So, who is Kyle Wiltjer anyway? Most people only know that he is a surprise addition to the 2011 Wildcats having announced his verbal commitment during the Elite 24 game on Saturday night. Wiltjer is a 6’9″ 225lb power forward from Portland, Oregon who is ranked #25 in the Rivals Top 150 and #19 on the Scout Top 100. Wiltjer is your newest Kentucky Wildcat for the 2011 class.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Most people thought that Wiltjer was going to announce his verbal commitment to Gonzaga. “I just wanna let Coach Calipari know I’m gonna play for the Wildcats,” Wiltjer said. “I’m very excited to be a part of that team.”
“The one thing is I wanted to surround myself with the best players. They have a great recruiting class coming in and I thought it would be a great fit.”
[quote=ESPN]May be the most skilled power forward in the class. He can score from anywhere on the floor and is a match up nightmare. He can pass and handle the ball as well. Needs to attempt to improve his foot speed and quickness and add strength but this young man can flat out make plays on the offensive end of the floor against anyone in the high school ranks. We consider him a cross between Keith Van Horn and Kevin McHale.[/quote]
[quote=sbnation.com]Wiltjer’s back to the basket footwork, moves and touch are a thing of beauty. He can also knock the three in transition by running the floor, trailing or from a pick and pop situation. He understands the value of ball fakes to move the defense and he works for low post position after he screens and seals his defender. Wiltjer is an excellent passer as well out of the post and under pressure on the perimeter.[/quote]
And on to the videos:
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So there you have it. Wiltjer is the state of Oregon’s top class of 2011 high school basketball players and has won back-to-back 6A state titles with Portland’s Jesuit High School. He has been called the most skilled power forward in the country and is a versatile offensive player who should make a serious impact on the next level and with the Kentucky Wildcats.
GO BIG BLUE!
