'24 Tyler McKinley says Cincinnati, Xavier are standing out in his recruitment

Tyler McKinley was one of seven big me to make the finalists cut of the u17 USA men’s basketball team.

“I am versatile, do whatever the team needs me to do at any point in time,” McKinley told On3. “My favorite players are Jayson Tatum and Lebron James; I watch how they guard. My goal is to be able to guard every position on the floor.”

The 6-foot-9 class of 2024 forward from Cincinnati (OH) Walnut Hills has taken full advantage of this experience among the nation’s most talented players.

“It’s a team-bonding thing,” McKinley said. “But we are also competing to make this team and then to win gold. It allows me to put on for my city, Cincinnati.”

On3 caught up with Tyler McKinley to talk about his June 15th experience and what schools stand out in his recruitment.

“Of the schools who have offered, I’ve been on campus at Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Xavier,” McKinley said. “I will probably take an official visit to Xavier and Cincinnati because they are so close, but for who else, anything is possible at this point.”

McKinley talks recruitment

Ohio State: “I learned how they developed their bigs. I like how they play with versatile bigs, like EJ Liddell.”

Cincinnati: “Wes Miller is a family coach. I know this is a business, and it’s his job, but he has created one big family atmosphere in how he talks to his players. They were the first school to contact me on June 15, right at midnight. Coach Miller and Coach Dre (Andre Morgan).”

Xavier: “They are talking about how they are looking to develop me. But Sean Miller he’s been more than a basketball coach for me lately; he’s been more of a mentor. We’ve talked about the ins and outs of high school. He told me about little tips and tricks for out here at USA. It’s just good to know I got Coach Miller on my side.”

“UCLA, Purdue, and Indiana have been contacting me a lot,” McKinley said. “Since the coaches have been contacting me directly, it has been new numbers every day.”

Recruiting take

“I want to go somewhere that feels like home,” McKinley said. “I want to go somewhere that will develop me. My goal is to get to that next level and the league. Playing style will matter, all with how they plan on using me. I don’t have a particular play style in mind, but if I feel they will send me in the right direction, then I will be comfortable with it.”