Ty Price Q&A

Credit: @diligent.photography_446 (IG)

Ty Price popped up on our radar last year and after stellar showings at CrossRoads Elite Invitational , EYBL and The Blueprint Combine where we got to evaluate Price in person and get to know him on and off the court, it was only a matter of time before we coordinated a time to jump on Zoom with the goal of sharing his unique, incredibly inspiring story.

As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Price sheds light on his battle through tremendous loss, relentless work ethic, and life outlook. He also touches on his game, recruitment, and career goals. Currently averaging 30ppg, 5apg, 4rpg, and 2spg while shooting 38% from three-point land on four makes per game, Butler County High School’s star is off to a tremendous start to his sophomore campaign, and is looking like a special player in the ‘25 class. 

For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2025 prospect Ty Price, from Morgantown, Kentucky:

Pro Insight: To start off, why don’t you introduce yourself and also give a quick overview of where you’re from and who you play with.

Ty Price: My name is Ty Price, class of 2025 point guard. I am from Morgantown, Kentucky, and I play high school at Butler County High School, and over the summer I played for Bradley Beal Elite.

PI: Let’s start by talking some hoops. For those who haven’t seen you play much, who are you on the court?

TP: First and foremost, I am a competitor, and I also feel like I’m the best shooter in my class, and I feel that I can make high level reads in the pick-and-roll, create shots for my teammates, and play with a high IQ. 

PI: Those are definitely some strengths of yours, but you also stood out on the defensive end the first time I saw you. Would you like to talk more about that end?

TP: I feel like I can defend at a high level — being a smaller guard, I feel like I can get up under whoever I am guarding and cause them problems, make them uncomfortable. I think this year I am averaging 2.3 steals per game, so I can get in the passing lanes, too, and make plays on the defensive end as well.

PI: What are some improvement areas?

TP: I have been hitting my off-hand a lot lately to continue to make it more of an option and more comfortable whether it's dribbling, finishing, or passing. I would also say, obviously it’s not a weakness, but just continuing to extend my range and shoot it farther out off the dribble or catching off either foot. I would also say just making my floater an even higher percentage shot to where it’s very consistent.

PI: What would you say are some underrated aspects to your game?

TP: I would definitely say defense, just because most of the time people look at me and probably don't think I can defend just being a smaller guard. But, I definitely think I can cause problems on defense for whoever I am guarding and just pressure the ball at a high level and get up under them. I would also say that my passing is probably something else that is underrated. People are starting to see it now because my assist numbers have really gone up, but just being able to read the defense and pass at an elite level with either hand going at any speed, like I have really worked on that and I feel like that’s definitely something that is underrated in my game.

PI: Is there anyone you model your game after? And if yes, how so?

TP: There's a few players that I watch and try to take certain things from each, like Trae Young, of course his shooting ability, but just what he can do in the pick-and-roll is like getting them the shot they want every time. His floater is knockdown, but he can also throw lobs at any time and he can just pick apart a defense in pick-and-roll. Also studying Steph Curry and his shooting ability. Dame Lillard, I like watching him a lot. Also like Luka Doncic, he never gets sped up. His change of pace looks like he is playing in slow motion, but he’s out there killing dudes. His footwork is also something I study a lot. Just taking certain things from certain players and the things they do well and trying to implement that into my game.

PI: When did you begin playing basketball? When did it become serious?

TP: I have probably been playing since second or third grade. It was just a junior pro team at my school. I really started taking it serious about my seventh grade year, I met Greg [Keown] and started training. I even gave up football, which I really enjoyed playing. Just trying to lock in and try and take things as far as I can.

PI: What was your football career like?

TP: It’s funny, because I was actually better at football than I was at basketball. I was a starting quarterback before I quit, and I was getting offensive MVP every year and stuff. But I don’t know, I decided basketball is what I wanted to do, so I had to give it up and play basketball year-round. I mean, it’s worked out pretty good so far.

PI: You’ve really boosted your production since last year, nearly doubling your scoring and getting to the line a lot. What's been the difference from last year to now, on and off the court?

