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▶️ Show Notes
Kenya Jones, Head Coach and Associate Director of Admissions at Brooks School (MA), joins Cory for a straight, practical talk about prep school basketball, player development, and college placement in today’s NIL/transfer-portal era. Jones explains why Brooks is “a school that happens to be good at basketball,” and how a culture of multi-sport participation, arts, and academics creates tougher, smarter, more coachable athletes. He details what he really recruits—character, independence, and fit—and how self-driven development (open runs, morning gym, weight room cadence) prepares players for NEPSAC competition and college standards.
You’ll hear an honest breakdown of Class B vs AA/AAA schedules, why relationships + summer showcases move the needle more than hype, and exactly what it takes to be a Division I guard (athleticism, vocal leadership, 94-feet defense, rebounding from your position, and credible shooting). If you’re a parent, player, or coach seeking the right pathway—not promises—this episode gives you a clear lens on admissions, placement timing, and building a life-ready student-athlete.
Families starting the prep journey: listen in, take notes, and focus on fit over flash.
⏱️Timestamps:
(3:05) Starting at Brooks; early career path and program foundation
(3:09) Coaching style explained: “I’m passionate, not a yeller”
(3:29) Defining Brooks School: “A school that happens to be good at basketball”
(5:47) Program identity and culture—multi-sport, multi-interest student-athletes
(6:17) Arts and academics as equal pillars of Brooks’ community
(6:33) The $20M arts facility transformation and why it matters
(7:39) Student expectations: every Brooks student must join an activity each season
(7:55) Balancing sports, theater, and service—what student life really looks like
(9:25) Independent player development and morning gym culture (6 a.m.–10 p.m. access
(9:54) Example: how a motivated freshman developed into an Ivy League player
(12:12) What Coach Jones looks for in players: character, independence, curiosity, and fit
(13:59) Recruiting through relationships and word-of-mouth, not highlight reels
(14:31) Honest approach to playing time: “Defend, rebound, and earn your minutes”
(17:15) College placement strategy: social media, coach networking, scheduling tough games
(18:56) Adapting to NIL and transfer portal changes in recruitment
(19:03) Recruiting calendar timing: summer, fall showcases, and post-season shifts
(20:33) Competing at the Class B level while scheduling A/AA programs for exposure
(23:08) The future of prep basketball: impact of NIL, academies, and specialization
(24:33) What it takes to be a D1 guard in 2025—skills and mindset
(31:56) Final advice: visit campuses, “count the smiles,” and find the right fit
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Holistic development at Brooks (multi-sport, arts, academics → coachability & maturity)
📌 Recruiting priorities (character, independence, fit over mixtape hype)
📌 Placement in the portal era (relationships, summer showcases, demanding schedule)
📌 Class B vs AA/AAA (ISL competition, scheduling up for exposure)
📌 D1 guard checklist (athleticism, 94-ft defense, vocal leadership, rebounding, shooting)
📌 Admissions & school fit (well-rounded students, balanced academic pressure)
🗒️ About Kenya Jones:
Kenya Jones is the Head Basketball Coach and Associate Director of Admissions at Brooks School (MA). A Bronx native and longtime Brooks faculty member, he led the program to a NEPSAC Class B title and earned Coach of the Year honors. His philosophy centers on character, independence, and a balanced school experience that turns high school athletes into college-ready student-leaders.
🔗 Connect with Kenya Jones:
Twitter | https://x.com/BrooksBasketbal
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachKJones52
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brooksboysbasketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/
🏀About Us:
PREP Athletics is your trusted partner in navigating the prep school journey for your family. With over a decade of experience, I’ve successfully placed players in top prep schools, leveraging my own post-grad year experience and deep family ties to the world of prep school and professional basketball. Our mission is to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring if prep school is the right path for you, we find the perfect fit to achieve your academic and athletic aspirations.
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