6'6" SF Keegan Hornbuckle Commits to Play Basketball at CU

by Bob_Bell on Sep 24, 2008 9:32 AM MDT

I am not sure if I am ready for CU Basketball yet but they received good news today that 6'6" Keegan Hornbuckle from North Hollywood has committed to the Colorado Buffaloes. Hornbuckle picked CU over Arizona. Oregon State and Arizona State. Hornbuckle is rated as a three star recruit by rivals.com and ESPN has him ranked as the #49 Small Forward in the country. I know BuffZag gets into basketball recruiting more than I do so hopefully he can add some insight. He looks to be a threat from the perimeter but like most high school basketball players, he needs to fill out his 6'6" frame to be able to physically hang at the college level. Many thought he was going to Arizona.

Here is what ESPN.com says about Hornbuckle:

July, 2008: Hornbuckle scored the ball with great consistency throughout the tournament. He has nice range on his jumper that extends well beyond 3-point territory. Hornbuckle has an almost effortless jumper with a near-perfect follow-through, which also makes him a very good shooter from the perimeter. He also has very good athleticism and runs the floor well, which makes him a threat as a spot-up 3-point shooter in transition or as a finisher above the rim while running the break. He has good leaping ability and a good frame, which should work to make Hornbuckle even more aggressive on the offensive end, though he has a tendency to take a backseat at times. Hornbuckle has good quickness and can get to the rim, but needs to become a better finisher in traffic. Hornbuckle has good passing skills and will look for open teammates on the break in addition to half-court sets. He plays with a good amount of energy and gives decent effort on the defensive end, though he has the athletic ability and strength to become a defensive stalwart. He also needs to use his ability to create more offense for himself in the midrange area, using his leaping ability to shoot the pull-up jumper over defenders. As he prepares for the next level, he needs to become more aggressive and use his athletic gifts to impact the game on a more consistent basis.

January, 2008: Hornbuckle was the biggest disappointment of the event (2008 Pangos Dream Classic). He played decent in the TOC in December, but his play here at this event was troublesome. He has a prolific touch out to 25-feet, but his shot was not falling at this event. Great shooters can have off days, but they can help their teams in other areas (rebounding, defense, etc.). He used to play with great energy, but during his junior campaign he hasn't shown that desire to propel him to the next level. His lack of aggressiveness at both ends was noticeable, primarily in the areas of rebounding and defense. Hornbuckle has the length and shooting touch to be a Division I player, but his other skills need to be honed as well as his approach to the game.

2007: Hornbuckle's game is nearly as "cool" as his name. He can shoot the three with regularity and he has a great frame as well. In addition, he plays very hard, especially when he finishes on the break. If he improves his handle and passing skills, he's going to be a big-timer. He has a great frame, athleticism and a sweet looking stroke.

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Comments

Basketball!

How can you not be excited for basketball season to start! It’s right around the corner!

I’ve heard quite a bit about Hornbuckle. I thought he was a lock for Arizona after they offered him. He played on the same AAU team as some Gonzaga prospects and always put up some pretty decent numbers. If Gonzaga wasn’t stacked at forward and guard, I’m sure we would have been in the mix. He’s a good player and will be a solid but not outstanding college player. The best news is that he played really well in the AAU tournament in Las Vegas this past July. He’s an extremely versatile player which is good for the Buffs.

It’s nice to see Bzdelik taking a player away from the Pac-10. We are usually competing with Northern Arizona for recruits so this is definitely a step up. They just need one season where they don’t completely suck; it would go a long way in recruiting. Beating Kansas would help too.

http://thekennelreport.blogspot.com

by Zach Bell on Sep 24, 2008 10:13 AM MDT reply actions

I knew you would be good for a basketball post

The Ralphie Report - Shoulder to Shoulder...All Colorado Buffaloes on SBNation - http://www.ralphiereport.com/

by Bob_Bell on Sep 24, 2008 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions

I have to agree with you Buffzag...

Due to my affiliation I have long been trained that football season was a transitional time to basketball which begins mid October…now that is changing for me and I welcome it but I always look forward to bball season.

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 10:58 AM MDT up reply actions

it helps when you have Kansas basketball and Gonzaga basketball to get you amped up for the

season. cant say the same for CU so you can’t blame me for not being all gung ho about bball :)

The Ralphie Report - Shoulder to Shoulder...All Colorado Buffaloes on SBNation - http://www.ralphiereport.com/

by Bob_Bell on Sep 24, 2008 11:16 AM MDT up reply actions

You and I are gonna have some fun this year

I’m a Buffs football fan, but was raised a Jayhawks B-ball fan (Dad went to KU). Last year, btw, was one of the most incredible things that’s ever happened in my life. So much anger, pain, and pent up frustration spilled out in Final Four weekend that I’m not sure a sporting event will have such a deep impact on me ever again in my life.

by A.J. Haefele on Sep 25, 2008 3:01 AM MDT up reply actions

Good to hear...

and I agree completely it was kind of sureal.

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 25, 2008 6:55 AM MDT up reply actions

This is a good pickup for the Buffs at this stage in the game...

