Men’s hoops signs Billy Preston

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Forward Billy Preston has signed a National Letter of Intent to play men’s basketball at the University of Kansas, head coach Bill Self announced Friday. Preston formally signed his NLI prior to the Nov. 16 deadline making his announcement official Friday.

A 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward from Los Angeles, Preston plays for national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, for coach Steve Smith. The five-star recruit is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect by 247sports.com and No. 8 by rivals.com and scout.com.

“Obviously, we are very excited. I don’t think we’ve ever had the opportunity to coach a taller, more athletic, skill player than Billy,” Self said. “He has guard-type athletic ability and skills but at 6-foot-10, he can be a force inside as well. We are thrilled to have Billy joining our basketball program.”

Prior to transferring to Oak Hill, Preston played for Advanced Prep International in Dallas, where he averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in 2015-16. Preston has played AAU basketball for Mo Williams, Houston Hoops and Belmont Shores.

“Coach (Kurtis) Townsend was the point man and did a great job with Billy and his family,” Self said. “I think what actually sold them was on his official visit he saw the interest level and the love our fans have for our players.”

Preston joins KU’s 2017 recruiting class which also includes standout guard Marcus Garrett, from Dallas Skyline High School, who signed an NLI with KU on Nov. 10.

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