4-star Tyler McKinley has some visits on his mind

Tyler McKinley is the No. 54 player in the 2024 On3 150. The 6-foot-9 forward played up with the All Ohio program on Nike’s EYBL 17u Circuit in July, where he averaged 7.3 points and 5.9 rebounds during Peach Jam. The four-star forward transferred to play at undefeated Branson (MO) Link Academy this season.

“I’m a versatile forward who is an overall good basketball player,” McKinley told On3. “Coming to Link Academy, playing with 12 high major guys, I’m expanding my game, doing anything I can to help my team win. With the work I’ve put in on my body this season, people will see this summer how in shape I’m in.”

On3 sat down with Tyler McKinley after a recent live viewing to discuss his recruitment and get an update on visits.

McKinley talks visits

“I haven’t set up any officials yet,” McKinley said. “I’m going to look to take some after Geico before EYBL starts. I’m talking with Tennessee, Michigan State, Xavier, Ohio State, and West Virginia. I already visited Cincinnati.”

Tennessee: “They produce and develop their forwards. They got a great staff shoutout to Rod Clark; he’s a great guy. I have two great friends and teammates of mine (Cade Phillips and Cam Carr) who are signed with Tennessee, and they keep telling me it’s a great program.”

Michigan State: “They like that I’m a versatile four. I can facilitate a lot on the floor and open up plays for my teammates. They see me a lot like Draymond Green, and I know Tom Izzo can develop me to be the best player I can be.”

Ohio State: “Coach (Chris) Holtmann wants me to come and be a Buckeye. I mean, I’m a kid from Ohio, so playing for Ohio State would be a dream.”

West Virginia: “Bob Huggins is a legendary coach. I know that if I were to go there, he would always keep it one hundred with me, both on and off the court.”

Xavier: “Coach (Sean) Miller is my guy. I mean, it was immediate. Ever since the first time I met him at Xavier, he, my mom, and I have been really tight. He’s a great guy. Even with the little things, like coming to Link, he helps me with stuff on and off the court.”

In McKinley’s words

“I think I’ll probably drop a top group sometime this summer and then go from there,” McKinley said.

“I’m going to be looking at what program can best develop me and get me ready for the next level. But I will also look closely at what situation is best for me and my family, especially my mom.

“I want to play at a high tempo, a lot of pace, and I want to get up and down the floor quickly.”

On3 NIL Valuation

Tyler McKinley’s On3 NIL Valuation is $29k. This is up $2.00 in Annual Value and ranks the four-star power forward No. 120 in the On3 High School basketball NIL Rankings.

The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). A proprietary algorithm, the On3 NIL Valuation establishes the overall NIL market and projected 12-month growth rate by measuring two categories, Brand Value Index and Roster Value Index.