Billy Preston is headed to Kansas.
The 6-foot-10 power forward from Oak Hill Academy (Va.) picked the Jayhawks on Friday over Indiana, Syracuse and USC on ESPNU. He signed his National Letter of Intent as part of the early signing period.
“Obviously, we are very excited,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I don’t think we’ve ever had the opportunity to coach a taller, more athletic, skill player than Billy. “He has guard-type athletic ability and skills but at 6-foot-10, he can be a force inside as well. We are thrilled to have Billy joining our basketball program.”
Self added: “Coach (Kurtis) Townsend was the point man and did a great job with Billy and his family,” Self said. “I think what actually sold them was on his official visit he saw the interest level and the love our fans have for our players.”
5-star baller Billy Preston goes 1-on-1 against himself to make his college commitment pic.twitter.com/THkj5fcabq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2016
Preston is ranked No. 20 in the Class of 2017 by ESPN.com and No. 16 by Scout.com, but Oak Hill coach Steve Smith isn’t buying it.
“Billy may be the most skilled 6-9 player to ever wear the red and gold,” Smith said of Preston. “He has no weaknesses on the offensive end. He can really rebound the ball and can guard on the perimeter and the post. If his motor grows with his game, look out.
“He can score from three and off the bounce. He might be a better passer than scorer.”
Preston joins combo guard Marcus Garrett in Coach Self’s 2017 class. Kansas remains in the mix for point guards Trae Young and Trevon Duval, shooting guard Hamidou Diallo and small forward Kevin Knox, among others.
Preston is also the fourth Oak Hill senior to commit this year following guards Devontae Shuler (Ole Miss), Lindell Wigginton (Iowa State) and Ty-Shonn Alexander (Creighton). Point guard Matt Coleman remains uncommitted.
“Billy is an exceptionally talented prospect and there isn’t much he can’t do during a game,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s National Recruiting Director. “At 6-10’, he is a multidimensional player, a natural power forward, and arguably one of the most talented athletes in his class.”
Preston and No. 2 Oak Hill will be playing in this year’s GEICO ESPN High School Basketball Showcase, comprised of 11 premier games across ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, beginning Thursday, December 1. No. 2 Oak Hill is scheduled to face No. 3 Sierra Canyon (Thursday, Dec. 15, 9 p.m.) and No. 22 Nathan Hale (Monday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m.).
