2014 star Ray Kasongo talks recruiting, East Ridge or Oak Hill, Adidas Nations and much more...says he has spoken to Kenny Payne and will visit Kentucky soon. Also says he hasn't decided if he'll leave East Ridge or not and he likes what Randy McCoy has to say.

 

Ray Kasongo Talks East Ridge, Recruiting and Adidas Nations

While it's today's reality the whole conversation about talking to high school coaches to determine which school will get his services leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Sat down to evaluate him in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend and saw all I needed to see in 2 minutes. He picked up a lazy foul on D and spent the next three minutes complaining about the obvious call. Two trips later he didn't move from the three point line with the D in a zone, got on the point guard for not passing him the ball as his man blew by for an easy transition bucket. I packed up and moved to a different court...

Sat down to evaluate him in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend and saw all I needed to see in 2 minutes. He picked up a lazy foul on D and spent the next three minutes complaining about the obvious call. Two trips later he didn't move from the three point line with the D in a zone, got on the point guard for not passing him the ball as his man blew by for an easy transition bucket. I packed up and moved to a different court...

 

 

Kids super lazy. Tom Crean was in the building for the 15th Region Championship and he bombed big time. Same attitude, talking down to his teammates every time he didn't touch the ball, no effort, no motor. Shane Hall worked him all game long, made him look silly. Kasongo has the athleticism but def not enough skill to make up for his lack of effort. With the right mindset he could dominate with his athleticism alone, especially in EKY. Don't think he'll ever get it from what I've saw. However, if McCoy is the guy at East Ridge, Kasongo will play and play hard or he will be on his way back to Canada. One things for sure, Randy McCoy never took any lip from his guys, he made them work.

Looks like Kasongo will be on the move next season.

 

Per Demling:

Ray Kasongo still looking for new school | Jody Demling – Recruiting

Looks like Kasongo will be on the move next season.

 

Per Demling:

Ray Kasongo still looking for new school | Jody Demling – Recruiting

Sounds like he and McCoy are made for each other... Scotty Hopson could have been described the same way.

Sounds like he and McCoy are made for each other... Scotty Hopson could have been described the same way.

 

May not ever get a chance to work together. Seems as if Ray may be letting other people steer him, that direction seems to be out of Pike Co. and away from East Ridge.

May not ever get a chance to work together. Seems as if Ray may be letting other people steer him, that direction seems to be out of Pike Co. and away from East Ridge.

 

Saw him play several times last season. Very lazy. Doesn't work for rebounding position. All he looks to do on offense is dunk. Johnson Central kid made him look like a little leaguer in the regional finals. Big enough to play at an NAIA school but unless he develops a work ethic he couldn't even do that. Dreams of Arizona or some other school along those lines are rediculous in my opinion. Definitely needs a spitfire coach to finish out his high school career. JMO

Is Kasongo still at East Ridge?

 

 

I hadn't heard much since all the talk about him looking for a school, now that school has started back in Pike County is Kasongo still at East Ridge? Haven't heard that he had transferred, but hadn't heard whether or not he has returned to school. Seems like I get the feeling he is still in Pike Co. Anyone know for sure?

 

 

Just IMO, if he chose to stay and play for Randy McCoy it would be a much better choice for his future than allowing someone to shop another school for him. If he play's for ER this year and trusts McCoy enough to show up every day and work for him it will pay off in the end. One things for sure McCoy will not put up with any non sense or lazy play so if Kasongo show's up to work and get better Randy McCoy can be someone who would get the most out of him (which from what I've saw in person and read about him is a near impossible feat).

Here is the latest from my site:

 

I just spoke to Ray Kasongo and he said he is staying at East Ridge High School for the 2012-13 season.

 

Kasongo said the people at East Ridge were a big factor in his decision to return for another year.

 

"The reason why I decided to stay at East Ridge is because the people down here did a lot for me and it was kind of hard to let that all go," he explained.

 

Kasongo was considering a move to Oak Hill Academy during the summer but ultimately decided to stay put.

 

"Oak Hill is a good opportunity and any kid would be lucky to go there," Kasongo stated. "What I have always believed is that if you are good and you put the time and work into it, no matter where you are at, coaches will find you and good things will happen for you."

 

- via Allkyhoops.com

Here is the latest from my site:

 

I just spoke to Ray Kasongo and he said he is staying at East Ridge High School for the 2012-13 season.

 

Kasongo said the people at East Ridge were a big factor in his decision to return for another year.

 

"The reason why I decided to stay at East Ridge is because the people down here did a lot for me and it was kind of hard to let that all go," he explained.

 

Kasongo was considering a move to Oak Hill Academy during the summer but ultimately decided to stay put.

 

"Oak Hill is a good opportunity and any kid would be lucky to go there," Kasongo stated. "What I have always believed is that if you are good and you put the time and work into it, no matter where you are at, coaches will find you and good things will happen for you."

 

- via Allkyhoops.com

 

Thanks, AW. Sounds like me made a mature decision.

Thanks, AW. Sounds like me made a mature decision.

 

Indeed, especially with all the pulling and tugging by those around him. I hate to say this, but I think Brandon Bender was trying to get him anywhere that wasn't Pike County in hopes of landing an assistant job somewhere or whatever the reason may be. I know Bender has connected with a lot of these Canadian kids and unfortunately some view him as a mentor. Kind of glad to see Ray made a wise decision in staying put rather than getting bad advice from someone who is probably not as invested in him as he thinks.

 

 

I know a lot was talked about Ray's attitude problems and lack of a motor last season. But like I've said many times (and really can't stress it enough) Randy McCoy is not the type of coach who will let this type of mentality go un checked. Kasongo will work and be pushed harder than he's ever been pushed in his life, but if he keeps his head in it and goes to work and doesn't fight it, it will be the best thing to happen in his young basketball career.

Good job on the scoop BTW Wireman. :thumb:

 

 

I knew everything had been pretty quiet on that front lately so glad to hear an update. Wish Ray and ER nothing but the best of luck this season. Came very close to winning a Regional title with a rookie coach last year, but got owned in the title game by lack of team chemistry. I think McCoy will bring the structure and system needed for these guys to have a very successful season.