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Westlake's Adams Ends Area Trend To UT; Paves Own Path To Kansas

Thomas Bingham
Aug 06, 2020

Photo from Westlake athletics.

It's become almost expected to see the best Austin high school boys basketball recruit commit to the hometown University of Texas at Austin. But, that changed with 2021 Westlake prospect KJ Adams, who committed to college basketball power Kansas during his Friday July 31st announcement.

"It would have been easier and predictable for me to stay close to Austin or in Austin," Adams told VYPE Media in an interview. "I hope that others will consider what is right for them and not where everyone thinks they should go."

Adams is the first Austin area high school boys basketball player to commit to The University of Kansas since former Westlake hooper Luke Axtell transferred from The University of Texas after the 1997-1998 collegiate basketball season.


"I didn't know that another Westlake alum had gone before me until the day I committed and the KVUE newscaster mentioned it," said Adams. "For me, it just affirmed my decision knowing that someone before me had done it and been successful."

Separating from the area pack may have been unintentional, but the commitment by the sixth-ranked 2021 high school basketball recruit from Texas definitely followed a great amount of evaluation. That's mainly because he had to find the right fit among his 10 Power Five offers and 13 total collegiate opportunities.

"The recruitment process has been long and I had thought I would wait until November," said Adams. "[But] I was getting an indication that a visit wasn't going to happen, so I figured I could make the decision based on my own research."

"All of the schools on my list have great academics, great facilities, great coaching staffs and players," he continued. "What seemed different to me from other places was the winning history of Kansas. In my conversations with Coach [Bill] Self, it was clear that he cares about his players on and off the court. He told me whatever my ceiling is, he is going to help me reach that level and that made me really excited. Also, he talked to me about the academic environment of the school and he had the answers and didn't have to check with others, and that made me know he knows his stuff."

Adams may be a year away from his first visit to KU, but he's ready to call it home.

"The small campus and the ability to practice against quality players every single day is what excites me, along with the fact that it's a basketball school that sells out every game," said Adams. "Stepping into Allen Fieldhouse is going to be crazy. I can't wait."

Before Adams heads to Lawrence, Kansas, he has another Texas high school basketball season to prepare for it.

"I'm really looking forward to my senior season at Westlake," said Adams. "We have a good squad coming back and I'm ready to hit the court with them. Working on the areas of my game that I feel need to be fine tuned is what I will do to prepare for going to Kansas."

"Having the [commitment] decision already made will allow me some freedoms," he added. "I can enjoy my senior year to the fullest, with the worry of a decision being done. I'm excited to see how my game will translate to the next level, so every day I'm working on my game."

For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.

Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.

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Georgetown Basketball Prepares for Lanier in Area Playoffs

VYPE
25 Feb, 2021

The Georgetown Eagles are flying high this season. Under the direction of Coach David Canfield the Eagles have advanced to the second round of the UIL 5A Basketball Playoffs.

The Eagles won a share of the 25-5A District Title posting a 20-7 overall record and went 12-2 in League play. "I'm just so proud of this team," said Canfield. "We have had some tough losses this year but it's been good for us to learn to play through those tough games. We learn and grow from each game."

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#WHATASNAP: Behind the Scenes at the 2020 VYPE ATX Soccer Photoshoot

VYPE
02 Feb, 2021

Let's kick it…

The Austin, Texas area is full of soccer talent. Soccer stars across the Austin area got to experience the bright lights at the recent VYPE ATX Soccer Photoshoot presented by Whataburger. Check out the behind the scenes video below!

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austin high school sports austin texas high school sports high school soccer soccer whataburger texas high school soccer

INSTANT REACTION: Westlake Too Much for Carroll to Claim No. 3

Stephen Peters
17 Jan, 2021

ARLINGTON - In a matchup with so many storylines, the main theme of the 6A Division I State Championship was Westlake's ability to score at will and hold a dynamic Southlake offense in check in the second half.

Southlake touted the 5-star, No. 1 quarterback in the nation in Quinn Ewers, but Westlake's Cade Klubnik stole the show with his pinpoint accuracy, poise in the pocket and his pure athleticism when he carried the ball.

Klubnik took home offensive MVP with three total touchdowns, including two on the ground.

The game completely turned when Westlake got the game's first stop and subsequently took the lead. Southlake responded late in the second quarter to tie the game at 21, but Westlake went on a methodical, 5-minute drive to go up 28-21.

A hurried Ewers threw an interception on Carroll's ensuing possession. To start the second half, Westlake scored to open up a two-score game - a perfect bookend around the half - as that was a start of a big run by Westlake, highlighted by a big, one-handed interception by Michael Taaffe - his second of the night.

Taaffe's two INTs was enough to name him defensive MVP for the second straight year.


💥TOUCHDOWN CHAPARRALS💥

After an INCREDIBLE one handed interception @CadeKlubnikQB bounces out and scores again for Westlake. They now lead Southlake Carroll 42-21 with 6:48 left in the third quarter. @tommy_yarrish | @VypeATX | @VYPEDFW | #UILState pic.twitter.com/nBMK6OkRxG
— vypehouston (@vypehouston) January 17, 2021

At that moment, the game was essentially over and Westlake would coast to a 52-34 win and its second straight state title.


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