Deseret News | Reader comments: High school basketball: Collinsworth is state's top recruit

Reader comments
High school basketball: Collinsworth is state's top recruit

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Gretkzy | 10:38 p.m. June 29, 2009

sounds like a solid kid. will all these other schools back off b/c of the mission like they do in football? stanford has been willing to deal with missions in the past but they have a new staff. you would think with tyler haws, chris c and a few others BYU might have an edge but you never know. good luck young man. ASU is not a bad choice due to the LDS presence. Virginia and Kansas, not so much. Virginia is a nice area but....too far away for parents to see you play. Kansas is kansas. not much to write home about. now if Kentucky was calling, different story. same with Duke as they have the best basketball coach in the world in coach K.

Unbiased view | 7:13 a.m. June 30, 2009

Not living in Utah, I would recommend that this kid, if he stays in state attend Utah. He has a better chance of turning pro if he attend's Utah rather than BYU (good team for team players who are not as athletically gifted) or Utah State (same reason as above). Boylen seems to be building a solid team w/some really athletic kids coming in. If he brings the Michigan State mentality and athleticism, they will be tops in their conference. Either way, go where your dreams will take you...meaning if Kansas is where you dream of playing...go and play...remember though, Kansas will have 2 or 3 of your type players...Do not attend a school due to pressure from friends/family...my 2 cents.

Anonymous | 7:20 a.m. June 30, 2009

This is an interesting situation. A good player, who can choose BYU, then play and be a star, or go to a big name school and ride the bench. Think Bret Vroman. The former gives a player the chance to develop, the latter gives the player the opportunity to be used by the school with little in return athletically.

Comments continue below

BYU | 7:27 a.m. June 30, 2009

He'll end up at BYU. It is extremely rare for a recruit that has grown up in Utah County to go anywhere else but BYU. It has been ingrained in his mind from a very young age. If I was the other schools, I wouldn't waste the time and travel expenses to court this kid when the outcome is all but certain.

STANFORD-and the little people | 7:55 a.m. June 30, 2009

If the kid has the brain power to be recruited by Stanford, next year plan on contacting him by phone @ area code 650 or my written correspondance at zip code 94305...no contest!

Gordon | 8:05 a.m. June 30, 2009

Collinsworth will do the same thing that 99% all Utah County LDS kids do who are good enough to play D1. He'll let the big programs wine and dine him, then commit to BYU. Then make a public statement saying that BYU was always where he wanted to play. It gets old after a while.

options | 8:17 a.m. June 30, 2009

I too would be shocked to see a kid from Utah county spread wings and fly. Look for him as a Cougar next year.

But, Chris. Stanford has the best campus in the country. Kansas has the best or 2nd best game atmosphere in all of basketball. Charlottesville is an absolutely beautiful city.

Each place on your list has a good LDS community and great singles wards. Don't let BYU fool you into believing that the church only exists in Provo. You may be meant for bigger things than MWC competition.

Aggie | 8:33 a.m. June 30, 2009

If the kid wants to go the NBA he'd pick Utah State and let Stew coach him. Not only would he be playing for the best basketball program in the State but Stew has proven his mettle as a teacher by taken unheralded recruits to levels that no other school thought they would reach.

Of course I expect him to stick to YBU and go nowhere like Cummard and the red headed kid who failed miserably in Italy while Jaycee tore the league up.

I know Stew doesn't have any NBA'rs but he hasn't had any big time recruits either. I know that's not on Collinston's radar though.

Kyle... | 8:47 a.m. June 30, 2009

Before you make up your mind, come to the BYU vs USU game in the Spectrum. USU is the one of best college basketball atmospheres in the country! You would not regret going to USU, I promise you!

