The Khalil “Isofam” Brantley Story
Over the years, the New York City High School Basketball scene has gone through some very drastic changes. There is one thing that remains true, and that’s if you put in the work the results will show. Khalil Brantley personifies all of the grit and toughness of New York City and has quietly been on a tear for the last few years. Brantley works extremely hard on his craft and mixes that with a no-nonsense approach to learning different techniques that will enhance his performance on the court. These factors have Division 1 coaches around the country wanting to see what he’s all about.
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Originally born in New York City, Brantley moved down to North Carolina when he was very young. Now of High School age, Brantley has found his way back home to NYC. The first stop for Brantley was Nazareth HS where he left after one year. It just wasn’t the right fit for him. He landed at Boys and Girls High School and made history. The brotherhood that he’s built at that school was incredible. With all of the uncertainty in NYC surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and High School basketball this year, he’s made the tough decision to take his talents to The Skill Factory in Atlanta, Georgia. Making another switch was tough for him but he wanted to find a school where he’s be able to focus and concentrate on the goal at hand, and thats playing the game at the highest level possible. The Skill Factory is a prep school who aims to develop the next generation of elite athletes and they are welcoming Khalil there with open arms. He’s just a winner and demands respect anywhere he goes. He’s tough to guard and some say he’s a mini version of Russell Westbrook, and I couldn’t agree more.
“…My talent can only take me so far as an athlete but if I continue to work on my body and improve the intangibles that nobody else is willing to do then I’ll see myself at the next level” – Khalil Brantley
So far, Khalil currently holds offers from a myriad of top-level programs. Schools like Oklahoma State and Georgetown have already sent offers Brantley’s way. Seton Hall, Creighton, Vermont, Iona, and Florida International have also made offers to Brantley. While Indiana, Oregon State, Xavier, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Fresno State, and Hofstra have expressed interest.
Brantley has narrowed his list of schools down to 10. Photo by Tipton Edits
After demolishing the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) in New York last year by averaging an astonishing 34 ppg 9 rpg and 4.5 apg, Khalil has set himself apart from the rest of his peers. There were a lot of critics of Khalil’s game but he’s been able to silence all the critics by his tremendous play. He understands the game and everything that comes along with it, from college recruiting to basketball politics and he’s ready to take the basketball world by storm.
I can make myself look good all day but what’s gonna separate me is making them [My Teammates] look good. -Khalil Brantley
While the world was on lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Khalil was in the gym working out. Brantley hit the road and got a chance to work out with former NBA head coach Eddie Jordan down in North Carolina. Brantley wanted to be in an atmosphere where he can rid himself of all external distractions and work. He was able to get better during a time when the rest of the world was on pause. If that doesn’t convince a critic that Brantley is made from a different cloth, I don’t know what will. He’s also received praise from NBA guys like Vernon Maxwell, formerly of the Houston Rockets and a number of other pros.
Even as a young kid Khalil has had his eyes on the prize. Photo by ball spotlight.com
For the next level, he knows he’s going to have to work on being more vocal and just being a leader on the floor. “I can make myself look good all day but what’s gonna separate me is making them [My Teammates] look good” Brantley says. He’s a perfectionist and strives for greatness every time he steps on the court. Even as a young man he understands that his success is determined by how good of a support system he has. His father is probably his biggest supporter and is always within arms reach just in case he needs him.
Khalil has always wanted to be a professional basketball player. Up to this point he has done everything asked of him on the court. He’s coachable, he responds well to criticism and he’s driven. Three attributes any college or pro coach would love to have in their locker room. Photo courtesy of K. Brantley Instagram
Khalil currently has 10 schools remaining on his list of potential destinations. There’s no rush or sense of urgency for him to make a decision. He has a healthy mix of major and mid-major programs who he’s narrowed his list down to. We sincerely want to see this young man be successful on and off the court. He’s a smart young man with a bright future ahead of him. He plays the game the right way and has the mindset to match. We’re excited to watch him mature as a student-Athlete and confident that if he continues to nurture his game and takes great care of his body that great things will happen for him. Stay tuned as he narrows his lists of suitors soon. ?
****Cover Photo courtesy of Soru