Drake picks up 3* big man

by **DUBulldog** » July 2nd, 2013, 3:55 pm

Kory Kuenstling, 6'11" from Dunkerton, Iowa.

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/evaluation/_/id/171115/kory-kuenstling

ESPN has him as a 3-star prospect, #44 center in country. He's thin (about 215) but has the kind of frame that can put on some muscle.

**Sponsor**

by **uniftw** » July 2nd, 2013, 8:17 pm

His only other offers were from 2 D2 schools.

He faced 1 decent post player this past year and gave up 27 points.....there's a reason UNI, Creighton, etc... hadn't offered....

Hell, Western Illinois hadn't offered

He's 6'11, playing in the smallest class in the state of Iowa (which means the tallest kid he faced all year was probably 6'7 at tallest) and most in the 6'3-6'4 height range....didn't put up 16ppg.

by **DUBulldog** » July 2nd, 2013, 8:37 pm

uniftw wrote:His only other offers were from 2 D2 schools.

He faced 1 decent post player this past year and gave up 27 points.....there's a reason UNI, Creighton, etc... hadn't offered....

Hell, Western Illinois hadn't offered

He's 6'11, playing in the smallest class in the state of Iowa (which means the tallest kid he faced all year was probably 6'7 at tallest) and most in the 6'3-6'4 height range....didn't put up 16ppg.

Thanks. I knew I could count on you to respond.

I'm going to trust the coaching staff on this one. He's young for his class, and hopefully can grow into a player. Sounds like he's probable redshirt his freshman season. Sounds like he's got some athletic ability....with added strength and decent coaching, I think he could develop into something.

ESPN's review of him concludes with:

Kuenstling is a true center that is a good defender, rebounder and is very mobile. He works hard and competes. He can score some in the lane and he must continue to build his post game but has excellent upside.

With Phelps, you knew the 'upside' would never be realized. With the current staff, I've got hope.

by **Redbird Recon** » July 3rd, 2013, 11:22 am

Both '14 commits are from the same AAU team (Iowa Barnstormers).
Credit to the new Drake staff on building bridges with in-state programs.

by **DUBulldog** » July 4th, 2013, 7:48 am

Redbird Recon wrote:Both '14 commits are from the same AAU team (Iowa Barnstormers).
Credit to the new Drake staff on building bridges with in-state programs.

One of the first things Giacoletti said at his introductory press conference was that he was going to have a solid Iowa base on his team, and recruit mostly Iowa and surrounding states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri). It's been a while since Drake has had more than 2 Iowa players on the team.

Both Creighton and UNI have had a great deal of success with unheralded players from the state of Iowa.

by **BCPanther** » July 9th, 2013, 4:43 pm

Correction----

UNI did offer a preferred walk-on spot with the possibility of a ride in year 3.

by **Drakey** » July 15th, 2013, 8:22 am

Most players could only hope to walk on at a national basketball powerhouse like UNI.

by **valleychamp** » July 15th, 2013, 11:08 am

Are you sure that you want to go down this road, Drake fan?

by **Drakey** » July 15th, 2013, 4:30 pm

valleychamp wrote:Are you sure that you want to go down this road, Drake fan?

I'm just always amazed by pompous fans from UNI. You've got the third best State University in a sparsely poulated state, both academically and athletically.

by **valleychamp** » July 15th, 2013, 7:14 pm