Higher Level | 8:47 a.m. June 30, 2009

Apparently he has learned a lot from playing against top competition this summer. He may want to continue to play against the very best in college - and that would mean trying his hand outside of the MWC. I love the MWC. But if you are one of the top players you may want to play against the best. It's why kids go to USC even though they know there are 3 other all-americans at their position. It worked will for kids like Havili. But it is only one of the factors that he has to take into consideration. I hear a lot about singles wards and institute programs at BCS schools and some (like ASU and UCLA) do have strong one's. But if a big part of a kid's future decision is finding and marrying an LDS girl then there really is no substitute for playing at BYU or Utah or even USU. But if he really wants a shot at the NBA and to play against the very best then the girls may have to wait. He can always come home to Provo for the summer and have the best of both worlds.

re: anonymous | 8:47 a.m. June 30, 2009

I agree. Remember Daniel Deane, Chris Burgess, etc? No one does. Fact of the matter is that you can go to a national program and ride the pine or go to your backyard program and be a star while fulfilling four years of basketball in which you play. He says he wants the ball in his hands? How will that happen at a national program immediately? I would love to see him succeed out of state, but the numbers aren't in his favor. BYU has done a great job stealing local recruits and winning ballgames with them.

anonymous | 9:29 a.m. June 30, 2009

I would normally say that he should stay around here and get some playing time early on but having seen him play I can honestly say that he may be one of the five best players ever to come out of Utah. If he can learn to hit a fairly consistent (35-45%) 20 footer he would be very much a five star recruit. Right now he is limited to playing the 1 because he doesn't shoot well enough to play the 2 and he is not physical enough to play the 3 in college. If he gets that 20 foot jumper down pat he would be an awesome 1 because he is so fast to the hoop once he makes his move - that first step is quick and he is gone. He sees the floor really well and his instincts are great. Get that 20-22 footer down and go to Stanford young man. What program wouldn't want a legit 6-7 point who can see floor and shoot the lights out?

Better chance? | 9:48 a.m. June 30, 2009

A better chance of going pro at BYU? I don't think his school selection has any weight on making it to the NBA. Besides the last Cougar to go pro was a major bust. The best NBA player to come out of BYU was Danny Ainge and that's practically ancient history much like BYU's national title. If he is NBA calliber talent, he'll find his way to the NBA regardless of the team he plays on.

Utah State | 10:10 a.m. June 30, 2009

Utah State offers one the best and most stable coaching staffs in the country, the best (hands down) college basketball environment, and the ability to make an immediate impact. Choose USU...you will love it! Go Aggies!

Cougar Blue Blood | 10:20 a.m. June 30, 2009

Thanks, Aggies and Utes, for the input, but I don't think you've taken a look at the win-loss record among BYU, USU, and Utah over the past three years.

As for which school is best for getting to the NBA, frankly, the NBA wants good players and doesn't care what school they come from.

Realistically, what are the chances that this kid will make it in the NBA anyway. He needs to make his decision based solely on his college career--where he can get the most playing time, have the ball in his hands, get a good education, and let his family enjoy his games. (There are wonderful LDS women to marry and good Institute programs at all the schools he's mentioned, so that shouldn't be a factor.)

BOb 2 | 10:23 a.m. June 30, 2009

but having seen him play I can honestly say that he may be one of the five best players ever to come out of Utah. anon

Wow, how did he compare to Vern Gardner and Wayne Hightower? Was he as good in the clutch as Scott Runia or Jimmy Soto? Bruce Hardy ended up playing f football but he was an excellent forward who always delivered when you got him the basketball down low. I mean, you've seen all these guys and many more I'm sure. Please give us comparisons....

Idaho State | 10:37 a.m. June 30, 2009

He is a first cousin to Logan Kinghorn who played at ISU. His Mother is from Rigby, Idaho. Maybe he will surprise everyone and end up in Pocatello????

