Unsigned Senior Spotlight - Keigo Kimura
St. Thomas More guard Keigo Kimura was known as one of the best young players in Japan before coming to the United States and the New England prep ranks to chase his dream of playing division I basketball.
He led his team to a national championship as a high school student and averaged 41.3 points per game at Japan's prestigious Winter Cup, the biggest national championship tournament in the country.
Basketball is growing rapidly in Japan with several prominent players now competing in the United States including Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga, the Washington Wizards' Rui Hachimura, and former St. Thomas More swingman Yuta Watanabe, who went on to star for George Washington and now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Prospect Profile
Size: 6-2
Position: Combo Guard
School: St. Thomas More
Awards and Accolades
- Averaged 41.3 points per game in Japan's Winter Cup
- Led his team to a high school national championship in Japan
- 2018 Japan Summer National Championship - Leading Scorer (36ppg)
- 2018 Japan Winter National Championship - Leading Scorer (41.3ppg)
- Most Improved Player - 2020 Hoop Group Elite Camp
Personal Statement
“I am Keigo Kimura, a combo guard from Japan. I want to inform college coaches that I'm not only a skilled player but also a hard worker. I practice as many times as possible, and always play my best when I am in the game. I can dribble, pass, and especially shoot, which is my strongest point. I can make tough three-pointers from NBA distance. I’m also good at defense. I can defend bigger opponents and am good at stealing. At St. Thomas More School, I studied basketball under legendary coach Jere Quinn, made many three-point shots, and was a starting member for a period of time. If you add me to your team, I will do my best to contribute to the team. Thank you.”
Recommendations
"The ability to shoot the ball in today's game is critical. Over the years, I have been fortunate to coach some wonderfully gifted shooters--Keigo Kimura falls into that category. A tireless worker, a Japanese National player who averaged over 40 points per game, Keigo shot 51% from beyond the arc this year and his range extends way past the designated line. Keigo shot 90% from the free throw line and 48% from twos. Our team was always excited for Keigo when the opposition played a zone...Keigo is physically prepared to play at the next level. He has excellent lateral quickness which is accompanied by defensive aggressiveness and strong reactionary skills. If I were to leave STM for a high Division 2 or low Division 1 position, I would certainly invite Keigo to join me. While overcoming language barriers, Keigo has adjusted to the play at our level. Keigo will have an exceptional collegiate career --- the coach that recruits Keigo will be grateful and appear brilliant."
- Jere Quinn, Head Coach, St. Thomas More School
Scout's Take
"He's an elite shooter of the basketball, probably one of the very best in all of prep school basketball this year. He's got deep range, the ability to shoot off the catch or the dribble, and make shots, even tough shots, in bunches. He's a very good defender as well, not just because he moves well, but because he takes pride in playing on that end of the floor. I thought he was a definite scholarship level player the first time I saw him last fall and continued to think that throughout the course of the season."
- Adam Finkelstein, ESPN & NERR
Video Highlights
Keigo Kimura