TP: Well, obviously after a year of work, my game has gotten much better. I think I am making more threes per game as well, and my shooting off the dribble has gotten much better. I think like 95-percent of my threes that I make and that I shoot are all off the dribble, now. That is definitely an improvement since last year. Also just drawing contact, drawing fouls, getting those easy points has helped my scoring average go up. Also, just staying aggressive and trying to push the ball, because we [Butler County] like to play fast, so that is another thing that has also helped me is just getting up and down and having more possessions. Just getting easy buckets — whether it be free throws, layups, or floaters —  has also helped too.

PI: What is it that you truly love about basketball? 

TP: I would say one thing I love about it is that you can go to the gym anytime and take your mind off of things, no matter what you are going through. You can just focus for that amount of time on getting better, and that's the only thing that matters at that time. That’s one thing I just love about basketball. Also, just trying to perfect your game and see how good you can actually get, I love that challenge, everyday. Just trying to get better everyday. I don't really know what it is, but it is something that has always drawn me to the game, just trying to be the best player I can be.

PI: Do you think that constant pursuit of improvement carries over to other aspects of your life?

TP: Definitely, because I have always had good grades. So, I think basketball translates a lot to life as far as how you carry yourself, or how you carry yourself in school, and taking grades seriously. I would say that trying the best you can be in basketball also helps you off the court, whether you are trying to be the best brother or mentor for somebody, or the best student you can be. That definitely carries over. 

PI: What has recruitment been looking like recently? 

TP: So I have actually went on quite a few [unofficial] visits here lately, I have been to Auburn, Indiana, Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, Louisville, and St. Louis, and I am actually going [went] back to Auburn on Jan 14th. Also, Mississippi State and Memphis, I am currently setting up dates for those to take unofficial visits. Texas has just recently reached out showing interest, and they are probably the most recent to reach out. Recruitment has been great so far, it’s very exciting, just getting to know the coaching staffs and schools’ programs, it's all been great.

PI: Have there been any standouts thus far? 

TP: I would say that each school has stood out to me in a different way, like every school has. I wouldn’t say there is any school ahead of another one, I would just say that continuing to build a relationship with the coaching staff and learn about the program has been my main focus going through this stage. Every visit has been different and has stood out to me in a different way, and has been great. But, not really one ahead of another right now.

PI: What are you looking for in a school in terms of playstyle, culture, relationships, location, etc.?

TP: I love to play fast and get up and down. I like a lot of sets with pick-and-roll, because I feel like my reads in pick-and-roll are pretty high level. Just playing fast and playing freely is definitely something that I am looking for when it comes to playstyle. As far as culture, obviously a winning culture, and a relationship with the whole staff is very important to me when it comes to deciding in my junior/senior year. I would say that location isn't something that's necessarily a deciding factor for me. It doesn't matter if it's 20 minutes down the road or if it's five hours down the road for me, just whatever is the best fit and wherever I have the best relationship with the staff is definitely what is most important to me. 

PI: Do you have a dream school yet, or are you pretty open?

TP: Well, growing up in Kentucky it's always been University of Kentucky, which has been my dream school. But, as I got older and recruitment has picked up it's actually become real to me that it's not necessarily my dream school, like it's not necessarily a deciding factor for me. It is more just about the best fit and my relationship. Definitely when I was growing up being from Kentucky it had been UK. 

PI: I know you are a relentless worker. What does your workout regimen look like? 

TP: Right now with school being in, obviously I have school during the day, but we usually practice right after school and then I kind of take a break because the girls have to practice. I'll come back [later] and get a workout, some of my teammates will join every now and then. Usually after that workout I'll get some shots up just trying to improve my shot out and make sure it feels good, especially if we got a game tomorrow or something. Then, on weekends it's usually three workouts a day where the first one is usually strength and agility to continue to get faster and more athletic. Then, the second one is usually skill work whether it's something I might not have been doing well in the game before, just working on like pivots or ball handling, and then the third workout is usually shooting, just extending my range, perfecting my shot. But that's pretty much what it looks like right now with school being in. During the summer it can kind of get a little wild, as far as three to four workouts a day maybe, just depending on you know how many times we can get in the gym or if I'm playing that weekend or not with AAU. But yeah, I know also you can kinda include yoga, stretching, or film study, it's not really a workout but that's definitely something that I picked up here over the last few months that's helped my game. During the summer it can get kinda wild though as far as my workout regimen, but I love it. 

