UCLA recruit Kyle Anderson of the New Jersey Playaz recently won the Desert Duel Memorial in Phoenix. Coach Howland and BruinsBall were in attendance and we caught up with Kyle to ask about his game and recruitment.
The Playaz were down 26 in the second half but came back to win the title.
“Everybody contributed out there,” said Anderson. “Everybody played hard so it all turned out good for us.”
Anderson displayed the unique skill set that makes him a top prospect. At 6'7, Anderson can dribble and defend like a guard. His understanding of the game is highly developed for his age, and his versatility shows on the court.
“I wanted to show coaches that I can score and play defense” said Anderson. “I want to show that I can play on the ball defense, move my feet, and be active with my hands.”
Anderson's recruitment is down to five schools: UCLA, Georgetown, Seton Hall, St. John's, and Florida. Anderson had great things to say about UCLA.
I talk the most to Coach Howland,” said Anderson. “And Coach Matthews. They tell me about the kind of offense they run. They spread the floor. It's west coast run and go. That's what the Pac 10's all about and I like that.”
Although it's far from home, Anderson has visited Westwood.
“I went out there for the Cal-State Fullerton game,” Anderson said. “The campus was great. The fans were really cool. The student section showed me some love and I got a couple chants. It was cool.”
Anderson plans to narrow his list before the high school season. As the only west coast team, UCLA will try to convince Anderson to play a long way from home.
“The distance is something I'm really going to have to think about,” said Anderson.
