Manteca was the runner up in the Valley Oak League (VOL) last season with a 19-9 overall record (10-4 league). With the addition of athletic 6-foot-8, 205 pound center Kenneth Wooten, the Buffaloes are looking to be the top herd in the VOL this upcoming season.
The junior transfer had been playing for Stagg in Stockton his first two years with his sophomore year being on varsity with 10 wins. As a sophomore at Stagg, Wooten averaged eight points, nine rebounds, one assist, and five blocks per contest. The 2016 prospect will be teamed with his cousin, Tydus Verhoeven, to establish a formidable frontcourt for Manteca.
During the past summer, he competed with the Team Superstar program based in Fresno. Team Superstar Coach Lerohn Dodson started the program in 1997 with the goal and mission at the time to help local talented high school basketball players in central and Northern California to gain exposure to the college recruiting system.
Dodson comments on Wooten's strengths, "His freakish athleticism! Kenny has done things in games that have made me say WOW, did he just do that. He's a natural shot blocker and can control the glass."
Wooten competes on the track and field team as well but plans to only play basketball in college. He considers his style of play to be a combination of finesse, craftiness, and athleticism with plus shot blocking abilities.
Coach Dodson believes the best is yet to come from Wooten, "While still raw offensively, his game has improved drastically over the past 6 months. He's starting to see what his potential is on the court. His hunger and desire to be better is what's going to put him over the top."
Wooten has good size, height, and mobility for his grade level. With a winning season at Manteca and another summer with Team Superstar, he should garner more collegiate interest. Currently, Cal Poly SLO (Coach Fortier), Grand Canyon University (Coach Benson), Fresno State (Coach Terry) and Portland (Coach Pfaff) have been in contact. Wooten is still open with his recruiting and has no real geographic preferences. He wants to play for a team that runs an open and spaced offensive scheme to take advantage of athleticism.
Dodson assesses his college potential, "I think he's a solid mid major prospect right now. If his offense catches up to his shot blocking and rebounding, no question high majors will jump onboard. He reminds me of Jordan Bell (LB Poly/Oregon). Attacks the rim on offense and protects on defense."
Wooten will be eligible to play the first week of January after sitting out due to his transfer. He should enable the Buffaloes to make a run for the VOL title. Watch for Wooten to lead the Buffalo herd in Manteca, Calif.
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