PI: How do you prevent burnout? 

TP: Not burning out…it's just, you know, I haven't got to where I want to get yet, obviously that's down the road — so I just want to make sure that I get everything out of the tank as far as being the best player I can be and trying to maximize my potential. I think that's one thing that just doesn't make me get bored of it or burn out. I think it's just that constant hunger and motivation to get to where I want to be has kept me going over these past few years, for sure.

PI: What are your career goals, both short and long term? 

TP: I would say short-term is definitely to win three region championships — you see, in Kentucky we only have one state champion, so it's kind of a little bit different when it comes to winning state championships. But, definitely winning three region championships, one this year, and then my last two years of high school, and at least winning one state championship. I feel like this year it'll be a little hard because we got a very young team, but we can definitely win region this year. I feel like in my last two years of high school we would definitely have a chance to push for a state championship. As far as long-term goals, obviously play division one and eventually become an NBA player, and just play professionally and maximize my potential to become the best player I can be are basically my long term goals.

PI: Outside of basketball, what is your favorite thing to do?

TP: There’s a few things I like to do outside of basketball, obviously it takes up a lot of my time, but I mean I like going to church, I like just chilling and spending time with my family or friends, I like listening to music a lot, and I like shoes a lot and clothes and like, fashion. For the most part, what I do the most outside of basketball would be chilling with my family or friends and just hanging out.

PI: How would you describe your on-court vs. off-court personality?

TP: I would say on the court, obviously my mentality is a lot different than off the court, as far as I'm trying to win, I'm competitive on the court. I can sometimes be a butthole if you're playing against me, but, you know, that's just my mindset when I am on the court, just trying to win. I would say that I am very confident on the court, and just having that competitive edge is definitely something that is in my DNA when I am on the court. Off the court, I'm very humble, and I would say that I'm kind of relaxed and chill when it comes to being off the court. Now, sometimes if I'm with my friends or something, we might get riled up and have fun and laugh a lot, but for the most part just chilling and relaxing when I am off the court. Saving all that energy for when I am on the court.

PI: Three words to describe yourself?

TP: Tough, determined, and passionate.

PI: You truly have an admirable story, battling some incredible adversity that could be inconceivable to many in order to reach the point you are at today. Are you ready to share a bit about that? 

TP: So basically, I kind of went through a lot of hard times growing up, just having a lot of loss in my family. My mom actually passed away when I was six years old, so my dad at the time, he was a firefighter, but he also owned a pretty big farm, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, because he had to work after my mom passed away. So then, my dad’s dad, who I spent a lot of my time with, ended up passing away just a year or two after my mom passed away, so that was pretty rough for me. Then, my dad had basically raised me up until he recently passed away, about, it will almost be two years ago here in a few months. So that was obviously very hard for me. My brother who I grew up with, he's actually my half brother so he's a lot older than me, but we was really close growing up and he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and they only gave him about a year to live. But, he ended up living I think it was right at four years, which was obviously a blessing, but he ended up passing away just this last August. That was very tough for me…and then my mom’s dad passed away about a month after that. I didn’t get to see him very much since he lived in Phoenix, AZ, but he did get to come down for my brother’s funeral which was good, but he passed away a month after that. Now my mom’s mom is actually sick in the hospital right now, just dealing with sickness right now. So, I definitely experienced a lot growing up, and I think it's also helped me become the player and the person that I am though. I feel like, you know, God doesn't give us nothing that we can't handle, so you know I just try to always keep that mindset that you know this is his plan, and that he is preparing me for something bigger in the future. But yeah, I have definitely experienced some hard times growing up.

PI: I really appreciate you sharing that, I know it isn’t an easy thing to talk about. Through all of that, you have been so admirably poised and focused toward your goals in a way that also could be inconceivable to many. How do you use that as a driving force?

TP: I would just say, you know obviously you want to make them proud. You know, they're always watching, so I just feel like that keeps me even more in line as far as workouts or games or anything of that nature. So yeah, it definitely motivates me to make them proud and just do the best I can for them. I would say that it's also one reason why I am as focused as I am, because I kind of had to grow up fast after losing my parents. I would say that my mindset is kind of like somebody who might be two or three years older than me, I just feel like I'm so focused on my goals that it's not normal for somebody my age to be that locked in. I just feel like it's definitely made me mature, made me grow up fast, made me grateful for every opportunity that I get, whether it be on and off the court, and just grateful for every moment that I get.

