GB’s Latest Find – Who is Sacha Killeya-Jones?

Image credit: GB Basketball

The preliminary GB Senior Men’s squad was announced last month with a number of new faces including Kentucky’s Sacha Killeya-Jones.

Born in Highland Park, New Jersey, Killeya-Jones is eligible to represent GB through his mother, Ley Killea-Jones, who was born in Surrey.

The 18-year-old sophomore was initially discovered by GB Under-20s assistant Lloyd Gardner, but was unavailable for selection to camp earlier this summer.

After missing the start of Senior camp in Manchester due to academic commitments, Killeya-Jones has now joined up with the squad for the start of their preparation games in Patras, Greece, though is not expected to make the final 12-man roster.

Killeya-Jones was a 5-star recruit for the University of Kentucky and averaged 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 6.4 minutes per game in his freshman year under the tutelage of legendary college Head Coach John Calipari.

On the announcement of Killeya-Jones’ signing at Kentucky, Calipari said: “When we learned about Sacha and were contacted about him having an interest in us, I asked him why Kentucky.

“His answer was, ‘Because you’ve coached players like me who have had growth spurts and all of those players have done well for you.’

“You’re talking about a skilled player who can block shots. He can play multiple positions and fits in with the mould of kids we have, which are great kids, great students and great teammates.”

Killeya-Jones becomes the latest player born in the US discovered by GB with Justin Sears included in the squad for the second year running having also been born in New Jersey.

Alex Young – who played with Luke Nelson at UC Irvine – was born in Phoenix and stepped up from the Under-20 ranks to play a role in last summer’s qualifiers, while the gamble has not always paid off with examples including Byron Mullens.

Killeya-Jones dominated at Virginia Episcopal School and was a McDonald’s All-American in 2016 – check his high school highlights below.

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