By: Kevin Moses
Payer: Sam McKinney
Twitter: @13SamMcKinney
Height: 6’6, 205lbs
Class of 2024
High School: Buda Johnson High, TX
McKinney is one of the most electrifying athletes I saw this year. He is a true highflyer and extremely athletic. He is a gifted triple-threat scoring option with a silky smooth touch from downtown where he shoots a sizzling 40 percent. Explosive off the bounce and a fierce finisher, I can count on him for at least one poster dunk a game.
With his size, he can play the post extremely well too. McKinney created huge mismatches with his speed against that size. He is a great facilitator and handles with nice size. Not only can score in bunches but can also deliver some jaw-dropping passes. He has an incredible basketball IQ and reads the floor extremely well. McKinney is super versatile and runs the court as well as any guard. Defensively, he is scrappy and tenacious with amazing timing. McKinney always draws the best player on the other team and can defend well 1-4 and even the 5 some because of his long wingspan and leaping ability.
In AAU, he averaged 17 pts, 9 rebs, 5asts, and 2blks a game against some of the best talent in the country. His biggest improvement was his defense which he took to an elite status. He elevated that even more for school summer ball where he averaged 25.7pts, 11rebs, and 2blks.
Last season, McKinney only averaged 13.1pts, 7.8 rebs, 1blk, and 1 charge drawn per game. The numbers don’t lie, this stud keeps getting better and better. Poised for a breakout season, he has set a goal to lead his team on a deep tournament run and hopefully, a state championship while continuing to keep his stock rising giving us all what we want to see. Coaches should know him, as he has already proven; that he can excel against elite talent offensively and defensively. He brings energy and toughness you can’t teach. Gritty and determined fire to always get the win. His leadership on the floor is unmatched. McKinney’s skillset can change the culture of any program. Get down to Texas and watch the magic. Already holding several offers, I
