Malvern Prep’s Kieves Turner is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The Malvern Prep freshman was named Most Valuable Player of the West Chester Rustin Christmas basketball tournament, scoring 44 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in two games, and making the game-clinching free throws in the championship game. He is averaging 20.3 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per contest this season.

Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your prolific scoring this season?

A: My main job on the court is scoring. So, I constantly try to put pressure on the defense to try to stop me, which means I just keep attacking until they make a point to slow me down.

Q: You wear No. 4 for Malvern Prep. Is there a reason you chose that number – does it carry any special significance to you?

A: I chose No. 4 for my father. He used to wear it when he played and I heard so many stories about how hard he worked every day and how good he was, so I just started wearing it to carry it on and hopefully achieve the dream.

Q: Who are your favorite basketball players? Are there any players that you try to pattern your game after?

A: My favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant. I’ve studied everything about him since I was 8. I watch him everyday not only how he plays in the game, but his attitude and approach to the game, how he talks, his mentality is all different. I honestly don’t watch any player now. I don’t watch the NBA now because I believe the older era is better than now.

Q: What in your opinion is the biggest key to being a good rebounder?

A: The biggest key to rebounding is the willing to go get as many rebounds as you can get. Size and athleticism plays a role in rebounding, but the main key is the will to go get it.

Q: What part of your game are you currently working on the most?

A: The defensive side is the part I strive to improve to get myself to the next level, but I understand it’ll be a progression.

Q: Who have been your most important basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: My father has taught me basically everything and my two uncles (Omar Turner and Emmerz Turner) have helped out a lot in pushing me. My father taught me all the technique and much knowledge of the game since I started playing. My two uncles always been on me to keep striving and keep working on my game and not let up. I’ve learned more things here and there, but they’ve been the major key to my success.

Q: What do you think has been the highlight of your basketball career outside of Malvern Prep? Where did you get your start playing basketball?

A: My AAU team Rip City is what started getting me noticed on a national level. We started going to big tournaments and playing against top teams which gave me a chance to really show people what I can do.

Q: What is your favorite basketball venue and why?

A: My favorite basketball venue is Coatesville, because it’s home to me and playing there is really fun and enjoyable.

Q: This is your first year at Malvern Prep – why did you decide to go there? What do you think is the best thing about being a Malvern Prep student?

A: I chose to go there because I really liked Coach [John] Harmatuk and I saw I’d have the opportunity to improve as a basketball player and leader. The best thing about being a Malvern Prep student are the opportunities you get to try different things you wouldn’t expect to be interested in.

Q: Can you share with us how you got the nickname “Deuce”?

A: My dad’s name is Kieves and I’m the second, so being that Deuce means 2, it was just given to me at birth.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?

A: My favorite school subject is Math and has been for years now.

Fun facts – Kieves Turner