Hey everyone, check it out! Tyler McKinley, a local Cincinnati talent, has officially signed with the University of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball team. This is huge news for the Queen City as we get to keep one of our own right here at home. Tyler is a 6-foot-9 power forward from Winton Woods High School, and he’s been making waves in the basketball scene. He was even ranked as the No. 1 player in Ohio for the Class of 2024 when he was at Walnut Hills High School. That’s some serious talent!
Tyler’s basketball skills have earned him national recognition too. He’s been rated as the No. 64 player nationally by 247Sports, and he’s got the stats to back it up. During his time at Link Year Prep Academy in 2022-23, he helped his team win the GEICO Nationals title in Fort Myers, Fla. Talk about a big win! In that game, Tyler showed off his skills with 17 points and six rebounds. That’s the kind of performance that catches the eye of college recruiters.
What’s really cool is that Tyler is the fourth Bearcat under Wes Miller to have played at Link Academy. It’s clear that Coach Miller sees something special in Tyler, and we can’t wait to see him in action on the court. Tyler is all set to start his senior season at Winton Woods High School, and he’s already making a name for himself on the national stage. He was one of 35 athletes selected to participate in the 2023 USA U19 Men’s National Team Training Camp in Summer 2023. That’s a huge honour and a testament to his talent.
Let’s talk numbers for a moment. During his sophomore year at Walnut Hills, Tyler averaged an impressive 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Those are some serious stats, and it’s no wonder he earned Division I Honorable Mention All-State honors. With stats like that, it’s no surprise that Tyler had 16 reported offers from top colleges, including Alabama, Auburn, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Xavier. That’s some serious competition for his talent!
Coach Miller had some great things to say about Tyler. He mentioned that they’ve been recruiting him for 2 ½ years and have built a strong relationship with him and his family. Tyler’s return to Cincinnati is a proud moment for the team, especially after his success at Link Academy. Coach Miller highlighted Tyler’s versatility on the court, praising his passing and handling skills, as well as his explosive growth over the past year.
It’s clear that Tyler McKinley is a rising star in the basketball world, and we’re thrilled to have him join the University of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball team. With his talent and dedication, there’s no doubt that he’s going to make a big impact on the court. Let’s show Tyler some love and support as he continues to shine in his basketball journey!