If you have watched 2022 Xavier McKelvy play, one can see that he has the goods to play at the next level and has shown that on a consistent basis for the last two years now. We first got our glimpse of McKelvy randomly at a Myers Park game, where he led the team in scoring and showcased his old-school feel on the court. Fast-forward to where he is today, McKelvy has only continued to grow into a scoring machine at United Faith and is doing much of the same with the Charlotte Royals this summer.
And his game has only continued to develop. McKelvy has come into a zone with his ability to score the basketball. He brings tremendous athleticism to the court, finishing at the rim with explosive throwdowns while also blocking shots in transition at a 6’0 guard. He also can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor and doesn’t lack confidence.
Recently, our own Jeff Bendel said this about McKelvy at the Queen City Showcase:
“In terms of sheer dominance, one would be very hard-pressed to find many guys who could even match Xavier McKelvy’s production, leadership, and overall identity that he brings to the table. Everyone in the building is going to know about his powerful explosiveness upon a mere glance, but he’s far more than just an athlete. McKelvy really embraces being a tone-setter on both ends of the floor, consistently overwhelming his assignment defensively while being an all-around offensive catalyst. He’s phenomenal at getting downhill and attacking the basket or accessing his lethal pull-up from midrange, yet also displays vision and a willingness to make unselfish decisions with the ball in his hands. McKelvy is capable of knocking down three-pointers at a solid clip but mainly looks to keep opponents on their heels through his penetrating and transition presence. While his offensive game is very dependable, McKelvy is equally as strong on the defensive end of the floor. His combination of IQ, quickness and anticipation allows him to pressure opposing ball-handlers, intercept passing lanes, and force turnovers at a strong rate. Additionally, he’s quite a reliable rebounder for his size/position.”
In saying all of that, these are the reasons why it is so surprising to hear that his recruitment has taken off and only a few schools have shown interest. Well, coaches, it is time to wake up and smell the coffee, as McKelvy could be one of the better steals in the class of 2022 from North Carolina.
Coach’s Thoughts (Nick Jones from Myers Park back in 2020)
““Xavier is an explosive off-ball guard that can really fill it up when he gets going. He rebounds at a high rate for a guard. He’s a throwback in a sense that he looks for and thrives at mid-range pull-ups but also can finish above the rim or beyond the 3pt line. The sky is the limit as he continues to grow more comfortable as a playmaker for others as well.”