Shawn Kemp Jr.

Shawn Kemp is a name that many UK fans know. He was regarded as one of the best high school players in the nation as a senior and commited to the ‘Cats and appeared prepared to lead them to the promise land. He had it all, size, speed & athleticism, but lost it all with the burglary charge that got him expelled. Well now his son is a high school junior and he too is looking at the ‘Cats.

Shawn Kemp Jr. is a 6’9″ Junior Forward playing for Cherokee (GA) High School and he has stated that UK is on him for the 2009 class. Saying he “knows about Kentucky” basketball and would like to make a visit, that means that he has the obvious interest in the Wildcats and many in the Big Blue Nation would love for our coaches to feel the same.

Kemp Jr. told Jody Demling that doctors have told him that he could potentially grow to as tall as 7’2″ before his high school career is over. What that tells me is that he would not be one of those big men who jump from 6’5″ to 7’0″ and do not know how to play the post position, he will already be knowledgable of the post and will use the size to a definite advantage. He also has the advantage of having a great big man teacher in his dad Shawn Sr. who was a perineal all-star in the early ’90’s in the NBA, under his tutelage would be a beast under the basket.

If UK were to land Kemp Jr. and Junior prospect Clarence Trent, they would have a great tag team down low for years to come and would bring the swagger back to the storied program. We already have the backcourt to compete but with the potential frontcourt of Patrick Patterson, Clarence Trent & Shawn Kemp Jr., UK would officially be back on the national map.

Kemp brings to the table great shot blocking, exciting dunks & ferocious rebounds which is exactly what Kentucky’s frontcourt is lacking aside from Patrick Patterson.