Joey Kohnen
Uncommitted"Class 2028 - 6'5 PG/SG; 195 lbs; Team Herro EYBL Slinger High School: 3.7 GPA IG: KohnenJoey"
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Scout Report
Slinger, Wisconsin isn't exactly a pipeline for high-major talent, but the Kohnen family is rewriting that script one brother at a time. Three offers — Gonzaga, Michigan, Butler — landed within 48 hours of each other, and the freshman who earned them hasn't logged a single minute against marquee competition yet.
Background
Joey Kohnen grew up in Slinger, a small town about 30 minutes northwest of Milwaukee, in a household where basketball conversations happen at the dinner table as much as anywhere else. His older brother Jack, a 2027 small forward ranked #57 nationally, already locked in a commitment to Iowa State, and the two have shared a gym and a friendly rivalry for years. Joey suited up for Slinger High School as a freshman, learning the varsity pace while his brother's recruitment climbed around him. His AAU circuit exposure put him in front of college staffs earlier than most freshmen typically get seen, and the offer sheet reflects it.
Playing Style
At 6-5, Kohnen already carries the frame of a wing capable of guarding multiple spots, and he plays with a pace that belies his age. He's comfortable putting the ball on the floor in space, using long strides to close gaps rather than leaning purely on burst. Defensively, he shows instincts for cutting off passing lanes and contesting shots without reaching, which matters for a freshman still filling out physically. His shot mechanics are clean — high release, minimal wasted motion — and he's flashed the ability to pull up off the dribble rather than just spot up. In transition he's a load, using his length and a live handle for his size to finish through contact instead of shying away from it. He's not a ball-dominant creator right now, but he moves well without it, relocating into open space and reading cuts.
Strengths
What separates Kohnen from a typical 2028 wing is the pairing of size and shooting touch this early in his development — that combination is rare at his age. Coaches watching tape see a defender who stays disciplined, doesn't gamble for steals, and holds up on switches against quicker guards. His frame still has room to fill out, but the tools — length, footwork, a repeatable jumper — are already in place, which is why programs moved fast once they got extended looks.
Areas to Watch
Added strength will be the biggest swing factor going forward — he needs to hold up physically against older, more explosive wings as competition rises. His shot selection can loosen in transition, settling for pull-ups when a drive-and-kick would generate a cleaner look. Tightening his handle in ball-screen situations would open the door to a bigger shot-creation role as he matures.
Player Comparison
His build and shooting stroke draw comparisons to a young Michael Porter Jr. — long, fluid, comfortable letting it fly from range — though Kohnen's overall game is far less refined and his frame still needs years to fill out. The comparison is more about physical projection and shot mechanics than current production or role.
Recruitment
Kohnen picked up three offers in a 48-hour window — Gonzaga, Michigan, and Butler — a sudden jump that reflects how quickly evaluators moved once they got extended film. He's ranked #116 nationally in the 2028 class, a number that likely undersells where he'll land as more programs get eyes on him. With his brother already committed to Iowa State, some will watch whether the Cyclones eventually enter the conversation, though nothing indicates that yet. As a freshman, this figures to be a multi-year process before any commitment surfaces.
Projection
Kohnen's frame and shooting touch give him a realistic path to high-major minutes as a play-finishing wing who can guard multiple positions and space the floor. His ceiling depends heavily on how his ball-handling and shot creation develop over the next three years of high school. On the low end he settles in as a low-usage floor-spacing defender at the college level; on the high end, his size and shot-making earn him a role as a secondary creator on a high-major roster.
Updated Sep 28, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Highlights
Social Activity
After a great talk with coach Bambaur and coach Michaelson I am grateful and honored to receive an offer from the University of Gonzaga.
OWLS WIN 84-60 over Homestead! TEAM WIN! EVERYONE SCORED! Leaders: Jack Kohnen 25 Joey Kohnen 23 Palm 9 Siikarla 9 Sherman 5 Fogle 3 Mantz 2 (GAME CHANGER DEFENSE)! #Family https://t.co/FWW256hVyq
New Video! Slinger Takes On Whitefish Bay In Top-5 Ranked Division 2 Matchup! Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1aeTNFi_Uk https://t.co/XSjpQF3twR
Grateful & honored to receive an offer from @CoachMcCollum tonight! @IowaHoops #Hawkeyes https://x.com/KohnenJoe1/status/2015605549157556666/photo/1
New Video! Slinger And Freedom Face Off At The Deer District Prep Showcase! @kohnen_jack @KohnenJoe1 @DavisBB21 Full video: https://t.co/Sen3IGI1vK https://t.co/HbN2LvGLOQ