Although we don't hear much about him when discussing the elite players in the c/o 2011, 6'6 junior to be Kevon Rice of Holmes is a legit prospect for the next level and has been putting up some big numbers on the AAU circuit this summer. Rice was a key contributor for the Bulldogs off the bench last year, averaging 4 ppg, and 2 rpg. Rice will be counted on this year to step in and replace some of the production of departed seniors Jamel Riley, Dom Johnson, and Brandon Housely. I recently had the chance to catch up with him and here is what he had to say:
What fundamentals have you been working on this summer to improve your game?
I've been working real hard on improving going to my right and also been shooting between 200-300 jumpers a day to get more consistent with my shot.
What goals do you have set for yourself this coming season?
My goal is to try to get back down state this coming season.
Where do you feel you've grown the most as a player since last year?
By working on my shot, my jumper has gotten better. I also feel I have a better attitude and play better defense now.
Which camps or AAU events have you attended over the summer and with who?
I played with the Queen City Prophets and Kingdom Elite out of Cincinnati and attended the Hoop Fest in Indiana and the Shoot Out in Louisville.
What's your take on Demetrius Avery transferring to Holmes and how do you feel he can help you guys this season?
To me, I think Demetrius Avery will give us some big help with rebounding and getting easy baskets.
Which schools are you currently hearing from?
I really haven't heard from any recently but I've gotten a couple letters from different schools.
Lastly, What are your expectations for you and your teammates this coming season?
Me and my team have a real big chance of winning state again. If we stay focused, no one can stop us in Northern Kentucky.
Notes:
-Although he didn't have many big games because of the role he played last year, Rice showed glimpses of just how talented he is in games against Highlands (14 points 4-6), Franklin Co (10 points, 5 rbs), Lexcath (8 points 3-5), Largo, MD (8 points 2-4), and Louisville Central (7 pts, 4 rbs).
- When I saw Kevon, he looked like he had gotten a little bigger since last year. He's a legit 6'6 now and looks like he's picked up a little muscle. Speaking of growing, I also had a chance to see and talk to Pierre Mayfield as well and he too has grown some since last year and slimmed down. Expect him to battle Avery for that 5th starting position.
- If Rice is more consistent with his shot this season, I'd expect his stock to rise very quick, with the schedule Holmes is playing. He'll have a lot of chances to showcase how much he's improved since this past season>
- Kevon also told me that he's been working out with his cousin and former Bulldog, Greg Rice (c/o 2007), a lot this summer to help improve his game. Greg recently signed to play with D2 Indianapolis University who plays in the GLVC with NKU.
-I'd expect Kevon to average around 8-12 ppg this season. He needs to improve his rebounding, but with him being inserted in to the starting lineup, don't be surprised if he puts up some big numbers. After this season, you'll see his name mentioned with the other elite players around the state...mark it down.
-BTW, forgot to originally post this, but I also heard from Kevon, Pierre Mayfield, and Chris Hayes that 6'2 junior to be Naire Jones (formerly of Newport before last season) has transferred back to Newport. Jones was a key contributor for the Holmes JV team last season.
- Lastly...although Ricardo and Jeremiah Johnson leave after this coming season, there may be a future brother combo that dominates on the court as well. Kevon has a younger brother, Dontel, who is in the 6'4-6'5 range as a sophomore to be and could see some varsity time this year as well.
Here's a few scouting reports on Kevon from this past season:
March 2009
January 2009
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