Kyle Wiltjer, Sophomore, Power Forward, Kentucky
Overview:
The rich get richer as power forward Kyle Weltjer will attend the University of Kentucky. Weltjer will join a talented frontcourt that includes returning Wildcat Terrence Jones and top recruit Antony Davis. Although Wiltjer is not the most athletic or talented player entering college basketball, he might be the most skilled big man in the 2011 class. A 2011 McDonald’s All American, Wiltjer led his high school team to three straight Oregon State Championships.
The best weapon in his arsenal is his shooting, being both a good mid and long range shooter with excellent mechanics. Wiltjer can shoot with his feet set or off the dribble, making him a matchup problem for most opposing power forwards that lack the quickness required to play the perimeter. His basketball IQ shows in his passing, as well as his impressive ball fakes, a very underrated skill for a shooter. He works well to set screens on the pick and roll, while always looking to get good post position for the entry pass. One thing Wiltjer will need to do is learn more back to the basket moves to overcome the longer, more athletic competition he will one day face in the NBA.
Final Projection:
Wiltjer looks like he will be a fine college player, with some calling him the most skilled power forward in the class. Being able to score from almost anywhere, coupled with the ability to pass the ball with great touch for a big man, make him a matchup problem for most in college. It is still uncertain how he will translate to the next level, being stuck in between two positions as far as the NBA game is concerned, maybe not quite big enough at 6’9”, 225 pounds. However, with improvement on the defensive end, specifically rebounding, Wiltjer could expect to hear his name called in the mid to late first round in 2012.
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