Re:Gretsky | 10:49 a.m. June 30, 2009

Did you just say Kansas was not much to write home about? I'm sorry did you forget that they won the National Title two years ago and are they consensus preseason #1 this upcoming year? I know Bill Self won't scoff at a two-year mission. Brady Morningstar (supposedly) is a member and served a mission and he is one of Bill Self's highest regarded players. If Kansas really wants Kyle, and BYU still gets him, that will be a recruiting victory for the record books.

big blue puma | 10:50 a.m. June 30, 2009

I remember when Kiki Vandeweigh wanted to win a natonal championship, so he chose UCLA over BYU. He had a stellar career, but got nowhere close to a NC. Meanwhile, BYU went to the sweet 16 without Kiki. I believe that, had he chosen to go to BYU, he would have had a real shot at his NC.

The talent level at BYU is rising fast, and they have an outstanding couching staff that developes guards very well. They will win more of the big games in the future. IMO, kyle would be well served to attend BYU. He will be part of some great things, and may get some "Ainge-esque" attention from the basketball world. I think he may be that good.

BYU family | 11:03 a.m. June 30, 2009

Best of luck to the Collinsworth brothers. Chris is an exciting big with great potential at BYU. Naturally Kyle would fit in perfectly with the BYU system. It's a great program, with great coaches, great tradition, great standards, and great opportunities. It's a great college family. Certainly, we BYU fans hope to see the Collinsworth connection at BYU. Anyone who doesn't think that would be awesome, is short-sighted by their rivalry against BYU--plain and simple.

But Kyle would be a welcome contributer to many programs. So it doesn't have anything to do with being from Utah County, or which school in Utah or somewhere else gives the best chance for the NBA. If a style of play fits then a college player of NBA quality will get noticed wherever they play.

College is what you make it, wherever you go. Schools tout many varied things. But coming from someone who grew up all over the United States, look no further than your own backyard for the best all around college experience opportunity available; all things considered, BYU truly offers more to develop a well-rounded individual than any other place I know.

Re: Cougar Blue Blood | 11:32 a.m. June 30, 2009

You mean USU's 81-27 record over the last three years....? That is pretty impressive- You're right! Thanks for pointing that out!!

usu ? | 11:34 a.m. June 30, 2009

Hansen has twice the overseas career that Jaycee Carroll will ever have.

Go big time | 11:43 a.m. June 30, 2009

If it doesn't work out you can always come back to Utah.. You only have this opportunity once in your life why not go to the best you can. If you had a chance to go to Yale Law school or Stanford Medical school would you even think twice. Why not do the same with athletics. don't let anyone on here that has never done anything athleticly tell you to settle. Utah, BYU and Utah State do have nice programs.. If your looking for nice go for it, if your looking for greatness get out of here. Other Utah athletes have done it, they have won NCAA titles at schools outside of Utah, they have gone pro and they have done it all. Don't let people tell you, you wont play if you go anywhere else. That's a losers way of looking at your ability.
Great athletes believe they can play anywhere.

to BOb2 | 11:45 a.m. June 30, 2009

Perhaps I should clarify - I meant Utah high school products - Wayne Hightower was from Philadelphia and Vern Gardner played high school basketball in Wyoming. I would have to say that for Utah high school players you would have to go with Fred Roberts, Tom Chambers, Danny Vranes, Devin Durrant, Shawn Bradley, Josh Grant...that caliber of player...Collinsworth would be in that mix. Soto and Runia were good, very good but Collinsworth could be better - he has more potential upsides than either of those two. I would compare him, at this point, to Devin Durrant. Collinsworth is a different type of player than Durrant. Durrant was a better shooter but Collinsworth is quicker and a better athlete.

RE:Big Blue Puma | 11:50 a.m. June 30, 2009

Please any one with a brain would take UCLA over BYU if they were looking to win a NCAA championship.
So it didn't work out for Kiki, he still made the logical choice. How do you choose a school that has never been in the finals to a school that has one 10 titles if your trying to win one. very poor comparison!.

RE: Big blue Puma | 12:35 p.m. June 30, 2009

Kiki did come close to winning a national title at UCLA, they lost in the championship game to Louisville by 5. That is not what I would classify as "nowhere close to a National Championship" as you stated. Please check your facts. I love BYU, but I am also realistic, Kiki was also the 11th pick in the 1980 draft, that is pretty good, I think other than winning a NC at UCLA he basically accomplished his goals, so you can't say he made the wrong choice for him, maybe for BYU, but not for him.

