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.

💡 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:

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Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
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