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Versailles graduate, Kyle Ahrens, could make a solid impact as a
freshman for
Michigan State this season. CNO File Photo by Dylan Knoop
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Michigan
State's Ahrens Could Become A Pivotal Role Player This Season
The Michigan State Spartans are primed to showcase what could be a
stellar follow-up season to last year's surprise run. With do-it-all
senior Denzel Valentine leading the way along with senior Matt
Costello, sophomores Lourawls Nair Jr. and Marvin Clark Jr., West
Virginia transfer Eron Harris and two top-100 freshmen, the Spartans
are in good position to replicate their success from a season ago.
Freshmen Deyonta Davis and Matt McQuaid are the two heralded recruits
for the 2015 class - and rightfully so. Davis is the perfect fit for
head coach Tom Izzo's physical approach, and McQuaid should bring an
impressive shooting stroke off the bench. The two aforementioned
freshmen look to impact East Lansing in their own respective ways, but
Versailles High School (OH) product Kyle Ahrens has the ability to make
an impact as a reserve in year one.he Michigan State Spartans are
primed to showcase what could be a stellar follow-up season to last
year's surprise run. With do-it-all senior Denzel Valentine leading the
way along with senior Matt Costello, sophomores Lourawls Nair Jr. and
Marvin Clark Jr., West Virginia transfer Eron Harris and two top-100
freshmen, the Spartans are in good position to replicate their success
from a season ago.
Freshmen Deyonta Davis and Matt McQuaid are the two heralded recruits
for the 2015 class - and rightfully so. Davis is the perfect fit for
head coach Tom Izzo's physical approach, and McQuaid should bring an
impressive shooting stroke off the bench. The two aforementioned
freshmen look to impact East Lansing in their own respective ways, but
Versailles High School (OH) product Kyle Ahrens has the ability to make
an impact as a reserve in year one.
Scouting Report
Ahrens, like McQuaid, comes into East Lansing as a decorated high
school shooter. Ahrens can stroke it from well beyond the college three
point line and has the ability to shoot in multiple positions. The
6'5", 205-pound shooting guard shoots most of his threes in a spot up
stance. Ahrens is dangerous in fast breaks, as he does a good job at
trailing the ball-handler and spotting up along the three point line.
The Ohio native can also shoot off screens and off a couple of power
dribbles with either hand. Ahrens does a great job at setting his feet
and squaring his shoulders when setting up for a three point attempt.
Make no mistake about Ahrens' game - he's not just a three point
specialist. Ahrens has the ability to drive and finish with either
hand. For a right hander, he's very good at finishing with his off hand
in traffic and has the vertical explosiveness to finish above the rim.
An underrated facet of Ahrens' skill set is his passing. He has the
ability to see over double teams and get the ball to an open man, and
even has a knack for hitting the open man in a fast break.
Areas for Improvement
The biggest area for concern is Ahren's foot speed and quickness on the
defensive end. Ahrens will be facing a plethora of talented scoring
guards in the Big Ten and will need to show the ability to contain them
in reserve minutes. Ahrens is capable of finishing with his left hand,
but will need to further develop his dribbling ability with his off
hand. The ball comes up too high on occasion when driving to his left,
and will need to tighten up in order to diversify his offensive
abilities.
Player Outlook
Ahrens is a very talented shooter and has the ability to produce right
away in a reserve role. Minutes could be hard to come by in year one,
with Eron Harris expected to dominate the shooting guard spot. Fellow
freshman Matt McQuaid could see more time early on off the bench, but
there is a chance Ahrens also plays in the back court or even slides
over to the small forward position off the bench. He may not come in
with as much hype, but look for Kyle Ahrens to develop into a quality
role player over time for the Spartans due to his three point shooting
prowess and ability to attack the rim.
The Ohio native can also shoot off screens and off a couple of power
dribbles with either hand. Ahrens does a great job at setting his feet
and squaring his shoulders when setting up for a three point attempt.
Make no mistake about Ahrens' game - he's not just a three point
specialist. Ahrens has the ability to drive and finish with either
hand. For a right hander, he's very good at finishing with his off hand
in traffic and has the vertical explosiveness to finish above the rim.
An underrated facet of Ahrens' skill set is his passing. He has the
ability to see over double teams and get the ball to an open man, and
even has a knack for hitting the open man in a fast break.
Areas for Improvement
The biggest area for concern is Ahren's foot speed and quickness on the
defensive end. Ahrens will be facing a plethora of talented scoring
guards in the Big Ten and will need to show the ability to contain them
in reserve minutes. Ahrens is capable of finishing with his left hand,
but will need to further develop his dribbling ability with his off
hand. The ball comes up too high on occasion when driving to his left,
and will need to tighten up in order to diversify his offensive
abilities.
Player Outlook
Ahrens is a very talented shooter and has the ability to produce right
away in a reserve role. Minutes could be hard to come by in year one,
with Eron Harris expected to dominate the shooting guard spot. Fellow
freshman Matt McQuaid could see more time early on off the bench, but
there is a chance Ahrens also plays in the back court or even slides
over to the small forward position off the bench. He may not come in
with as much hype, but look for Kyle Ahrens to develop into a quality
role player over time for the Spartans due to his three point shooting
prowess and ability to attack the rim.
The Ohio native can also shoot off screens and off a couple of power
dribbles with either hand. Ahrens does a great job at setting his feet
and squaring his shoulders when setting up for a three point attempt.
Make no mistake about Ahrens' game - he's not just a three point
specialist. Ahrens has the ability to drive and finish with either
hand. For a right hander, he's very good at finishing with his off hand
in traffic and has the vertical explosiveness to finish above the rim.
An underrated facet of Ahrens' skill set is his passing. He has the
ability to see over double teams and get the ball to an open man, and
even has a knack for hitting the open man in a fast break.
Areas for Improvement
The biggest area for concern is Ahren's foot speed and quickness on the
defensive end. Ahrens will be facing a plethora of talented scoring
guards in the Big Ten and will need to show the ability to contain them
in reserve minutes. Ahrens is capable of finishing with his left hand,
but will need to further develop his dribbling ability with his off
hand. The ball comes up too high on occasion when driving to his left,
and will need to tighten up in order to diversify his offensive
abilities.
Player Outlook
Ahrens is a very talented shooter and has the ability to produce right
away in a reserve role. Minutes could be hard to come by in year one,
with Eron Harris expected to dominate the shooting guard spot. Fellow
freshman Matt McQuaid could see more time early on off the bench, but
there is a chance Ahrens also plays in the back court or even slides
over to the small forward position off the bench. He may not come in
with as much hype, but look for Kyle Ahrens to develop into a quality
role player over time for the Spartans due to his three point shooting
prowess and ability to attack the rim.
From BT Powerhouse.com
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