The HS Sophomore Brought in to Play Against Team USA
Words. Patrick Cassidy
In the midst of the 113-59 hammering that the Dominican Republic‘s national team took at the hands of Team USA on Thursday night, something amazing happened.
A 16-year old got in the game for the DR and did some work.
Karl Towns, 6-11 uber-recruit out of St. Joe’s (Metuchen, N.J.) was recruited by DR head coach John Calipari (who also happens to be recruiting Towns hard for Kentucky – funny how that works out) to be a part of the national team (his mother was born in the DR).
The Class of 2015 star checked into the game and promptly buried a three over Anthony Davis, and finished his night with three points, two boards, one assist, and one blocked shot.
From Kentucky.com:
Following the game, Towns tweeted pictures of himself with LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant and Tyson Chandler. The Daily’s Dan Wolken said the high school star was wearing University of Kentucky basketball shorts on his way out of the gym. By the end of the night he was trending on Twitter.
So while other college coaches can’t even talk to Towns for another year or so, Calipari has already coached the kid for a month. And not only has the UK coach allowed Towns to meet with his favorite NBA players, he’s actually given him the opportunity to play against them.
When it comes time for Towns to make his college decision, UK will surely be in the mix. And don’t think for a minute that Calipari won’t be reminding him of a certain night in Vegas when a 16-year-old took on the best players in the world.
Check out footage of Towns toying with peers at St. Joe’s:
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I have a feeling this kid is going to lose his college eligibility before he his freshman year in college. i’d stay clear of Calipari if I were him. He looks like he’s going to be a dominant big man. As long as he doesn’t stray too far from the basket and perfects his post game first before moving to the perimeter.
Two words: Knee injury.
I’m impressed. Often these mix-tapes are some kid who’s grown a tonne (6’10) just dunking on kids barely 6 feet tall. This guy has a pretty wet looking jumper, and can pass well too. He does look like he should shed a few pounds though…
not really a good athlete. dominating against smaller guys. reminds me of Brian Cook more than freaking Kevin Durant.
@aaron –
you’re right, he’s not a freak athlete, but he is clearly super skilled. when 16 yr olds are 6-10, they usually can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, let alone hit kids with nice drop steps an spins and then finish with touch around the basket.