News Summary

Taylen Kinney, a talented 16-year-old point guard from Newport, has officially committed to play for the Kansas Jayhawks. He was ranked the No. 1 point guard in the Class of 2026 and chose Kansas over numerous Division I offers. Kinney is known for his strong connection to his hometown, where he has made a significant impact through youth camps and basketball showcases. His commitment brings excitement to the Kansas basketball program as they prepare for future seasons.

Newport Welcomes Taylen Kinney to Kansas Jayhawks

In an exciting turn of events for basketball fans in Newport, Kentucky, homegrown talent Taylen Kinney has officially committed to play for the University of Kansas. The announcement was made on September 28 and has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the community and beyond.

At just 16 years old, Kinney has already earned his stripes as a top-tier player. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 point guard and the No. 13 overall player in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports. With a whopping 42 Division I basketball offers under his belt, it was no easy decision to choose his next destination. Ultimately, Kinney decided to don the Kansas jersey over other contenders like Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, and Oregon.

Connection to Home and Community

What makes Kinney’s commitment so special is his strong connection to Newport. Known for regularly returning to his roots, he often spends time with family, holds youth camps, and participates in basketball showcases in the area. During his announcement, he proudly wore a Kansas hat, with a video that beautifully captured his journey from Newport High School to where he stands today.

As a player for the Newport Wildcats, Kinney made quite a name for himself, scoring an impressive 1,220 points throughout three varsity seasons. His leadership helped guide the Wildcats to fantastic Ninth Region titles in both 2023 and 2024. This success laid the foundation for his bright future in the sport.

Joining Overtime Elite

In August 2024, Kinney took a significant step in his basketball journey by joining the Atlanta-based Overtime Elite program. This move proved beneficial, as he further honed his skills, showcasing his ability to average 20.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in his last season. His impressive shooting stats—65% inside the arc and 33.3% from three-point range—highlight his versatility and development as a player.

A unique aspect of Kinney’s persona is his nickname: “Mr. 67”. This moniker stems from a clever trend he started alongside his love for the song “Doot Doot” by Skrilla, showing off his playful side as well.

Bonds with the Kansas Coaching Staff

Kinney has also developed a strong rapport with the coaching staff at Kansas, particularly with head coach Bill Self and assistant coach Jacque Vaughn. This connection has only added to his excitement about becoming the focal point of the team and competing for national championships. Fans can’t wait to see how he will contribute to the program, especially as Kansas looks to reposition its roster by the 2026-27 season.

Future at Kansas

While Kinney opts to keep wearing jersey number 0 at Kansas, the NCAA’s new rule allows players to have any number they wish. His commitment marks a significant first step for the 2026 recruiting class, casting a bright light on Kansas basketball as they prepare for roster changes ahead.

Kinney’s playmaking abilities, aggressive driving, and scoring skills make him a valuable addition to the Kansas program. With a blossoming national following and even a venture into business—like his very own purified water brand—Kinney is more than just a basketball player; he is a rising star full of potential.

Excitement Surrounds the Kansas Program

This commitment comes at a time of renewed optimism for Kansas, especially following some recent disappointments in postseason play. Fans are eager to witness what Kinney will achieve as he embarks on this next chapter of his basketball journey. As he steps onto the court in a Kansas jersey, one thing is for sure: Newport will be cheering him on every step of the way!

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