By ADAM ZAGORIA & ARDEN FRANKLYN
Kentucky coach John Calipari is expected on Sunday at the Empire Invitational in The Bronx, where Class of 2021 Westtown (PA) and PSA Cardinals center Franck Kepnang will be among the players showcased.
Westtown plays Our Savior Lutheran at at 4:40 at Mount Saint Michael Academy.
The 6-foot-10 big man from Cameroon is ranked the No. 3 center in the Class of 2021, per 247Sports.com, and holds offers UCLA, UConn, Illinois and Wake Forest, among others.
Calipari was on hand at the PSA Cardinals Showcase last month when Kepnang played. Calipari has recruited well in the Northeast over the years, especially in New Jersey, where he’s pulled Kahlil Whitney, NIck Richards, Isaiah Briscoe, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Dakari Johnson and Dajuan Wagner over the years. He’s also involved for Class of 2021 Patrick School forward Jonathan Kuminga.
“I’m happy with the fact I became more comfortable with my game,” Kepnang said recently. “I know I can do damage in the post, but it’s my new ability to play on the perimeter and in space which is huge for me.”
5⭐️ 2021 big man Franck Kepnang is DOMINANT around the basket 😈 @kep_dunker @WTbbasketball @PSACardinals pic.twitter.com/RI93RixlwR
— BallerTV (@BallerTV) January 8, 2020
During games against premier competition such as Brewster (N.H.) Academy and North Christian Academy last month, Kepnang displayed his new skills while also being very effective in the areas he’s already good at. With Calipari on hand, he went for 18 points and 13 rebounds in Westtown’s win over 2020 Kentucky signee Terrence Clarke and Brewster.
“Franck’s an elite defender and rebounder and already a capable and improving shotmaker and a fantastic lob-catcher,” Westtown coach Seth Berger said. “He would fit perfectly in almost any top-20 program system.”
One of the best Centers in the Junior class still needs a home. @kep_dunker on what he will bring to a college team. @WTbbasketball#SlamDunkDE pic.twitter.com/x8A5azURhz
— Slam Dunk to Beach (@slamdunktobeach) December 29, 2019
Even with his buzz growing immensely, Kepnang wants to keep everything in perspective.
“I’m really enjoying this process as much as possible and I will let the chips fall where they may,” Kepnang said. “I wouldn’t say anyone is favored right now, but I’ve been listening to everyone and I appreciate their interest.”
Right now, he’s focused on his season with Westtown ahead of his recruitment.
“My biggest goals revolve around winning and making my teammates better,” he said. “I may get recognition but I want my teammates to get the same attention as me and it would be better if leads to a championship.”
This story has been updated.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
