Braxton Keathley drawing attention in the 2027 class, talks recruitment
Over the past few years, Kentucky has had a lot of elite-level talent draw attention and blossom during their sophomore through junior year campaigns.
Most recently, Reed Sheppard, who was out of Kentucky, blossomed around the start of his junior year and ended up becoming a five-star and ultimately became an NBA lottery pick.
Martin County’s (Kentucky) Braxton Keathley is on a blazing path to the high-major level. Like Sheppard once was, Keathley was the state’s top scorer as a sophomore this past season at 34.5 points per game, along with 10.0 rebounds per game as well.
He recorded multiple 50-point outings and 40-point outings, but I think one thing I’ve heard most from people about Keathley is that he has an elite work ethic.
Heading into his upcoming junior year, he holds seven Division one scholarship offers but is drawing a bunch, and I mean a bunch, of high-major interest as of late.
Keathley spoke with Stockrisers.com about the growth of his recruitment, his game, and working with Tyrese Maxey.
Which schools are heavily involved?
”Pacific, Florida State, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas State, Marshall, Valparaiso & Eastern Kentucky.”
Pacific?
”Head Coach Dave Smart and his assistant Coach Bridges have been great. I really like them. We talk almost every day. I’m supposed to go on an official visit in November there.”
Florida State?
”Florida State has been involved. I went on a visit a couple of weeks ago. The coaching staff really thinks I fit into what they do.”
How did the Louisville visit come about, and thoughts on them?
”I went on a visit last year when they played Cal, and ever since then, we’ve built a good relationship. I talk to Coach [Mitch] Johnson a couple of times a week. It’s not just basketball, we talk about it’s about life and other things. They like my ability to play multiple positions and feel I can play in their five-out offense. I play with a lot of passion and energy, and I feel like Coach Kelsey coaches the same way. They treated me great on my visit. You can tell it's a big family at Louisville. It’s one of the great traditions in college basketball.”
How about some of the others?
”South Carolina, LSU, all have been involved for a while now. Schools closer to home, like Marshall, Valparaiso & Eastern Kentucky University, offered me, I really like about AW Hamilton. I got several schools I hear from almost every day. It’s good getting to talk to the coaches and getting to know them personally.”
Any other visits planned?
”I got Arkansas State on October 25th, and then we are planning an official visit with Pacific, possibly on November 5th. LSU wants to do something in November.”
How would you best describe your game?
“I can handle the ball really well, and I do good at creating space or contact, getting to the rim and finishing or getting to the free throw line. I led the state of KY. in scoring, free throw percentage at 92.4% and free throw made. I feel I can create for others and force the defense to adjust, which opens up my teammates cause I get multiple defenders thrown at me. I’m at my best playing on the ball, but I can play off screens or knock down the open 3. I really work on the quickness of my release. I can get my shot off or pull up in the mid-range. I play with a chip on my shoulder, wanting to win every possession. I hate to lose. Defensively, I play passing lanes well and want to create as much havoc as I can on defense. I love to compete.”
You worked out with Tyrese Maxey this summer. Did he give you any advice?
”Tyrese was great, he’s an NBA All Star, and he’s showing up to workouts at 6 am or whatever time we started that day early and ready to go like he’s trying to make a roster spot. He never went through the motions on any rep. Maxey was always competing with a smile and energy that made me want to go even harder. He emphasized the importance of changing of pace of my dribble, but also slowing my footwork up when I attack the basket. He told me to keep attacking each day like I do and to keep that same passion I have for the game. Drew Hanlen and Maxey were great to work with, two of the very best in the world.”
