He admits he has lost his confidence.
“This is a reality check,” Curtis Kelly said Tuesday. “I have to step it up. But the first thing I have to do is get my swagger back.”
It’s hard to believe at one point Kelly was a top-30 recruit in the Class of 2006 out of famed Rice High in Harlem, N.Y., a member of the vaunted New York Gauchos. Many of his peers in that class are already in the NBA.
Kelly? The 6-foot-9 forward is transferring out of UConn after two disappointing seasons, possibly to Kansas State (where he visited the past weekend) after averaging 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 51 games. He admits now he wasn’t a good fit in Storrs, suggesting the Huskies’ style of play didn’t mesh with his talents, which were described by Rivals two years ago as “unorthodox.”
“I like to step out a little more,” he said. “I like to bang more. I like going to the basket… I was in more of a role (at UConn).”
He knows he’s better than he has shown thus far, and he realizes he’s running out of time. Visits to UNLV and Kentucky are forthcoming, and he said Tuesday a few A-10 schools may be in the mix as well. But Kelly likes what he’s hearing from the K-State coaching staff, specifically about the direction of the program.
“They told me about the kids they have coming in,” said Kelly, who still has his redshirt to burn, which would likely be used next season after transferring before being eligible the following season. “Of course, they’re worried about next season. But in 2009 and 2010, they want to take it to another level, to elite status. What they’re looking for, I think, is a team player, someone who can step in and help.”
As a result, K-State is in good shape, Kelly said. But, then again, after two lackluster seasons in Storrs, it’s clear he feels as if he needs to be in a situation where he can be emphasized. That may or may not happen at K-State - Kelly asked Tuesday what the Wildcats would have at the ‘4′ in 2009 and then asked if they were recruiting anyone right now at that spot.
“I’m open to competition, but I want to go somewhere I can shine,” he said.
That’s important to Kelly, a former top-30 recruit. But he’s also a former top-30 recruit from New York City, where swagger is a given - and also a burden.
“I haven’t done anything at the college level,” he said. “What I used to be, I have to bring that back. I have to.”
2 Comments
“Kelly asked Tuesday what the Wildcats would have at the ‘4? in 2009 and then asked if they were recruiting anyone right now at that spot.”
so, what did you tell him?
Great updates. Subscribe to recruiting website as well and get good info on there, but you seem to be digging a little deeper and getting more interesting stuff right now.