Prep Profiles 2022-23 Season: Kimball Union Academy

Friday, December 16th, 2022

Kimball Union Academy, led by head coach Cory McClure had a successful 2021-22 season. They went 16-8 and earned a five seed in the NEPSAC Class AA Tournament. With aspirations of getting back to the AA Tournament, they have a nice balance of contributing returners to go with an intriguing newcomer. 

3 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Team 

1. Murray back to steer the ship 

Theo Murray returns after being a regular contributor on last year’s squad. The heady guard brings pull-up shooting, toughness, and creative passing ability. When things go south during a game, expect the Rochester commit to play an important role in getting the team back on track. 

2. White brings veteran experience 

Another returning player who played meaningful minutes on the 2021-22 team is 2023 forward Jai White. The Ava Maria commit is physical, draws charges, while also being a pick & pop three-point threat. With this being his third year with KUA, he knows what it takes to compete at the AA level. 

3. There is another McClure in the fold

Max McClure is the next one in the family lineage who looks ready to make his mark on the Wildcats program. The 2024 forward can hit open standstill three-pointers and help out on the defensive glass. Look for McClure to make impacts on games with a limited amount of touches. 

3 Questions Heading into the Season

1. Could Decady be a breakout candidate? 

Josh Decady moved to the Meriden, NH institution with hopes to make an immediate impact. The high-motored 2024 big man rebounds, can score out of ball screens, in addition to having a high motor. Decady being a consistent impact player in the paint will be a key factor for this team to have success. 

2. How will Burton and Stowell fill supporting roles? 

Two other committed seniors for this squad are Miles Burton and Elvin Stowell going to Lake Forest and Case Western Reserve. The pair will provide Murray with additional teammates who he can kick out to when defenders collapse on him in the lane. Their floor spacing abilities should also make it easier for Decady and White to operate in the paint. 

3. Could Muila-Mwaka take a leap? 

Daniel Muila-Mwaka had some intriguing flashes in 2021-22. The wide-bodied forward can take opponents off the dribble, absorb contact, and finish with his weak hand. If he can be a more reliable contributor game in and game out, that would make KUA’s frontcourt even more difficult to prepare for.