McKinney enjoys time in Manhattan, plans return visit
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All eyes - those of spectators and especially of Kansas State's coaching staff - were on St. Louis Vashon High School this past weekend in Manhattan.
The Missouri powerhouse basketball program made the trip to K-State to participate in the Wildcats' team camp and ultimately claimed the camp championship.
Unsurprisingly, the effort was led by four-star rated point guard prospect Mario McKinney.
McKinney's father, Mario McKinney, Sr., appreciated the effort his son and teammates put forth in games played at a variety of locations - including Bramlage Coliseum.
"I was proud. We ended up playing a team we lost to in our very first game of pool play. We got to play them again, got up by 15 and ended up winning by 12," McKinney, Sr. told KSO. "We didn't have any legs early after riding in the car a long time. So it was nice to get another shot."
These camps are often times an opportunity for a player to showcase their skills on an individual level. And while McKinney clearly flashed as an elite prospect, it was equally interesting to notice how much he tried to keep his teammates involved and engaged throughout.
KSO Analyst Chris Nelson even noted at one point how it was McKinney who went and grabbed four cups of water to carry back to his teammates in a halftime huddle.
While McKinney admits his son would love to see his recruiting ranking rise, it's not something they're focused on at the cost of team success.
"We don't talk a lot about it, his recruiting ranking - no drawn out conversation - but I know it fuels his fire," McKinney said. "He really takes it up a notch when he plays against kids ranked higher than him, maybe he feels snubbed a little bit. He tries to go out and have big games and make teammates better.
"As a player, I think the colleges out recruiting him see what kind of player he is to make players better when it's the right time. He makes defensive stops, he makes the big basket when needed.
"We played a national schedule this year, and sure I'm his father, but I think he's typically the best player out there. I think he has a big desire to prove people wrong. People know he's good, but he wants to go out and prove people wrong."
As far as the McKinney family impression of Manhattan, it was certainly a positive one.
Positive enough to make sure they return to the Little Apple again relatively soon.
"It's very nice. It's a place that I think he's really considering. It's one of his top schools," McKinney said. "We do have an official visit coming up Sept. 7 through Sept. 9. We're looking forward to that. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."
While the entire K-State coaching staff is actively involved in recruitment of McKinney, it's no surprise that one Wildcat coach - very much tied to St. Louis - is having the greatest impact.
"It's more Coach (Chris) Lowery. He's a part of this area. He's been heavily recruiting this area," McKinney said. "It's been more of him, since he really knows so much about this area. He knows the kids and has great relationships with them.
"He knows how to keep it real with them and about the things that happen. He can explain to them what they have to do at the next level, the good and the bad," he continued. "He lets us know he loves us and thinks we can fit, but that the next level is different.
"I appreciate that about him, the honesty. He tells us to have fun now, because even though it's still fun at the next level, it's more business. We appreciate how real he is."