Contact between Kentucky, 5-star C Yves Missi has subsided since June 15

ZGeogheganKSR

Playing for the PSA Cardinals 16U program last week at the 2022 Nike Peach Jam Invitational, 6-foot-10, 210-pound center Yves Missi showcased the raw potential that already has him considered a five-star prospect by On3. Through five games for the PSA Cardinals (3-2) down in North Augusta, SC, Missi owned the paint and the glass on both ends of the floor.

Raised in Cameroon and now playing at West Nottingham Academy (MD), the class of 2024 big man averaged 12.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks during last week’s Peach Jam, which was the final grassroots event of the summer. Missi also shot 55 percent from the floor while getting to the free-throw line 7.4 times per contest.

He provides unmatchable energy from the moment he steps on the court to the moment he leaves it. Missi patrols the paint on both ends of the floor through highlight-level rejections on one end and feasting on the offensive glass on the other. Not only did he block nearly 2.5 shots per game, but he also grabbed 3.0 offensive rebounds, as well.

Missi is ranked as the No. 6 overall rising junior in the country and the No. 2 center, according to On3’s rankings. He’s not an established offensive weapon at this stage but does possess a soft touch around the rim and is light on his feet. Growing his skillset on offense shouldn’t be a major challenge, especially with his motor, which can make up for it in other areas.

So will Kentucky get involved? The staff already has, actually. Back on June 15 when the contact period for rising high school juniors first opened, Missi was one of the many prospects who heard from the Wildcats. Since that day in mid-June, he’s earned offers from the likes of Harvard, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Stanford, and LSU. Missi previously held scholarships from DePaul, St. John’s, UCLA, Syracuse, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, UConn, Baylor, and Ohio State. As of right now, he’s only taken a pair of unofficial visits to St. John’s and UConn but plans to take more later this year.

KSR was able to catch up with Missi for a quick interview down at Peach Jam. He listed DePaul, Michigan, UCLA, Kansas, and Georgetown as a handful of the programs he’s hearing from the most right now. Notably absent was Kentucky, which Missi says hasn’t reached out to him since the contact period began on June 15.

But that was before college coaches could attend Peach Jam, which didn’t start until halfway through the event on Wednesday at noon EST. One day later on Thursday, Kentucky coaches came to watch the PSA Cardinals and five-star ’24 point guard Johnuel “Boogie” Fland (who Kentucky has offered) play Team Final 16U, but likely made sure to keep an eye on Miss in the process. The big man went for just six points in front of UK but managed to add 12 rebounds (six offensive), three assists, and three blocks.

Throughout the week at Peach Jam, Missi was one of the top overall performers among 16U prospects. It shouldn’t be long before we know if it was enough to get back on Kentucky’s radar.