Kevin Easley committed to Tennessee-Chattanooga Monday evening. 

The 2018 forward had a decorated career at Lawrence North. He had the spotlight on him early in his high school days which led to offers from the likes of Butler, Indiana, and Purdue. He was also committed to VCU last year before a coaching change. Throughout his senior year, Chattanooga was a consistent player in Easley’s recruitment. UMASS was also involved during his final high school season.

Easley went over the 1,000 career point mark in his senior season. He led Lawrence North to an 18-7 record against the third toughest schedule (per Sagarin) in the state. The Wildcats were the hottest team in the state to begin the season. They took out Cathedral in the sectional before losing to rival Lawrence Central.

Chattanooga went 10-23 in Lamont Paris’ first season at the helm. Paris was an assistant coach at Wisconsin before taking over the Mocs. If Chattanooga is going to turn things around, players like Kevin Easley will need to develop and thrive in roles that Lamont Paris lays out. He helped many players do that with the Badgers.

Easley has been a combo forward throughout his high school career. He gravitated to the outside to be a guard or a wing, but Easley was most productive and efficient around the paint. That was true on both ends of the floor as well. He has the length and anticipation skills to be a good defender as a SoCon power forward. It would also provide him some mismatches on the offensive end.

Kevin Easley picked a school that wanted him, and a level where he can succeed. Greensboro and East Tennessee State have been running the SoCon for the last few years, but Easley can help set the foundation for Chattanooga competing with those programs. I’m excited to see how Easley’s development goes at Chattanooga. Indiana Basketball Source will be tracking his progress.