2024 Four-Star PF Tyler McKinley commits to Cincinnati

Branson (Mo.) Link Academy four-star power forward Tyler McKinley is returning to his hometown of Cincinnati. The 6-foot-9 rising senior chose the Bearcats and Wes Miller over offers from Xavier, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Being a native of Cincinnati played a prominent role in McKinley’s decision to choose the Bearcats.

“When I was first getting recruited, (being local) didn’t really play a part but after really taking the time to think about where I came from, I felt it was a good thing for me to come back home,” McKinley said to On3. “After going off to Link (Academy) and now coming back to the people, I think it’s just good. Since the beginning of the recruiting process, I always felt like I was a priority and lately, it’s been a relationship type-thing. It was person-to-person talking. You could tell we had the bond. There is a lot of trust, not just with me, but with my family in general.”

The Bearcats transitioning from the American conference to the Big-12 also contributed to McKinley’s decision.

“I know we will be playing against some of the best of the best competition. I feel like (Cincinnati) is on the come up and will be really big in the next couple of years. I can invest in that and help them so they can help me.”

McKinley ranks as the No. 60 overall prospect and No. 8 power forward in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

McKinley Scouting Report

“Tyler McKinley is a strong-framed power forward. He is not afraid to mix it up and has an understanding of what his game is. At 6-foot-9, McKinley has soft hands and is an active rebounder. While he is a below-the-rim defender, he understands angles and has good footwork and a motor. McKinley finishes well around the basket and knocks down his free throws. He plays with a lot of energy and does not shy away from contact. There is a throwback nature to his game, and while he is still developing the range on his jump shot, there are a lot of tools to carry into the highest level of the college game.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw