It’s no secret that there are so many factors that go into player development and long-term trajectory. Foundational tools and natural ability always seem to correlate with potentially special prospects at an early age. This is nothing new or groundbreaking. Talented players stand out. However, certain individuals possess a unique “it” factor that ultimately separates them from their peers, and that becomes increasingly clear (generally speaking) around their seventh or eighth grade year. Obviously there are plenty of exceptions and tons of players who have shown notable attributes even younger, but this is typically the stage when competition starts having additional meaning beyond the sheer reps. Physical dominance becomes more difficult while true polish and refinement begin to really shine. This seems especially relevant after watching 6-foot-4 Dante Kirksey (2030) showcase the foundation of an exceptional talent.
Although we wrote glowingly about Kirksey yesterday, let this serve as a reiteration of how uniquely talented he already is and how special he could become. For starters, his combination of size, skill, and fluidity is simply rare, particularly at this stage in the development process. Kirksey legitimately moves like a guard while displaying incredibly natural feel as a creator and all-around scorer. The game appears very easy for him right now. His pace, handle, and craftiness allow him to get basically anywhere he wants on the court. Kirksey is such a potent threat to score from everywhere that even questionable shots are a viable option for him. He can self-create with relative ease and has the size to pose real matchup problems for all types of defenders. Kirksey displayed the ability to hit shots off the catch or bounce, attack the basket and finish above the rim or through traffic, and pick his spots in the midrange. He’s a willing passer who uses his scoring prowess to generate opportunities for others. Like all young players, he needs to continue tightening things up, but genuinely does things that make spectators (including myself) audibly express excitement.
Furthermore, Kirksey is capable of dominating the glass without much resistance. Whether he’s in or out of position, the ball just seems to find him. Right now, Kirksey relies on his physical gifts to overwhelm opponents, but truly has the tools to be a switchable nightmare on that end of the floor. His length, athleticism, and overall instincts already stand out, but increasing his motor would make him a real two-way force. We’ve seen so many impressive young prospects over the years that we know talent is only part of the equation. Kirksey seriously has as much potential as any of them. He has a ridiculously high ceiling with all the tools and ability at his disposal, which means it’ll be his mentality and work ethic that’ll determine how special he will become.