San Diego State Basketball: Freshman Trey Kell has big sixth-man potential

The San Diego State freshman shooting guard and native San Diegan Trey Kell, who played his high school career just 15 minutes away from Viejas Arena, adds range and a high basketball acumen to this already deep Aztec squad.

In the few months the ESPN four-star recruit has been working out with his team, he has already left his head coach praising his play.

"Kell has a very unique feel for how to play, and that's hard to teach," head coach Steve Fisher said in his weekly press conference. "He instinctively makes plays that you don't teach."

Kell's play style on the offensive side of the ball is beyond his years as he demonstrates great knowledge and understanding for the game. In terms of shooting, he might rival any player on the team with his ability to drain the deep ball, hit the mid-range jumper and finish at the basket. Not to mention that he is lethal off the bounce.

The freshman also has great instincts in terms of where the open man will be and could take over the distributing duties if he is the sole guard on the court. He also is a strong rebounder, averaging 11 rebounds in his final season at Saint Augustine. He can follow up his shot and slip past opposing defenders to attack the boards a few times a game.

Defensively, Kell is able to quickly identify passing lanes and disrupt opposing offenses. Along with his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame, Kell will be able to torment smaller opposing wing players.

Kell does need to work on his overall quickness and first step off the bounce. The true freshman also needs to work on his lateral quickness against quicker guards and to keep his feet moving at all times to not get caught flat-footed.

Athletically, Kell will not jump out of the gym or beat you with his speed, but his offensive repertoire makes up for his game and will make him invaluable coming off the bench this season. With the open competition in the backcourt and Kell's ability to score from anywhere on the court, it will be hard for coach Fisher to not turn to this local product and give him sufficient playing time.