Kansas Basketball: Billy Preston is Kansas’ next star

By Drew Dinnhaupt | Apr 30, 2017

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Billy Preston (23) shoots the ball during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas basketball should be extremely excited as another star small forward steps on campus next fall.

Bill Self has established himself as a fantastic producer of forwards who went on to have successful professional careers. Another forward will be added to that list very shortly.

Related Story: Jordan Brand Classic observations

5-star small forward Billy Preston looks to join an elite class of former Kansas wings as he steps into Lawrence next fall. Preston hopes to follow forwards Paul Pierce, Kelly Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, and, now, Josh Jackson, as yet another sensational Kansas product.

Once a top-5 prospect in the 2017 class, Preston has dropped significantly to No. 19 on the final 247Sports player rankings. The drop was perhaps too far, considering Preston has maintained excellent production throughout his senior campaign.

Preston led Oak Hill Academy to the Dicks Nationals as No. 5 seed, but the team was a quick out after suffering a double-digit loss to No. 4 Findlay Prep. However, Preston posted a near double-double of 21 points (9-of-14 shooting) and nine rebounds. It wasn’t the lone occasion the Los Angeles native had an impressive showing in the spring.

More from Kansas Jayhawks

As a starter for the West McDonald’s All-American team, Preston logged 10 points (4-of-8 shooting) and nailed 2-of-2 shots from beyond the arc in just 16 minutes of floor time.

Preston averaged 15.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game as at Oak Hill Academy. While his scoring numbers were rather low, it should be noted that Preston shot 57 percent from the field and 38 percent from the distance.

At 6’10” and 230 pounds, Preston is gifted with unique versatility. As an extremely long and athletic wing, there is very little the future Jayhawk cannot do on the hardwood. At the Jordan Brand Classic practices, Preston stunned me with his special perimeter abilities. In post drills, Preston had minuscule issue knocking down shots from beyond 20-feet. He also battled through the nation’s top post defenders down low and didn’t fail to impress on either end of the floor.

Preston’s ceiling is beyond measure. An athletic, skilled, and versatile near 7-footer with outstanding perimeter, mid-range and post abilities is unrivaled and virtually unprecedented.

Though unprojected as a 2018 NBA Draft selection, I cannot envision Preston not entering the first round conversation in the 2018 Draft. Obviously pending his college production, Preston could certainly squeeze his way into as high as the top 20 of the 2018 NBA Draft, if he elects to be a one-and-done.

Next: Where will Kevin Knox go and what does that mean for each team?

The sky is the limit for such a unique and talented prodigy. The road to success is already paved out for Preston.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks