Max is Maxing Out Opportunities

Ron Bailey, Publisher

August 13, 2007 – Max Kenyi, a 6’5”, 170 lb senior swingman from Silver Spring, MD enrolled at Gonzaga College High School three years ago, an athletic, skinny basketball player that had a good work ethic, showing it consistently on the defensive end, where he excelled. As a probable team captain for the Eagles this year, Max still straps up with the best in Washington, D.C.’s high school hoop scene, but has added an outside game and leadership to his skill mix.

Colleges have taken notice of not only his on-court development but academic prowess – Max has earned a 3.5 GPA and is fully NCAA qualified - as he modestly shared after the 2007 Jabbo Kenner League High School Championship, “20 to 30” schools had tendered scholarship offers.

His coach, Steve Turner, previously stated similar sentiments regarding Max’s recruitment, before noting “William and Mary, Princeton, George Mason, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Marquette, Howard, Niagara”, along with a host of others make up the list.

Turner and Kenyi (right) after the Kenner League Championship. Thought Gonzaga lost, the team would finish 35-1 for the summer, which Kenyi attributed to the closeness of the team; a tightness that exists even when competing on different AAU teams at the same competition.

With such a cornucopia of schools recruiting him, some of which play in major basketball conferences, prevailing wisdom may suggest Kenyi is committed to attending one of the higher profile options presented. Not so, according to Turner, who replied “That is his dream” when asked if attending a ‘high-major’ school appealed to his player. “But I want him to go somewhere he can play”.

That last point, early playing time, was stressed by Max himself, who honestly established “Going in (and playing) right away, no doubt”, in addition to good academics, as very important points a school must offer to sign him.

The institution that does will get a tireless worker and leader, who has made himself a viable offensive threat. “I’m always working on my jumper” said Kenyi, to a question regarding how he transformed that previous weak point in his game to a solid aspect of his skill set.

Though still slender, Kenyi has improved his strength – evident in banging around the cup, defending, shooting, and keeping his dribble. In fact, he shared “I feel stronger”, when asked about the added muscle now present: Max should continue to fill out, as he not only works hard at it, but has an older brother, Andrew, who was also slender but got strong enough to be an effective college football quarterback.

“I’m always trying to get better and better” in all parts of the sport, summed Max, including his self-identified strongest point, defense.

When will Max’s decision be made? “I’m going to sit down soon” with his family and coach, stated Kenyi. Turner elaborated, saying unofficial visits will be made during August.

In doing so, Max will be armed with real information, gleaned from research, school’s presentations, and personal observations. From that point, an informed decision will be made.

If he takes choosing a college as seriously as he’s taken improving on the court – and all indications strongly point to the fact Max will - Kenyi will make the right decision, whether, high or mid major. Expect his work to continue at that lucky institution.