MidStateHoops.com :: Player Focus: Kyle Rowley

Can a kid who is 7'0'' and creeping up on 300lbs. go virtually unnoticed in the world of high school basketball? Kyle Rowley of Lake Forest Academy is challenging that theory. While guards are busy garnering all of the headlines for the class of 2009, Rowley is flying way unto the radar. At 7'0'' and 280lbs., Rowley is almost never mentioned with the state's top players. It is hard to even find a mention for him in contention with the top post players of the class. Nevertheless, colleges all across the country are getting the memo and it looks like Rowley has plenty of suitors for his services at the next level.

This summer, Rowley received offers from Baylor University of the Big 12 Conference and Southern Illinois University of the Missouri Valley Conference. Expect the offers to continue to keep rolling in. Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Santa Clara, Davidson, Cincinnati, Southern Methodist University, and Miami (FL) are all showing interest in Rowley as well.

Size is always at a premium and the class of 2009 is no different. Jordan Prosser is widely regarded as the state's top post player. A further analysis of the state's big men does not reveal much once you get past Prosser. Michael Haynes is generally considered the state's second best post player but at 6'4''-6'6'', he figures to be too small to be an impact post player at the high major level and needs to become comfortable on the wing. Even Prosser, who is just two weeks removed from his sixteenth birthday and could still grow a few more inches, is 6'8'' and at this time projects to the power forward position. Rowley on the other hand is a legitimate and LARGE 7'0'' 280lbs and there is no question that he is a true center. He easily has the most college-ready body of any player in his class.

This summer Rowley played on the AAU circuit with Full Package. He is also active with his native Trinidad and competes on the Trinidad and Tobago 17U National Team. Just this past week, Rowley competed with them at the Centrobasket U17 Tournament. Rowley averaged a double-double for the tournament including a 17 point, 15 rebound, and 8 block performance against host country and eventual champions, Puerto Rico. Rowley is one of the few prep players who has experience at both the international and AAU levels.

Rowley has plenty of room for improvement. He has only been playing basketball for two and a half years. Rowley moved from his native Trinidad to Illinois for the sole purpose of playing basketball.

"William Colon [a coach] from Puerto Rico worked me out, and then he told the coaching staff at Lake Forest Academy about me because they wanted a big man," said Rowley.

So Rowley found himself on his way to the American boarding school, Lake Forest Academy, to try to develop his game and achieve his goal of reaching the NBA. What would be a scary proposition for many kids his age, Rowley took moving all the way to America in stride. When asked how he liked America Rowley said, "It is good. It is different. My teammates are cool, and all the people at the school are really nice."

Rowley is well spoken, intelligent, and takes his academics seriously. Lake Forest Academy is considered by many to be one of the top college prep schools in the midwest region, attracting students from all over the country and the world. On academics Rowley said, "The work is hard, but you just have to put in the time."

Rowley works with Dickey Simpkins and Steve Pratt when is he in the states to continue to develop and improve his game. Rowley is well aware of the work he has to put in to reach his goal of becoming an NBA player.

"When I am in the United States, I work out with Steve (Pratt) everyday except Sunday. I am a good low post player. I finish well, and have a soft touch. I need to improve my agility, jumping, and lateral quickness."

Simpkins and Pratt are also working with Rowley to improve his midrange game. Rowley has a good basketball IQ and runs the floor well for his size. He is already an undeniable presence in the paint and has lots of room for potential development in his game. He could have a breakout season this year with his talented LFA teammates. They look to play more of the national powerhouse prep schools this year and could finally get some much deserved recognition.