Cache Valley | 12:47 p.m. June 30, 2009

To Des.New's Jim Rayburn... What is his height/weight? What position does he play? You might want to include such basic info in future articles.

Flee | 1:08 p.m. June 30, 2009

Be like the other recent studs from Utah. Havili USC, Xavier UCLA, Martinez USC, Cottonwood RB to Cal, Lloyd Stanford, heck even Badger to ND, Wilcox Washington, etc etc etc. It is a big, exciting world. Take your game to a bigger stage. Everyone outside of Utah (if you announced to stay here) would immediately follow it up with...WHY? People will argue that the level of play is just as good here. But in all reality, it isnt close. Top to bottom the Mtn West is a mediocre. Wy, Colo St, etc. Stanford is an awesome place young man. Pac 10 is where I would go, like the others before you did. You are bigger than Utah, for better or worse.

Re: usu ? | 1:10 p.m. June 30, 2009

You may be correct about your overseas comment, but if you are, it will be because Jaycee comes back to play in the NBA.

So there.

Go Aggies

Come on! | 1:11 p.m. June 30, 2009

The Murdock kid from Wasatch should be the highest recruited kid in the nation!

AZ Dave | 1:17 p.m. June 30, 2009

Dude Run as fast as you can away from Utah. There is a great big world out there the starts at the border. Or stay and never win a big dance game and be fodder in this paper

cone | 1:31 p.m. June 30, 2009

I saw him play in the state championship game. On that day he was not the best point guard playing. The sophmore point guard from West High impacted the game more with his speed and composure. Collingsworth was guarded by players who will not play D1 ball but were able to contain him because of their quickness and some size(6'4" Cris Barnes). I think he experienced the same at the camps he's attended. He is one of the best in the state but even he acknowledges that D1 ballers will be quicker with size. He could be good but he also may be average at that level.

The Future | 1:42 p.m. June 30, 2009

A big part of his decision should be who the coach will be. I wish Coach Rose all the best, but his health situation has to reduce the chances of this kid committing to BYU. Pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate. Not knowing who the coach will be when he plays there has to be a huge minus.

Again, I wish Coach Rose a full recovery, but it will certainly influence his decision.

re: to BOb2 | 2:00 p.m. June 30, 2009

Some others to consider only by their potential and high school accomplishments: Jeff Judkins, Britton Johnsen, Kurt Miller, Shawn Bradley, Travis Knight, Ryan Cuff, and "possibly" Tyler Hawes.

coot20 | 2:26 p.m. June 30, 2009

Nice try unbiased opinion...ute...utah is not even being considered in this kids top 5. They are way down the list. Can you imagine playing for a coach that is yelling(maybe coaching)on every posession. Boylens sideline intensity is off the charts...from what I hear it is not a fun place to play. Sign with BYU, play with your bro, Haws, Fredette. Emory, etc. Have some fun and get the BEST overall education available, bar NONE

ETB | 2:42 p.m. June 30, 2009

byu finally has a decent enough coach to make them a legitamate option.

Re: Cache Valley | 2:43 p.m. June 30, 2009

Collinsworth is 6-foot-6 and about 190 pounds.

BYBlue | 2:48 p.m. June 30, 2009

For a kid who values a mission and speaking to special kids at firesides more than the lure of a potential NBA career and the temptations all that money would bring, it HAS to be BYU. You will be surrounded by people of similar values and culture, and you won't ever really have to risk leaving the comfort of Utah Valley. Why look anywhere else?

re: BYBlue | 3:11 p.m. June 30, 2009

I guess I should give you a break that you (presumably) didn't know what Gary Wilkinson, formerly of USU, was doing the night of the draft.

