Canadian Content in Kentucky Once Again: Kyle Wiltjer

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LEXINGTON,KY–The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most storied clubs in the history of NCAA basketball. With seven championships to their credit, the Wildcats have also produced dozens of NBA players, including Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Jamal Mashburn, and Toronto native Jamaal Magloire. For the first time since Magloire left Kentucky to chase the bright lights of NBA life, the school can be excited about having a star Canadian on campus:  6’9 hybrid forward Kyle Wiltjer.

 Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Kyle has dual citizenship, [American  and Canadian] and is a product of Jesuit HS and the Canadian  national program. With the skill set that Kyle possesses, Canucks can  be thankful that Kyle has gravitated up north to suit up for the red and  white. A McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Selection and  currently in Portland for the Hoop Summit, versatility is the name of  the game  for this forward.

 Kyle is one of the top shooters in his class, and is as comfortable  scoring in the paint as he is from beyond the arc. He put his shooting  prowess on display at the McDonald’s All-American skills competition  by besting seven other top prospects to win the Three Point shootout.  Another strength that sets Kyle apart from his peers is his passing  ability, and the comfort with which he creates plays for his  teammates. He is adept at using his height to see over defenders and  find the open man when he is double teamed.

 Kyle will definitely have the opportunity to put his skills to use when  he arrives in Kentucky in the fall. With several current Wildcats  moving on, the floor is wide open for the freshman class to make an i  impact. And what a freshman class it will be. Joining Wiltjer are three  of the top prospects in the class of 2011: Anthony Davis, Michael  Gilchrist and Marquis Teague.  Davis is a 6’10, versatile forward who is  almost impossible to deal with in the post. Gilchrist is a 6’7 swingman  whose length, athleticism and nose for the ball make him a terror for opponents, while the 6’2 Teague is faster than a speeding bullet and is a human assist machine. Throw in Kyle’s inside-outside presence, and the Kentucky Wildcats truly have an embarrassment of riches.

When Jamaal Magloire played for Kentucky, he was an integral part of the Wildcats’ championship season in 1998. With a phenomenal freshman class on its way, KU could very well be on their way to another title run, with Canadians potentially witnessing one of their own win an NCAA title again. Remember the name: Kyle Wiltjer.

NOTE: Catch Wiltjer along with Canadians Kevin Pangos and Roy Rana at the Nike Hoop Summit. The action tips off on Sat April 9. Catch it live right here: http://tiny.cc/2u6io