Recruiting on the High Plains | PG Kevin Wagner
by Seth C on Oct 11, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
in Texas Tech Basketball Recruiting 2011
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When I started to look back at the archives, I couldn't find a DTN profile for Texas Tech's first commit for the 2011 basketball class, Estacado point guard Kevin Wagner. I couldn't find one because I didn't write one, and for that, I owe Kevin an apology. Let's get to it.
The Measurables:
Kevin Wagner
Position: PG
DTN Profile
Video: Clip 1 | Clip 2 | Clip 3
Rivals Profile
Scout Profile
ESPN Profile88 Grade
Ht: 5'8"
Wt: 145 lbs
High School: Estacado (Lubbock, TX)
The Player Speaks: When Wagner committed to head coach Pat Knight, he spoke with LAJ's Courtney Linehan and he talked about his mom and dad (who is also Wagner's head coach at Estacado):
"My mom can come down to my games," Wagner said of staying so close to home. "She’s my biggest fan and my biggest critic, so I’d love to have her here all the time."
And although it's evident that his size may be a detriment, he led his team to the 3A championship last year:
Wagner is a 5-foot-8 point guard who said his biggest strength is penetrating the lane; his dunking ability demonstrates just that. He scored 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting in the Class 3A championship game.
Dunking ability? For a 5'8" point guard? Whatever!
Video: Ummm . . . okay, so Wagner can get up.
K Wag Doing Work (via kevinwagner011)
Sure, it's a soccer ball and it's against no defense, but still pretty impressive. I also like how he refers to himself as "K Wag". Wooot! Now we get to game-film
K Wag Doing Work Part 2: GameTime (via kevinwagner011)
Well, yes, he's not the one throwing the alley-oops, but finishing them. Still can't believe he's 5'8". K Wag is still doin' work, part 3:
K Wag Doing Work Part 3: RELOADED (via kevinwagner011)
Scouting Report: A couple of things to note. Per MaxPreps, Wagner averaged 17.6 points, 4.8 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals last year for Estacado. Apparently Wagner has a 41" vertical jump, which is not normal. Obviously, he's got a tremendous ability to rise up above his defender when going to the rim, which is something current PG John Roberson has trouble doing. Roberson gets in the lane and he can't get the layup. Time will tell if Wagner will be able to utilize his jumping ability at the collegiate level, but it's not a stretch to think that Wagner's height could be a liability at the collegiate level. Wagner gets really nice elevation on his jump shot and I keep thinking that Wagner's father, who I recall on television when Estacado won the state championship, looks to at least be 6-0 and there's a chance that Wagner could hit a growth spurt between now and when he suits up for the Red Raiders.
Wagner's ESPN profile had this to say about Wagner's game:
Strengths:
Wagner is a quick lead guard that has off the charts athletic ability (41" vertical). He finishes above the rim with flare and can penetrate the lane at will. Wagner does a good job of running the team and making teammates better. When Wagner is not causing trouble in the lane he is hitting his mid range pull up. He has a tight handle and his passes are on time and on target. Wagner also sets the tone on the defensive end with his ball pressure.Weaknesses:
Wagner must add strength and weight in order to handle long term physical play and prepare to defend the post when taller guards attempt to take him down low. Wagner could also extend his range to beyond the arc and work to become a more consistent shooter. At times he will over penetrate and get into trouble but for the most his decision making is pretty because he does have a good basketball IQ.Bottom Line:
Wagner is a true point guard that is super athletic and can cause problems in the lane for opponents. He is a excellent defender and run the team and gets other involved extremely well. Adding strength and becoming a consistent shooting threat behind the arc takes game to the next level.
The 2011 Class:
| Position | Commitment | Ht/Wt | High School/State | Rivals |
Scout |
ESPN |
ESPN Grade |
| PG | Kevin Wagner | 5-8/145 | Estacado (Lubbock, TX) | N/A | 2 | 3 | 88 |
| SG | Toddrick Gotcher | 6-3/185 | Lakeview Centennial (Garland, TX) | 3 | 2 | 3 | 88 |
| SF | Terran Petteway | 6-5/200 | Ball (Galveston, TX) | 3 | N/A | 4 | 93 |
| PF | Jordan Tolbert | 6-7/210 | All Saints' Episcopal (Ft. Worth, TX) | 3 | 2 | 3 | 88 |
| PF | Hershey Robinson | 6-7/200 | Christian Life Center Academy (Humble, TX) | 2 | N/A | N/A | 40 |
| Averages | 2.20 | 1.20 | 2.60 | 79.40 |
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I used to have a 41" vertical
Well, maybe not.
Looks like PK has done a nice job of replacing the departing group of seniors with a similar recruiting class (maybe with a group that has a little more emphasis on defense and rebounding). Only problem is there is going to be a learning curve for the young guys with probably some down years that PK probably can’t afford anymore. I like the idea of our guys going strong to the basket to finish or draw fouls.
Interesting kid.
His size is spoken of a detriment a lot. Basketball is a game of height…it is also a game of quick. Short = quick. It will be fun to see how it translates from HS to Big12 play, and how he translates from dad coaching to Pat K coaching.
If he has a great motor and great endurance, he can drive an opponent nuts with defense, especially if he is fast along with quick.
as for me and my house, we chose the Lord.
So I have yet another problem with PK
We don’t have any decent post players on our current roster, and I have yet to see anyone over my height coming in as a recruit. Our terrible post play has been a huge problem the past few years, does he not see this?
Quick Post Players
Quick post players are very hard to come by. Tony Battie was the last one I can remember at Tech. PK has given offers to at least three in the 6’8" to 6’9" height area, but no one has signed. We don’t need more 6’10’’ to 7’0" players from the Juco group like we’ve recently had. They are only there for their height, not there ability.
If we can sign one of these offered post players we should have someone that can cover taller players, because of his ability and determination. I’m thinking if they don’t commit, PK may wait til next year to use the final scholarship for a good post or two. Lewindowski and Paul Cooper are juniors this year. I’ve been looking at the high school and Juco recruits and there aren’t many quality posts out there for 2011. More of them are from back east and not interested in coming to West Texas to play.
Next year we’ll have those two seniors (Lew and Cooper), one junior, five sophomores, and five or six freshmen. They’ll be a good group for the future, but with hardly any division I experience.
By the way Seth, I’m from Indiana originally, been in Lubbock since 1991, and am a die-hard basketball fan. Post all the basketball news you want.
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