By Michael McAllister
Youssoupha Kane is a 6'10" center prospect from North Carolina in the 2013 class. Kane is originally from Senegal, just like current Syracuse center Baye Moussa Keita. He came to the United States through the SEEDS Foundation. Kane was a relative unknown in the recruiting world until recent weeks, where his AAU play has garnered him some attention. We spoke to Kane's assistant high school (Word of God Academy) and AAU (NCXpress) coach Julius McKinley to get more information on the prospect.
Nation of Orange: Youssoupha Kane is a player you've coached in high school and AAU. He's a relative unknown prospect. Tell us about the type of kid he is off the court.
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha is a great kid. He is always smiling and laughing. He gets along with everybody. He has a great sense of humor.
Nation of Orange: Tell us about Kane on the court. What type of player is he?
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha is a very agile big man who can do everything well. He is still raw offensively not because he lacks moves, but because he is still getting use to the physical play of USA basketball. Youssoupha’s strengths are that he plays hard, he tries to grab every rebound and tries to block every shot. Youssoupha runs the court like a gazelle. Youssoupha’s weakness is his strength right now. He weighs 210lbs. He was 200lbs when he first arrived two months ago, but he is working daily to get stronger.
Nation of Orange: What kind of numbers has Kane put up so far during the AAU season?
Julius McKinley: This current AAU season Youssoupha is averaging 11 points per game, 14 rebounds per game, and 4 blocks per game.
Nation of Orange: How has his recruitment gone? It seems like he's been gaining some interest as of late.
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha has played in only two exposure camps and seven AAU games and has high interest from Wake Forest, Syracuse, Tennessee, UNC, Clemson, Georgia, Murray State and has offers from lots of mid majors.
Nation of Orange: Has he given any indication as to what he's looking for in a school?
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha has high interest in the schools that his Seeds Academy's alums have previously attend such as Syracuse (Baye) and Louisville (Dieng). Youssoupha has mentioned Syracuse numerous times and is very interested in their program and what they have to offer.
Nation of Orange: Does he have any favorites in his recruitment?
Julius McKinley: Syracuse is very high on his list right now, but it is still early in is recruitment and he's still hearing from other schools as well.
Nation of Orange: How do you think Kane would fit into the Syracuse zone?
Julius McKinley: I think he would fit in great. He is long and agile like so many of the past Syracuse big men.
Nation of Orange: Is Kane the type of player that can contribute right away at the major division one level? Or will he take some time to develop?
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha will be able to contribute right away because he is a hard-worker. He picks up things fast and wants to be the best. He is very dedicated to learning new things and to the game of basketball.
Nation of Orange: Why the uptick in interest in Kane? Is it simply a matter of getting more exposure? Or has his game improved dramatically over the last few months?
Julius McKinley: Youssoupha has only been in America for two months, so he is still unknown, but he is not a secret anymore.
