To conclude the summer AAU cycle, The Circuit Championship at the Fantastic 40 brought together elite sneaker-affiliated and independent programs under one roof. Taking place at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, Pro Insight was on hand to cover the four-day event. In between games, we caught up with Keyon Menifield, Jr. of Phhoenix Prep (AZ) and The Family Detroit (MI).
Menifield Jr. is an electric and hyper quick prospect who can put up points in a hurry. His tight handle and knack for getting to the basket with ease allow him to constantly pick defenders apart.
As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Menifield, Jr. discussed his decision to reclassify, his recruitment update, what he brings to a team and more.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2022 prospect Keyon Menifield, Jr., from Detroit, Michigan:
Pro Insight: Talk a bit about your background.
Keyon Menifield, Jr.: I’m from Detroit. I won a state title with my school this year. Everything has been going good. I re-classified to see if more colleges would look at me, because I’ve been getting overlooked. It’s been going great, though.
PI: Can you elaborate a bit on the decision to reclassify?
KM: It’s been great. At the end of my high school season, one more school offered me, but at the beginning I only had Cleveland State and then Eastern Michigan came and offered me. I was thinking if I re-classed and played EYBL then maybe more schools could come and look at me. I’m glad I did it, more schools came and it was great.
PI: Any other athletes in the family?
KM: My little brother is an athlete. He’s going to be just like me. He’s going into 10th grade right now. They say he’s going to be better than me, but I don’t know [smiles].
PI: Describe your game — what are your strengths?
KM: I can do everything. I can get my teammates involved, shoot, finish, playmake, play a little bit of defense. I like to get my teammates involved first and then look to get my shots.
PI: How would you describe yourself as a defender?
KM: I would say I’m good in the passing lanes. I can play a little bit on the ball and I like to block shots.
PI: What are some improvement areas in your game?
KM: Getting stronger so I can finish over the bigger guys. I’ve got to get stronger for the next level. Also, I need to be able to protect the ball and not allow them to bump me when attacking.
PI: What are some underrated aspects?
KM: My defense, because people probably don’t think I play on-ball defense for real, but I can.
PI: Are there any players you like to model your game after?
KM: Kevin Durant or Jamal Crawford. I’d say Kevin Durant, but he’s 7’0” and I’m not 7’0”. They say I can be Jamal Crawford and Jamal Crawford is like a smaller Kevin Durant.
PI: What’s the latest with your recruitment?
KM: It’s going good. I recently got offered by St. Louis, UMass, Boston College, Washington, New Mexico State, St. Bonaventure, Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and a few others.
PI: When do you think you’ll narrow down your list?
KM: I would say about a month or so. See if any other schools come talk to me and if not then I’ll narrow it down to like my top four.
PI: What are you looking for in your school of choice?
KM: Make sure they fit my style of play. Make sure I like it down there — I can’t go somewhere that I don’t like or where it don’t fit me.
PI: What type of system best fits your style of play?
KM: Like a run-and-gun. We can run sets, but mostly up and down.
PI: What are some things you bring to a team off the court?
KM: Leadership. I got to lead and make sure my teammates are doing what they got to do. Make sure we’re getting right and everything.
PI: You were the leading scorer at EYBL this summer — talk about that experience.
KM: It was great. I went to EYBL so coaches could see me and I did that. A lot of coaches came, watched me, and offered me. I got more D1 looks, so it was great.
PI: How much has your game grown over the past year?
KM: I’m finishing better for sure because I got a lot stronger and bouncier around the rim. I’m finishing better and attacking the hole better.
PI: How would you describe your on vs. off court personalities?
KM: I could say it’s the same, I like to have fun on or off the court. I’m goofy off the court, but when it gets serious on the court I got to take it serious.
PI: If you weren’t pursuing basketball — what would you look to do for a career?
KM: I’d probably be a doctor. The only thing is you’ve got to go to school for a lot of years.
PI: What do you enjoy doing off the court?
KM: I like playing the game a lot. I like being with my friends or watching Netflix. I watch All American and Lucifer.
PI: How would you rate yourself on 2K?
KM: I’d give myself a 90.
PI: What are four words that best describe you?
KM: Leader. Confident. Goofy. Funny.
PI: At the end of the day, what do you hope to be remembered for on and off the court?
KM: I just want to be a great player. Funny, as well. People remember me as being funny and caring. Make people laugh, goofy. And make sure I’m a great player on the court. Make sure they don’t got nothing bad to say about me.