He spoke at 2 youth firesides that night. BYU doesn't have the corner on the market of good LDS athletes who are also good people.

Go Aggies

kansas | 7:53 p.m. July 27, 2009

Kyle is the best player in the state no doubt! He is tearing up tournaments all around the nation.. this last week he average 24 points a game against the best competition around the nation at the las vegas tournament! He is a outstanding player... Kansas wants him bad!

duh | 3:52 p.m. June 30, 2009

uh, Daniel Deane is playing for Oregon and doing great, may want to research before making stupid comments...

Here We Go Again | 3:55 p.m. June 30, 2009

I hope one of the things he learned over the summer is that Utah High School Basketball in weak.

Do yourself a favor kid. If Stanford makes an offer, take it. Its a gift. Get good grades and have a great professional career in something other than basketball. You've seen the NCAA commercials. Now go live it!

6-6 | 4:02 p.m. June 30, 2009

Did collinsworth grow 2.5 inches since the state tournament? He may still be growing, but he is not 6-6, just like Davies is not a true 6-8. Davies was at best 6-6 1/2 ...in shoes. He is in my moms ward, and when we viseted there recently, our son is an honest 6-6 and almost exactly the same height as Davies. the measuring stick in provo's gym must have slipped down an inch or two... again. Good luck growing into your expectations of the recruiting world Kyle. have seen you play, and you are a heck of a player/competitor.

springville | 4:10 p.m. June 30, 2009

are this the collinsworth kid from springville? i know those guys. great family.

Make a name for yourself | 4:38 p.m. June 30, 2009

To be the best, you got to beat the best, not play for the best. Do it with a school not considered to be the best, and even better (The MWC has plenty of games against so-called big conference teams, anyway). That's what March madness is all about. Underdog teams get to prove themselves. The only place for them to go is up. It's the kind of noise a program like BYU is poised to make in the tournament. They're going to make a run. That's inevitable! The only question is who will be on the court enjoying that moment. It will turn more heads than a big name school who it is expected of, year after year.

Seriously! What's the point in going and playing for a big name school when you want to make a name for yourself? If you want to prove a point, then take a team from mediocrity up to the next level. That's a real challenge and a positive result makes a huge statement. It says a whole lot more about you. Whereas, piggybacking off someone else's success just perpetuates some program's name and status.

Utah State? | 5:08 p.m. June 30, 2009

Utah State still exists? Just like everybody else, I forgot about them after we played them once last season. Thanks for reminding us!

Come on AGGIE FAN | 5:15 p.m. June 30, 2009

Don't use fuzzy UTE math.

RE: Re: Cougar Blue Blood | 11:32 a.m. June 30, 2009

"You mean USU's 81-27 record over the last three years....? That is pretty impressive- You're right! Thanks for pointing that out!!"

You must have spent too much time in the campus steam room....

USU is 77-28 over the last 3 years
BYU is 77-24 over the last 3 years

oh... by the way, BYU has played better competition and been in 3 straight NCAA tournaments. USU only 1 during that time.

RE: Make a name for yourself | 5:33 p.m. June 30, 2009

So your saying Michael Jordan would have been better off at BYU, he could have made a name for himself. What an idiot Jordan was for going to North Carloina. Kyle I hope your smart enough to not believe a word this guy is saying. Go to BYU if you feel that's your calling and if you want to play alongside your brother. But don't expect to be winning any National Champiohips, and he is right about this, BYU truely isn't expected to win year after year.

PRC | 6:31 p.m. June 30, 2009

Collinsworth is AWSOME!!! Needs more Muscle but has a sweet overall game. Good Luck Chris. Hope to see you in A BYU uniform, but will support you whatever you deside.

Anonymous | 9:07 p.m. June 30, 2009

There are a lot of D1 schools in Utah doing great. I would stay in Utah this will make him happier in the end. I have seen him play in Vegas for Utah Pump-N-Run and he is a great player. Who ever he plays for will be lucky!

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Mike Terry, Deseret News

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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