By: Kevin Moses
Player: Christopher Kirkpatrick
Twitter: @cmk4_
Height: 6’2
Class of 2026
School: New Tier in Chicago
Kirkpatrick was the most dazzling scorer I saw in North Carolina over the weekend at the CP3 Rising Stars camp. He was explosive off the bounce with electrifying crafty moves and finishes. His change of pace speed is what killed defenders making them helpless to contain him. His range and consistency in knocking down shots from deep was his greatest strength. But that ability to get shots off in a variety of ways is what sets him apart.
Dynamic and creative artwork can be simply jaw-dropping. As an elite shooter, Kirkpatrick challenged himself to perfect the ability to score in a variety of ways like the jab step, the pullback, off the bounce or the catch, and even the step back a few times; he scored in bunches. More impressive was how he did it unselfishly as he dropped sweet dimes out there as well.
It was easy to see he was just as content sharing the ball to give his team the opportunity to do their thing out there is well if they had the better shot, it made the right cut. I saw poise and tremendous offensive IQ. One of his biggest improvements was his interior footwork which created space and time for floaters, hooks, and finishes with either hand and either foot. Mastering getting defenders off balance and out of position.
Defensively, Kirkpatrick can guard 1-4 effectively and takes up the challenge to defend the opposition’s best player. Amazing footwork and time with his speed and unexpected strength aid in this regard. Can even defend well off the ball. In this AAU session playing with Fundamental I, he averaged 17pts, 5rebs, 4.5asts, and 3stls per game. Last season on JV, Kirkpatrick averaged 15.5pts, 4.5 asts, 4rebs, and 2stls. He has set the goal of starting on the varsity team and averaging 10pts, 5rebs, and 4asts per game with less than two turnovers game while continuing to develop into a defensive stud everyone fears. Coaches should note Kirkpatrick will bring a strong work ethic and attention to detail along with his amazing skillset to fuel their team as well.
With a mindset to process everything on the floor in real time quickly with IQ to make the proper adjustments, especially in the flow of intense games. He certainly has D1 talent and pushes himself hard every day to keep getting better while in his heart and mind pursuing greatness with passion and purpose. This young star wants to be a complete player and from what I saw in NC, he is certainly on his way. Can’t wait to catch another show.