Canadian big man Kalif Young is headed to Providence.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound left-handed Class of 2016 power forward from Ontario’s Orangeville Prep chose Providence over Marquette after visiting Providence this past weekend. Young took an official visit to Marquette on May 4 with his mother.
Young’s commitment comes at a time when Providence forward Ben Bentil is testing the NBA Draft waters and may opt to leave. He has until May 25 to decide.
“For me, I think it was the people and the family atmosphere and the way I felt in my gut and just knowing that that was the only place for me,” he told me by phone. “The biggest thing for me was feeling comfortable and knowing that I can grow with them.”
As for his skillset, Young said: “As I keep developing, I’m someone who can get a bucket down low and also spread the floor with my ability to dribble and my quick feet. Just builidng on what I have and adding new things to my game with my shot going forward.”
Orangeville Prep coach Larry Blunt previously told SNY.tv: “Kalif is a very skilled lefty with college strength already. He has incredible feel for the game and can shoot the ball consistently from 17 feet in, and the pick-and-pop 3. You can throw the ball to Kalif on the block and not only can he score, but he is an exceptional passer. He can hedge on ball screens and even switch out on guards in late-shot clock situations. He’s a great kid with a great family.
“Kalif will be a household name before the year is out.”
Added Tony Young, Kalif’s father: “He’s quick on his feet for his size. He’s a killer on the boards. He can post. He can handle the ball for a big man. Everyone tells me he has a great IQ on the court and he has great passing ability. One person says he passes the basketball like a football.”
Young joins Maliek White, Emmitt Holt and Alpha Diallo in Providence’s 2016 recruiting class.
“I’m just happy to be a Friar and joining the team,” Kalif said.
NN
