Calling Kris Wilkes an underrated recruit might be a bit of a tantalizing statement since he is already ranked in the top-25 of most national publications as he sits at number-25 within our very own. However, in a three-outing viewing of the Indianapolis native on Saturday at the Phenom Hoops Indy Top 80, the 6-foot-7 junior displayed the upside and potential that most others yearn to have.

The next man up at North Central High School, the same place that such past stars as Eric Gordon and Jason Gardner suited up for, Wilkes displays quality production, ultimate versatility, and even some playmaking skills in the frontcourt. With great length to him and a jumping jack nature, the Midwest recruit is good for a few highlight dunks each time that he hits the floor.

Some may see the intriguing junior as a face-up 4-man, while others see him as an ideal sized small forward. Regardless of what position he ends up playing at, one can be sure that Wilkes will produce. He does have to solidify his outside jumper along with his adding to his ball skills in being able to play more away from the basket and garnering more strength wouldn’t hurt the cause. However, with Wilkes’ light frame and agility, the Indy native can defend the 2-4, is super quick to react out of the helpside spot for the shot block, and is nearly unstoppable in the open floor.

In speaking with Wilkes on Saturday, the junior noted on eight offers at this time which has come from the likes of UCLA, Maryland, Indiana, Butler, and Vanderbilt. While no one has stood out compared to the rest, the North Central product does have a feel for what he is looking for in a college program. “A good relationship with the players and the coaches on staff.”

While other programs like Notre Dame, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio State have been monitoring the Indy Hoosiers star, Wilkes is diligently working on his game but also planning on some visits. “I am going to Hoosier Hysteria at the end of the month and also Big Blue Madness in a few weeks.”

With visits to Indiana and Kentucky on the horizon, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight with Wilkes’ recruitment but rest assured that only the very best of programs will continue to flock into the Indianapolis area to check in on the highly potent forward within the junior ranks.