Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Looking at Thon Maker

Photo from Thon Maker’s Twitter account: @Thon_Maker

Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking at Kentucky Wildcats basketball and the 2015 recruiting class. So far, only Charles Matthews has committed and we looked at the other players that have received offers and those that may get an offer. There is one player that can still impact the 2015 class and that is Thon Maker.

THON MAKER
F/C – 7″0, 200
CARLISLE SCHOOL – MARTINSVILLE, VA

RIVALS: ***** (3)
SCOUT: ***** (3)
24/7: ***** (3)
ESPN: ***** (1)

NOTABLE OFFERS: Duke, Kansas, Arizona, Villanova, Virginia, Georgetown, Louisville, Indiana, Memphis

Maker is one of the most unique classes in both the 2015 and the 2016 class. The native of Sudan moved to Australia and then to the states just a few years ago. He is raw and needs to add a ton of mass but his present skills and his potential make him a top five prospect in 2016 and the latest buzz is that he is 50/50 on reclassifying into the 2015 class.

"Maker holds offers from Duke, Louisville, Kansas and Memphis, among others, with interest from Kentucky.“I will monitor Thon’s progress academically and physically,” Smith told SNY.tv. “Thon would also like to become more involved with the Australian Junior and Senior National program under coach [Andrej] Lemanis. Playing in the U19 World Championships is something that is important to Thon.“To begin forming a relationship with and an understanding of the Australian system is important. We will try to structure our progression with this in mind. This is all part of our decision to reclassify or not.”"

As of last night, Thon reportedly received an offer from Kentucky.  This was reported by his guardian.   It is still very early in his recruitment and his guardian acknowledges that they have not really thought about the schools too much. However, a reclassification into 2015 would speed that process up a good bit and Kentucky in heavily recruiting several bigs for this class.

Maker is extremely quick for a big man and he is already a tremendous offensive rebounder as he has great instincts and beats the opposing player to the ball. His length will allow him to be an elite shot blocker, even at the perimeter. It’s important to remember that Maker just finished his sophomore year in high school and that his ceiling is sky high. As a sophomore, he averaged 21.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.2 blocks a game. He has to add a ton of strength for the next level, but he won the Gatorade Player of the Year Award for Virginia.

Here is how ESPN evaluates Thon Maker:

"Strengths:Maker is an extra long post that is very athletic, mobile and skilled for his size and age. He runs the floor with long strides and catches and finishes on the move extremely well. Maker hunts block shots and what he doesn’t block he changes. He finishes above the rim when he receives drop off passes, scorers over his left should and with high elevating turn shots in addition to his ability to face up and knock down the open three when his feet are set with needed time and space. Maker can also make passes with either hand under ball pressure. He rebounds and rim level and plays with great energy and urgency on both ends.Weaknesses:Maker will have to add strength, makes better passing decisions when be doubled and work to make his shooting and free throws more consistent all in which he is very capable.Bottom Line:Maker who has that super long and lean Kevin Garnett body type is has off the chart upside and with continued development and hard work is an immediate impact player on the college level and potential NBA lottery pick."