Ugonna Kingsley: UConn is battling Kentucky, Kansas for Top 25 big

Top 25 2023 Ugonna Kingsley spent two and a half years at the NBA Academy Africa. He transferred to Putnam (CT) Science Academy in January and was one of the most dominating bigs in the country.

“I’m a defensive player,” Kingsley told On3. “I’m working on my offense, and it is coming along, but the most important part of my game is my defense. I grew up playing soccer in Nigeria, in the posts (goalie). I didn’t play basketball until I was 12 years old.”

Immediately college coaches took notice of Kingsley, as his high school season culminated with a New England Prep Championship game points, rebounds, blocks, triple-double, and an undefeated season. On3 caught up with Ugonna Kingsley at the Pangos event to discuss his recruitment.

“I have not taken any visits yet,” Kingsley said. “We have not set any dates, but I plan on going on some very soon. Kentucky, Kansas, and UConn are schools I am looking at. LSU too.”

Kingsley talks recruitment

Kentucky: “I have been wanting to go to Kentucky all my life, even before coming to the states. I don’t really know much about the school yet, but I know it is a good program for athletes, a lot of their guys are pros. I know Oscar Tshiebwe is also from Nigeria, it means a lot he has had great success there.”

Kansas: “I know it is a great school for big men. Their coaching is very good, their facilities and their equipment to develop players is very good. They just won a championship.”

UConn: “It is a good program. I have watched them play, their energy as a team is good and their coaching staff is good. I love everything about their program”

Player’s take

“I am going to look closely at how the coaches interact with the players,” Kingsley said. “If the coach has a good relationship with his players it is going to help you out mentally. Someone like me, coming from Africa, a player and coach relationship is big for me.”