Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Raleigh, NC (Future150) -- The 9th Annunal NC Phenom 150 Camp took place last month, where as usual, there were several standouts. According to reports, perhaps no player stood out more than class of 2013 big man Youssoupha Kane of Word of God Academy (N.C.). Everyone at the camp saw the 6'9", 210-pound junior stand out in a big way, and if his strong play continues, he will be one of the most coveted big men in the country next season. The road to a future in division one basketball has been very different for the talented young man with Senegalese roots, but his journey is far from over.
The power forward/center came to the United States as a transplant from the SEEDS Foundation, which gives young African athletes the opportunities to fulfill their dreams. He is making the most of this opportunity, and showed his tremendous ability at the NC Phenom 150. While hovering around the 6'9"-6'10" range, he also has an extremely long wingspan which helps him block and alter several shots while allowing him to grab many rebounds. He runs the floor extremely well for a player his size, and his ability to handle the ball fluidly in the open court is what really sets him apart from other young post prospects. While he is still very raw on the offensive end, the ceiling for him is ridiculously high.
While playing for Word of God Academy next season alongside top 100 rising senior Josh Newkirk and talented rising junior Stavian Allen, Youssoupha Kane should continue solidly developing into one of the best big men prospects in the state of North Carolina, as well as the country. It will be interesting to monitor his progress over the following months during AAU season, where many scouts and division one coaches should start taking notice to this diamond in the rough. Several years ago, John Wall was the nations best kept secret while suiting up for the Holy Rams. Could Yousouppha Kane be the next gem to rise from Word of God Academy?
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