of mind to work to be the first man down the floor. On top of maintaining his defensive IQ and overall presence, Itejere has grown taller while starting to harness his offensive skillset.” – Jeff Bendel
“Itejere started out in a little foul trouble but continued to stay aggressive and with his length, mobility, and athleticism, he took advantage of the opportunities. Itejere exploded for a couple of thunderous dunks, rising above his opponents but also displaying his continued work on his overall offensive capabilities; putting on the deck, running in transition, and showing nice touch.” – Patrick O’Brien from game report
“He’s a long, wiry, extremely athletic forward prospect that is still truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his upside. Itejere has a ridiculous motor and defensive versatility, which allows him to truly defend all five positions while rebounding and protecting the rim at a terrific level. He’s also able to score the ball in a variety of different ways, including post-ups, spot-ups, and the ability to attack the basket effectively off the dribble.” – NC Phenom 150 evaluation
