ZS: Which factors played into your decision to spend a post graduate year at SCS? What are you hoping to attain out of the additional year of development and around the clock schedule?
BK: I had a pretty good senior year at Elizabeth (NJ), in which I averaged 10 points and eight assists per game in the Union County conference, which is always competitive. I wanted to pursue the opportunity to play college basketball, but I felt since I was only at Elizabeth a year I didn't have enough time to gain more exposure. Coach Phil Colicchio, I really owe him a lot. He showed me how to be a leader and win games.
I spoke to Assumption (MA) upon the hiring of the new head coach and they wanted me to be a preferred walk-on as they had no scholarships left. I figured it was in my best interest to play for a scholarship, though I appreciated the offer. So, I heard from (former Seton Hall assistant and Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Scott Adubato) about Scotland Campus and he said he really thinks Coach (Chris) Chaney can propel my game and also prepare me for the next level.
Of course, the end goal is to get a scholarship. That won't change.
ZS: Given you are a smaller guard, do you play with a constant chip on your shoulder to prove yourself?
BK: Yeah, I'm always going to be competitive. I just bear down and knuckle down on defense and guard the ball 94 feet. I've gotten my release to be very quick. I was in a middle school gym with (legendary St. Anthony's head coach) Bob Hurley all summer and he tuned up my jump shot and really taught me how to really read the game. I was always putting in a considerable amount of work with Eric Myrick, who is my trainer. With Eric, we worked on concepts such as shooting the ball off the dribble, hesitation, handle--he really polished my all around game up.
ZS: Your father (Jeff Kelly) played at East Carolina and you had three uncles who were Division-I athletes. Your grandfather was a legendary Manhattan guard (first 1000 point scorer) who also coached at Division-I St. Peter's? Is there pressure to replicate their success? Is their support? What is it like?
BK: There is no pressure at all. They support me in all my endeavors. It is actually an advantage that others don't have. My father, being a small guard at 5-foot-9, I learned a lot of his tricks and how to really guard on-ball. He also taught me how to create space and get people involved. My father and my uncles were both at my games throughout high school. It has been a real good support system. I want to carry on the legacy and the tradition we have as tough New Jersey guards?
ZS: How would you describe your relationship with former Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez?
BK: I've known Gonzo since I was about six years old. I was his ballboy at Seton Hall. I was fortunate to watch guys like Keon Lawrence, Paul Gause, Jordan Theodore, Jeremy Hazell. I really valued the toughness and grittiness of those teams. Gonzo used to call me his good luck charm, because they would always beat top tier teams when I was in the crowd. I haven't spoken to Bobby in a while, but I am sure he would be pleased to know I am playing for Coach Chaney because I know they are tight.
ZS: How would you describe the work rate and the experience of playing at Scotland Campus?
BK: It is competitive as ever. With all the guards here, you really have to compete and hold your own every day. You really need to hone in and make other people better and be consistent. Being around highly touted recruits, it is interesting to watch and learn from them and see the process play out.