Immediate playing time sounds like it was a major factor and CU offers that in a major conference…Buffzag don’t get your hope up on your last hope…last weekend KU hosted Daniel Orton, John Wall and Thomas Robinson and our late night visitors for this year include Daniel Orton again, Michael Snaer, Xavier Henry, Dominic Cheek, Elijah Johson, Ray McCallum 2010, Harrison Barnes 2010…not saying we get all these guys, I don’t even think we would have room, but if that’s not a who’s who of High School Bball visiting Lawrence Kansas over the course of a month I don’t know what is… =)

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 10:27 AM MDT reply actions

Definite wishful thinking jhawk. I finally put together your nickname haha. John Wall and Xavier Henry are two of my favorite recruits that I can ever remember. Well I guess John Wall is everyone’s favorite but I think he’s just going to be outstanding. Michael Snaer is also great, but I like him a lot because he completely spurned UCLA, which is always good.

http://thekennelreport.blogspot.com

by Zach Bell on Sep 24, 2008 10:35 AM MDT up reply actions

You guys will get Henry

But I have a feeling the Sooners are going to get Orton. Once he sees them dominating with Griffin and Warren (who I think will stay another year) and with Mason-Griffin and most likely Tiny Gallon coming in with his class I think he will decide to stay home. Capel rocks.

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by Jon Woods on Sep 24, 2008 10:43 AM MDT up reply actions

Truthfully...

I think Henry is Memphis Bound and here is why…Orton has been pretty cool on Kansas throughout the recruiting process and it’s because there is no secret that he and X don’t get along. Now what changed all of the sudden for him to suddenly take a visit to Kansas the same weekend that Henry cancelled his. He also followed that up by scheduling another visit for late night and his coach has now been quoted in the last few days as saying it is between Kentucky and Kansas…in fact I believe he may have even stated he has eliminated OSU and OU. My guess is Bill Self may already know that Henry is following his brother CJ to Memphis. With regard to your comment above Buffzag, I too am extremely impressed by Wall and if Bill reels him in I won’t even know what to do with myself.

BTW Woodrow here is a link to the info on Orton

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions

Didn't know that about X.

But on Orton we (as in the state of Oklahoma) have been hearing conflicting reports about his interest in the Sooners for the past year. The hang up for him on staying home is support for the men’s basketball team. He just doesn’t like the fact that the arena can be just half full for big games. That being said he attends a lot of games due to proximity and has continually told those close to him (i.e. good friends) that he might change his mind if support for the team increases this season (which it damn well better with two NBA players on the team). It’s actually kind of cool that the fans could have a direct impact on whether or not the team lands him.

The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics

by Jon Woods on Sep 24, 2008 11:13 AM MDT up reply actions

My gut tells me he may end up at Kentucky...

but my hope is he ends up at Kansas and if not Kansas then Oklahoma…I’ve always respected the Sooners and the fans and I am a firm believer that a competitive conference is the best thing for Kansas long term…I think it better prepares you for the tournament and there is a mental toughness that comes from being in a dog fight for your conference title.

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions

I'm referring to Orton above

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions

Can I Just Say...

I love the basketball recruiting talk… I believe the Buffs will see the Zags next season in the Maui invitational if my memory serves me correct. At least Bzdelik is playing good competition.

Also, does anyone know if CU is planning on building a new basketball arena? Wasn’t that part of Jeff’s contract?

http://thekennelreport.blogspot.com

by Zach Bell on Sep 24, 2008 1:22 PM MDT reply actions

I haven't ever heard that regarding the new arena

-Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

by Owen on Sep 24, 2008 1:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Don't you guys play OU as well next season as well?

The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics

by Jon Woods on Sep 24, 2008 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions

nice, some b-ball talk!

The contract thing with Bzdelik wasn’t for a new arena, if was for a new practice facility which will be built next to coors event center. I think the team has to practice alot half-way across campus at that dank 60 year old gym (Carlson I think it’s called?) when there are other people using the event center (which is alot with other teams using it and lots of large classes use it for exams).

Coors is pretty lame but I think we’ll be stuck with it for a long while. It would be a pretty tough sell to build a new arena with the fan support we have for b-ball and how much money they lose they lose. I’m am excited to see if Bzdelik can turn things around though…

by nebraskasux on Sep 25, 2008 6:46 AM MDT up reply actions

I don't believe so...

Thankfully

http://thekennelreport.blogspot.com

by Zach Bell on Sep 24, 2008 2:58 PM MDT reply actions

I'm very sorry

I missed the basketball recruiting talk. As a Kansas fan, it’s always a great bit of fun for me because we just roll out the Late Night red carpet and the recruits go nuts. Anyway, moving on to my thoughts in response to what has already been said…

First on Orton, I actually think KU is going to land him, and I agree completely that Henry is off to Memphis. It just makes too much sense not to happen. Now, onto the part that really made me jumpy. I love John Wall. I think his game is off the charts, and if KU somehow gets him, I’ll freak out. I’ll post while freaking out so y’all can experience it. You can work on a jumpshot, but you absolutely cannot teach that speed with the ball. His quicks are ankle-breaking and his ability to create makes one dream about his future. However…I think we ought not to discount the Baylor Bears in the discussion for landing him. They nearly landed Arthur a few years ago, and I think they have a real shot at getting Wall. They terrify me in this running because they might pull one of those “hire his personal mentor in some capacity in order to secure his playing services” bullshit. You know, a lot like Kansas State did with Michael Beasley…and Kansas did with Mario Chalmers (him being the most recent example that I can remember).

by A.J. Haefele on Sep 25, 2008 3:23 AM MDT reply actions

Forgot to add

but if we get Thomas Robinson, I would also be ecstatic. Based on information I’ve read, the kid has an amazing work ethic. I love players who work their ass off to improve. If there was one thing I never liked much about Darrell Arthur, it was that he never seemed to really, really bust it.

by A.J. Haefele on Sep 25, 2008 3:30 AM MDT up reply actions