High school basketball: Collinsworth is state's top recruit

Published: Monday, June 29, 2009 9:42 p.m. MDT
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At least a dozen top colleges — including all of Utah's top three — are after his services. Several have already made offers. Currently, the schools where he plans to officially visit late this summer and early fall are BYU, Kansas, Virginia, Stanford and Arizona State — but that list could change.

"I'm keeping things open. I'm going to go on my five visits with an open mind and then pick a school after that. But I want to make a decision before this season starts. I don't want it getting in the way of my game," he said.

In July, when the recruiting battles reach a boiling point, he'll participate in three more national camps in Cincinnati, Las Vegas and Los Angeles that are attended by coaches from every major university.

What he's looking for in a college are simple — a stable coaching staff, a style of play that suits his game and opportunity to play. Even though he could grow to 6-foot-7, he wants to play either the point guard or shooting guard.

"I want to handle the ball a lot. I don't necessarily have to bring it down, but I do want it in my hands a lot," he said.

To expect that kind of opportunity, however, Collinsworth recognizes he needs to become a better shooter and a better ball handler — a couple of issues that came to light at the NBA Top 100 camp.

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"I need to have a more consistent shot and get better handles. Right now I'm really strong at driving to the hoop, but if I can get better at those other things then I don't think you could stop that. People like to back off me and take away my drive, so I want to get that problem taken care of and get that other part of my game down."

Watching older brother Chris, who played a year at BYU before leaving on an LDS Church mission to Australia, go through a similar recruiting process a few years back has helped Kyle deal some with the increasing pressure and attention.

"Kyle is very grounded and really hasn't let any of this impact him much," said his father, Jeff Collinsworth. "He's not letting the hype get to him."

Like Chris, Kyle also plans to serve a mission after one season of college ball. There's a chance the two could be college teammates for the 2010-11 season — where Chris would be a sophomore and Kyle a freshman. Right now, however, he's more interested in his older brother's advice than whether they'll both be wearing the same college uniform some day.

"He's told me to be patient about the whole thing and listen to what all the colleges have to say," the younger Collinsworth said.

"And of course my parents are giving me some advice, and it's all good. But at the end of the day they let me know it's up to me."

E-mail: jimr@desnews.com

Recent comments

Just so you know Kansas is one of the top 5 basketball schools in the...

RE: Gretzky | Nov. 10, 2009 at 11:01 a.m.

Not to rain on the parade, but has anyone heard about Jan Hamson and...

Jen Hamson | Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.

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Dear Kyle | Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:21 p.m.

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Provo High's Kyle Collinsworth is the state's top prep basketball prospect. He's planning to visit BYU, Kansas, Virginia, Stanford and Arizona State over the next few months.

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