by Draft Room contributor:
Leader Johnson @WriterLeader247
2021 five-star small forward Kendall Brown is one of the best prospects in the country. His athleticism allows him to be dangerous above the rim and in transition. He is tough and plays the game with aggression. He has the potential to be an elite defender and when you think of a potential two-way monster Kendall Brown comes to mind.
Kendall plays for Sunrise Christian in Wichita, Kansas and is the 17th ranked prospect, 5th ranked small forward and number one ranked prospect in Kansas for the 2021 class by 247 sports. We talked about his recruitment and what he would bring at the college level for NBA Draft Room.
LJ: How hard do you work to be as good as you are?
Kendall: I’ve always had to work hard and do extra because playing up 2 years since 1st grade always had to make sacrifices to keep up with my brother who’s older, but now i am going to have to take it to another level.
LJ: What does it mean to you to be a 5-star player?
Kendall: To me it doesn’t really mean that much because in my mind I know what I can do and what I can accomplish but it feels good that other people are recognizing early what I can do.
LJ: Tell me about growing up in Kansas? How much of a presence have your parents been in your life?
Kendall: I grew up in Minnesota* I just go to school in Kansas. And my parents have had a huge presence. They always push me and make sacrifices for me, wouldn’t be where I am without them.
LJ: What NBA player do you watch and model your game after?
Kendall: I model my game after Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard because their footwork and how they make separation is key.
LJ: How tough has it been on you and your family during this Covid crisis? How is Kansas different?
Kendall: it’s been pretty tuff, parents are a little stressed with what’s going on but everyone’s happy to be with family right now and Minnesota* is pretty much the same as other states, we’re on lock-down.
LJ: You recently received an offer from Arizona. What does that offer mean to you? What do you like about Arizona?
Kendall: It means a lot to get an offer from them. They have a great history in players going to the league and players like me. I like the way they play.
LJ: Are you planning a virtual visit?
Kendall: We already did kind of a virtual visit. It was like a virtual presentation.
LJ: You have played against some of the toughest competition in the country. Who has been the toughest prospect you have had to play? What were your stats against that player?
Kendall: Rocket Watts and Makur Maker I don’t remember what I had against Rocket but I had about 16 against Makur.
LJ: What do you think is the hardest part about being one of the top players in the country?
Kendall: I would say the hate you know everyone is going to hate when you on top but you just have to block them out. It’s fuel.
LJ: With that said what teams are recruiting you the hardest?
Kendall: I would say Kansas, Ohio state, Minnesota, Marquette, Virginia, Baylor, Maryland, Illinois, and now recently Arizona.
LJ: At this point, do you feel like you are a one and done prospect?
Kendall: Yes, I believe in myself in what I can do and how I can produce and now I’m just looking for the right school to display my talents and work on the big stage.
LJ: How do you feel about these schools? What do you like about them?
Kendall:
Marquette: I have a great relationship with the staff and facilities are great.
Kansas: They have great history and they produce a lot of players to the league and relationships with the staff
Arkansas: Good relationship with the staff.
Illinois: like the style of players they have and how they use them.
Ohio State: Great relationship with the staff, amazing facilities, great style of play for versatile players like me.
LJ: Are you planning a virtual visit with Marquette, Kansas, Arkansas, and Ohio State?
Kendall: I don’t know at the moment.
LJ: What makes you coach-able and great in the locker room? What type of impact does Kendall Brown bring?
Kendall: I listen and pay attention. I have a very high basketball IQ and pick up stuff quick and I am a positive player and I’m real I’m not going to tell lies just so someone feels good like if you messed up i am going to tell you about it but I’m also going to pick your head up to make the next play or keep shooting.
LJ: Do you plan to commit soon?
Kendall: Nope, recruitment is 100% wide open right now.