Player Profile: James Young

     James Young is the best player in Michigan and has decided to take his talents to Kentucky for his college basketball career. For James Kentucky has always been his dream school. When he chose Kentucky it wasn't because of being a one and done and going to the NBA, he wanted the academics and the chance to win a NCAA championship. With James Young committed to Kentucky he is now apart one of the most talented recruiting class in basketball history. Along with James Young going to Kentucky; Arron and Andrew Harrison, Marcus Lee, Dakari Johnson, and Derek Willis will also be going to Kentucky. This is one of the most highly talented recruiting class since the 1991 Michigan recruiting class with; Chris Webber (No. 1), Juwan Howard (No. 3), Jalen Rose (No. 6), Jimmy King (No. 9), and Ray Jackson (No. 84).

     In the Nike Global Challenge we just saw how good this 6'6 left hander was. At first he was averaging 15 points, shooting 42% from the floor, and committed 13 turnovers. His team went 3-0 in the tournament, but everything changed in the title game. Young went off with 29 points, including a six minute period where he scored 16 points, leading his team to a 100-86 win over Andrew Wiggins and Team Canada. Those who had questioned James's ability were answered after that title game. At the end of the tournament James won the MVP honor, which is a huge accomplishment considering the elite talent he was going against.

     Overall James is one of the best pure shooters in his class. He is relentless on the court and is one of the most selfless players too. His NBA comparison would have to be either Michael Redd or James Harden. They are all left handed players, who are all dominant shooters. Just like Harden, Young rarely takes a bad shot, and if he does not have a open look he will always find the open man to give the pass to. When he gets into the half court setting their isn't anything he can't do to get to the rim. He is lights out from behind the arc and is one of the most athletic slashers on the court. Kentucky will be a great environment for James to take his game to the next level. Nothing is given when you play at Kentucky, you have to work long and hard for minutes on the court especially with this deep recruiting class coming in. James Young is definitely up for the challenge, but for now we will just have to wait to see what he does next.

(James Young's Highlight Reel)

(submitted by: Eddie Praley)