KAITY PLATT: THE BIGGEST RECRUITING MYSTERY OF MY 40 YEARS IN BASKETBALL

Somewhere, somebody is missing the boat. And when the story of Kaity Platt’s recruiting is finally told, I believe one college assistant coach is going to look like a genius.

Kaity Platt is, without question, the biggest mystery I have encountered in more than 40 years in basketball. What is happening with her recruiting is so difficult to understand that I honestly don’t know where to begin.

I have been watching Kaity closely since the July recruiting period. Nothing has bothered me more than watching a player with her ability remain on the Division I recruiting board while other players, in my opinion, are getting opportunities she has earned.

Let’s start with the basketball.

Kaity has been dominating the competition. This past weekend, she put up close to 30 points in a girls-only fall game. And before anybody dismisses that performance, understand something: this is not new.

I have watched her dominate bigger players, smaller players, and players headed to Division I programs. I have watched her compete against kids with D1 offers and come away believing she was the better player.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Watch the video. Look at the numbers. Watch how she gets into the paint, makes shots, creates opportunities, and competes.

Kaity Platt can play. That is not the mystery. The mystery is why more college coaches aren’t making their interest known.

How did we get here?

I believe there are circumstances surrounding Kaity’s recruiting journey that deserve to be understood.

My understanding is that Kaity expected to play for United. When her sister, Addy, a former United player, left to play EYBL, Kaity’s own situation became uncertain. Whatever the circumstances, Kaity was ultimately told she did not have a spot on the United team.

That left her scrambling, and she wound up playing for NJ Rise’s U17 team.

Perhaps that change affected her exposure. Perhaps it changed the way college coaches evaluated her. Perhaps coaches were expecting to see her sister’s game, her sister’s accomplishments, or the same profile as a First Team All-State player.

I don’t know. Those are questions, not conclusions.

But I do know that a player’s recruiting journey can take an unexpected turn, and sometimes the consequences extend far beyond what happens on the court.

Are people evaluating the player—or the narrative?

I have heard some troubling things about Kaity and her family. One claim I have heard is that her parents are a problem.

I strongly disagree with that characterization. It’s total bullshit. Evil words at work.. jealousy!

I have watched her parents at games. I have seen them sit with the other parents, cheer for their daughter, and support the entire team. At games involving Gil Bernard, I have seen them show support for every player.

So I have to ask: Where are these claims coming from? Are the people repeating them actually watching the family at games? Are they making their own observations, or are they passing along somebody else’s opinion?

I also had a college coach tell me, in almost these exact words, that people say Kaity isn’t quick enough.

Who are these people? I believe they are bitter people, angry people. Maybe even people looking for a little vengeance

Have they watched her play against the very players who have committed to Division I schools? Have they watched her compete when the game is physical, when the opponent is bigger, and when she has to make decisions under pressure? She has dominated, this cannot be be denied. It’s factual.

A recruiting label can become a story of its own. Somebody says a player lacks a certain quality. Somebody else repeats it. Before long, the lie becomes the truth and it spreads like wildfire

And the player has to fight not just the competition, but the reputation somebody else created.

I have seen this movie before

This is not the first time I have watched a talented player get caught in a recruiting narrative.

I heard similar doubts about Megan Gentle. I watched her start and score 20 points with five rebounds against Chattanooga in an exhibition game this weekend. I couldn’t convince a coach to take her. Why? Labels and lie that grew into a life of its own. Well WESTERN GEORGIA is laughing all the way to the bank

I remember hearing criticism of Megan McGuinness before she went on to become one of Niagara’s all-time leading scorers. She couldn’t shoot was the lie.

Those experiences taught me something: the opinions surrounding a player do not always match what the player eventually becomes.

I am not suggesting every recruiting evaluation is wrong. College coaches have their own needs, systems, and priorities. They are entitled to make their decisions.

But I am saying that coaches should be careful about allowing a repeated opinion to replace their own evaluation.

Watch the player. Not the noise.

I currently work with approximately 15 players at NBS who have Division I offers and 40 who will play D1. I also have watched players commit to college programs this year. I also have watched what happens when a coach sees a kid’s ability and believes in her.

And I am telling you that Kaity Platt has a game that screams Division I impact

She is a high-percentage three-point shooter. She can get paint touches. She understands the game. She works. She competes. She is a great teammate.

She has the skill, basketball IQ, and versatility to make an impact at the next level.

I have seen plenty of talented players. I have seen plenty of players with offers. In my evaluation, Kaity belongs in that conversation.

If she lacked the skill, the shooting, the decision-making, or the competitiveness, I could understand why coaches might hesitate.

But that is not what I see.

I see a player who can contribute. I see a player who has earned the opportunity to be evaluated fairly.

Listen to the people who know her

Kaity’s high school coach has coached players who have gone on to programs such as UConn, St. Joe’s, Navy, and Boston University.

He has described Kaity as the perfect player and, more importantly, a better person. He believes in her. He has watched her work, compete, and grow. He is more confused than anyone about what is going on. A future All State Player still suiting out there. It makes no sense.

I also hear respect for Kaity from other talented players around the state. They know what she brings to the court. They know she can make their lives difficult when they play against her.

That matters.

When a player’s coach believes in her, her teammates respect her, and the film shows a complete basketball player, I believe college coaches owe it to themselves to take another look.

The ending I believe is coming

I cannot tell you why Kaity is still waiting. I cannot tell you which college will ultimately offer her an opportunity. And I am not going to pretend I know what every recruiting staff is thinking.

But I can tell you this: I believe somebody is going to recognize what Kaity Platt can do.

Some young assistant coach is going to watch the film, see the player rather than the rumors, and decide that Kaity belongs in their program.

That coach may wind up looking like a genius.

Because I believe Kaity has the potential to become the kind of player who makes people wonder why they waited so long.

The recruiting process does not always get it right. But the game has a way of revealing who can really play.

Kaity Platt, keep working. Keep competing. Keep being the teammate and person you are.

And to the college coaches still evaluating her: Go watch the film. Watch the complete game. Make your own judgment.

You might discover that the player you have been overlooking is the player you should have been recruiting all along.

The truth starts here.