PI: Alongside your family, what has kept you grounded throughout everything? 

TP: I would definitely say my faith in God has kept me grounded through it all, just knowing that I can always rely on Him and go to Him if I am struggling with anything. I would say also, just reading the Bible and learning about the scripture and what He tells us, and just always believing and trusting in Him, putting my faith in Him knowing it is going to be alright. No matter what He throws at us, it is nothing more than we can handle. So definitely my faith in God has kept me grounded throughout the things I have faced. I'll also say basketball just because, like I said earlier, it just kind of takes your mind off of things if you go to the gym and you know get a workout in and sweat all of those emotions out. Basketball has definitely helped me take my mind off of it at times, if I am struggling with something or missing them, I can always turn to basketball and always turn to God. My family and friends around me have been very supportive, helping me get through it. 

PI: How would you describe the presence of your guardian, Greg, in your life? 

TP: Yeah it has obviously changed since when we first met, as he was just my trainer basically, and would take me to events and stuff because my dad had to work. You know it's definitely changed since then, basically him and my sister take care of me. You know, he's taken on a bigger role than he used to have, and it's just it's been nothing but a blessing because he's always there for me on and off the court. Obviously he's helped my game get to where it's at right now, but also off the court I can always talk to him if I am maybe missing my dad, brother, or my mom, or something. He's always there to try to help me feel better and just always somebody I can go to as an outlet, so it’s just been a blessing.

PI: Who’s someone you look up to, in basketball or in life?

TP: I would definitely say my dad, just having to raise me by himself when my mom passed away at such a young age. He was a firefighter, so he worked a lot, but also ran a big farm, so I definitely think that is where I get my work ethic from, that's from him. I actually grew up trying to help him on the farm, always trying to get out there and help him. It is a lot of hard work and hard labor. That's definitely where I get my work ethic from in basketball. So definitely just looking up to him for just being a great father and always taking care of me. I'll also say, as far as like athletes, I really look up to like Oscar Tshiebwe, Tim Tebow, or Tua Tagovailoa, because they're very expressive in their faith, you know like Tua always mentions it in his interviews, you know, “all glory to God.” So I just think that is something that I try to do as well, being a follower of God. And Oscar, Oscar is great about it. I would just say I look up to them a lot for being expressive in their faith while being high level athletes. 

PI: Have you had the chance to meet Oscar yet, or do you just look up to him in general? 

TP: It would be great to meet him, definitely would be great to meet him.

PI: If you woke up tomorrow to see a fortune in your bank account, what would be your first purchase?

TP: My first purchase would definitely be a house for my sister and probably a house for Greg too, you know just make sure my family is taken care of. I'll definitely try to save my money after that, let it build up a little bit before I start splurging a little bit. But you know, the first thing would be to take care of my family and make sure they are good.

PI: What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever been given?

TP: I can't really name who specifically said it, it's probably been multiple people, but just to always chase your dreams and don't let nobody tell you you can't reach them, and to just stay working and stay hungry. It's probably been the best advice to just continue to chase my dreams, and that whatever I can achieve I can achieve as long as I put my mind to it.

PI: At the end of the day, what would you like to be remembered for?

TP: Definitely just for serving God and to glorify God’s name, is just what is most important to me. At the end of the day, you know basketball is great and all that, but the most important thing for me is just being known for being a follower of God and giving my life to Him.

PI: Lastly, you have a rare emerging platform where, not just other young men or basketball players, but people in general can be inspired by you and your story. If you had a message to share with them, what would it be? 

TP: To first and foremost put your faith and trust in God — He can guide you through anything you may struggle with or experience in life. Also, whatever you want to do, you can do it if you just really work at it and continue to chase it until you get it. So always put your faith in God and trust in Him, He'll always be there for you. Then the second thing would just be chase your dreams, and whatever you want to do you can achieve it, don't let anybody tell you you can't. So just stay hungry and stay motivated and whatever you want to do you can do it.