What is Kentucky getting in Keion Brooks?

During halftime of Kentucky’s SEC quarterfinal against Alabama, Keion Brooks gave the Big Blue Nation something to cheer about during a break in the action, as he committed to the Wildcats over his home-state Indiana Hoosiers.

The five-star small forward is the 23rd-ranked prospect in the nation, according to 247 Sports Composite. He joins Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney as the third five-star recruit in John Calipari’s 2019 class.

Brooks was a massive addition, as Kentucky is set to lose four to five players from their current roster with Reid Travis graduating, PJ Washington and Keldon Johnson heading to the NBA Draft, and Tyler Herro likely joining them. Ashton Hagans is also a questionable return.

Now, Kentucky will have four incoming players meaning they’re almost entirely set for 2019.

Another five-star body is great, but what exactly are the Cats getting in the latest addition to their 2019 class?

Pat Holmes, who served as Brooks’s high school coach at La Lumiere School, says it’s a perfect fit.

Holmes sat down with Evan Daniels of 247 following the commitment (via the Herald-Leader). He said what stands out most in Brook’s game is his work ethic.

“Every single day, he comes to practice ready to work, ready to get better. He receives coaching, takes coaching, wants to know what he needs to do better to not only help his game get better but help the team get better.” Holmes said.

Holmes also pointed out that his former players’ unselfishness will bode well in John Calipari’s player driven system.

“He just wants to win,” said Holmes.

But what makes Brooks a perfect fit for Kentucky?

Holmes says it’s his versatility.

“He’s versatile in everything he does,” said Holmes. “He’s expanded his game — really worked on his game — to get out on the perimeter and consistently make jump shots on the three point. That’s something we’ve worked on with him.”

In an interview with the Herald-Leader, Rivals recruiting reporter Corey Evans had similar thoughts on what makes Brooks special.

“I think he’s one of the better three-level scorers out there in the class,” said Evans. “You look for guys with his size — 6-6 and above — that can play different spots, can make shots, can defend different positions. That’s so valuable in today’s game, and that’s what Keion really brings to the floor.”

Being versatile at Kentucky is always a plus. Take Tyler Herro for example. Herro came into Kentucky thought as a three-point specialist.

Throughout the season, however, he’s developed a devastating floater, ability to make tough layups and of course, knock down the three-ball.

If Brooks can come in and make plays on offense from anywhere on the court, Kentucky is getting a dangerous player and the perfect addition to their 2019-20 roster.

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