JUCO Hoops Recruit KJ Perry Talks UMass Offer
Highly sought-after JUCO hoopster KJ Perry talks about recruiting process with the Minutemen
KJ Perry became a UMass target as soon as he decided to depart the JUCO level.
At Citrus College in California, Perry averaged 16 points and three assists, while shooting 51% from the field and 36% from three.
Perry played at a tournament where he put on a clinic for all to see. UMass assistant coach Matt Figger was on hand.
“I played an event in Virginia, and (UMass) really liked me,” Perry said. “Coach (Figger) reached out and thought I was the best player at the camp. I was really just doing my thing, focusing on both sides of the ball. The coach reached out and built a relationship. They offered me over the phone afterwards.”
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound guard possesses an elite vertical and can get to any spot on the floor. He provided pressure on defense that many describe as underrated, and would be a steal if UMass was able to get his signature.
“Fans can expect a little bit of everything,” he said. “I think I pride myself on being a really good defender. I’m a three-level scorer and I probably have the highest vertical in JUCO basketball. I’ve watched a lot of Ja Morant. That’s my favorite player that I try to play like.”
Schools around the country are lining up for him. The combo guard has offers from Kansas, TCU, BYU, UNLV, SMU and many others, along with the Minutemen.
“Obviously, I got Big 12 and SEC schools recruiting me, but at the end of the day, it's going to come down to the best fit and where I can see myself shining the best,” Perry said. “I think that if I were to choose UMass, the fit would be the biggest factor in all of that. I think we gotta just see all the schools I’m interested in before I make that decision.”
Despite all of the offers, he conveyed that he sees a world where he lands in Amherst.
“I got the vibe that they are some dogs,” he said. “He kind of gave me the vibe of trying to help me get better. He understands where basketball is with transferring and stuff and how I could become a better player.”
Perry saw UMass and Figger as a group that understood his story more than most.
“He was also just talking about my journey,” Perry said. “He told me not to give up and just keep going. He really embraced the fact that I didn’t take any shortcuts to get where I am. We’ve been kind of just building a relationship. He told me he’s signed a Citrus guy from California JUCO, and I really like that they have experience there.”
Perry won’t return to the JUCO level for the upcoming season as he waits to enroll in a school of his choosing. He plans to redshirt through the spring semester months, and start playing with a team once summer camp starts in June of 2026. Until then, he is working on improving parts of his game.
“I think I’m a better shooter now,” he said. “I work on my shot every day, which is something I’ve been working on a lot during the offseason. I think that is what schools expect, just someone that can shoot the three and get the crowd excited.”
Perry is getting closer and closer to making his decision. Regardless if it’s UMass or not, Perry will provide a positive spark to any program.
“I want them to remember that I’m a dog and I’m the hardest worker on the floor. I want them to know that I’m someone that can impact the game, not only on offense, but also by being a great defender. I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”