Class of 2023 guard K.J. Satterfield of The Patrick School (NY) and Team Diffrrnt (NY) has committed to UAB over Saint Joseph’s, Fordham, Creighton, and Northern Illinois. Satterfield comes from an athletic family as his father Kenny Satterfield was a former McDonald’s All-American, Cincinnati Bearcat, and NBA player while his older sister played collegiately at the high major level. The 6’4” lead guard brings positional size with the ability to create for himself and others, while being a multi-level scorer. A standout at Hoop Group’s HGSL, featuring independent AAU programs in the northeast and Mid-Atlantic area, Satterfield has emerged as an elite prospect who will make an immediate impact when he steps foot on a college campus.
Satterfield spoke with Pro Insight’s Conrad Chow about his decision:
Pro Insight: Talk about your basketball journey — how did you get to where you are today?
K.J. Satterfield: So eighth grade year, I came from New York and I moved to Ohio. My ninth grade year, that’s when I really started playing on the ball. I would say moving to Ohio transformed me — that was probably my development as a point guard. And next year I moved to a different school. It was like I was on and off the ball. That was another development playing off the ball. Next year, I had moved back and I started playing on the ball again and I started seeing the floor better. And going into my senior year, I feel like my skills are developing as a true point guard.
PI: Your father played at Cincinnati and in the NBA, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from him?
KS: I would say that the advice would be to focus on the work that we have put in, not what others are saying.
PI: When it came down to it — what were the most important factors in choosing your next step?
KS: Somewhere where I am going to be comfortable playing and the relationship I have with the coaching staff, and then probably the trust I have with the coaches and the trust they have in me.
PI: Who did you lean on for guidance throughout the process?
KS: I would say my older sister. She played at Ohio State and Xavier. She went through the process so she knows what it’s like.
PI: Without further adieu — where will you be playing next season?
KS: I’ll be going to UAB!
PI: Congratulations! What separated UAB from the rest of your options?
KS: Like I said, it was having trust with the coaching staff and the plan that they have for me.
PI: What is UAB getting in K.J. Satterfield?
KS: They are getting a 6’4” guard with size at the position, great feel and IQ for the game; I get to my spots and can create for myself; I'm a shooter off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations and I'm someone who is always looking to improve on their game.
PI: What are you hoping to work on between now and getting to campus?
KS: Working on my body and getting stronger.
PI: Lastly, do you have any message for the UAB fans who are thrilled about your commitment?
KS: I would say “Go Blazers!”