Player Spotlight: Taylen Kinney Class of 2026 (Kentucky)

Photo: Edmond Sumner Select

Prep Hoops Next Staff

January 10, 2022 @ 08:16 AM

Kentucky has always had some talent run through the state. Currently players like Reed Sheppard and Kaleb Glenn are ushering a new type of prospect out of the basketball rich state. Which leads to us taking a deep look at…

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Name: Taylen Kinney

Height: 5’11

Position: Combo Guard

Grassroots Team: Edmond Sumner Select

City/State: Newport, Kentucky

Possible High School: Newport High School

Graduation Year: Class of 2026

Taylen has a smooth game and a tenacious mentality but he also has the game to back it up. We take sometime toget to know the Kentucky product as he continues to develop his game.

When you take a look back when you started playing basketball, what changed things for you that made you decide to take your game to another level?

I started to see my game elevate and things started to get easier and I started to have fun and I feel in love with the game.

When you hit the floor what would you say your mentality is like?

When I step on the court I am thinking, I am going to kill anyone that is in-front of me.

Whoa re some players you look up to and model your game after?

I model my game after Trae Young and D’Angelo Russell. I look up to Lebron James and Edmond Sumner.

What are some things that you’re working on to get better?

I am really working on my body language and mental toughness.

If there are a few seconds left in the game and you need a to hit a shot out in the perimeter, where are you going to nail a shot.

I will nail one out in the wing.

What is the best thing about traveling with your team to tournaments?

Having fun in the hotels and going to war with my brothers.

What is the competition like in the area that you’re in?

It has been up and down but it is getting better.

What is the dream school that you would like to end up at?

The dream school is Kentucky.

How much time do you spend training and working on your game a week?

18 – 20 hours a week.

How would you describe your game?

High IQ and do what it takes to win guy. A WE before ME type of player. Whatever it takes to get the win.

Rankings

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About Our Rankings

Prep Hoops Next prospect rankings have been compiled by our staff with input from high school and club coaches from across the country. Players are ranked formulaically based on their current production as well as their long-term potential as collegiate prospects. We aim to expand and update our prospects rankings several times per year to continue to maintain the most comprehensive, accurate prospect rankings in the country. Feel like we are missing someone? Let us know here and get on our radar by submitting your profile!