A dominant force in the low post and mid-range areas, resulting in a solid finishing rate. He can emerge on more significant stages.
BORN: –
LAST TEAM: Charleston Southern Buccaneers (NCAA)
HEIGHT: 6-7 / 201 cm
WEIGHT: 240 / 109 kg
PRO
- Physical tools
- Valid finisher
- Strength – endurance
WEAKNESSES
- Managing possessions
- 3-P consistency
- Rim protection
VIDEO
ACTUAL
POTENTIAL
INTRODUCTION
Taje’ Kelly has had a remarkable collegiate career with the Buccaneers, where he played for four years. He has accumulated over 1,600 points and grabbed 800 rebounds. Making an impact since his freshman year when he scored the game-winning buzzer-beater in the conference tournament quarterfinals. Named to the rookie team in 2022, he continued to develop, and in 2024, he received an Honorable Mention, leading up to his breakout season. In the 2024–25 season, he led the Big South Conference in both scoring and rebounding, as well as having one of the highest minutes played in the entire nation (36.5 minutes per game). His outstanding performance earned him the Big South Player of the Year award, inheriting the legacy of Drew Pember. He also secured a spot on the NABC All-South Atlantic First Team, highlighting his impact at both the conference and national levels.
PHYSICAL
Taje’ Kelly possesses a strong and sturdy frame and a dynamism that allows him to use athletic tools to become a versatile player. His physicality enables him to excel in the paint, and the combination of strength and speed makes him a presence on both sides of the court. While not exceptionally explosive, he demonstrates solid footwork and balance, enabling effective positioning and post moves. His durability is evident, as he led the conference in minutes played, averaging 36.5 minutes per game. Improving his lateral quickness could enhance his defensive versatility, particularly when guarding more agile opponents who attack him off the dribble face-up.
OFFENSIVE PHASE
Taje’ Kelly is a dominant force in the low post and mid-range areas, resulting in a solid finishing rate (53% on 12.9 attempts). His scoring arsenal includes strong post moves, effective use of his body and footwork to create space, and a reliable touch around the rim. While he is a good roller with strong timing on cuts to the basket, he needs to develop his handling skills to attack off the dribble, leading to a difficult possession management (3.5 turnovers per game). Kelly has also shown the ability to stretch the floor, shooting 31.7% from beyond the arc on 1.9 attempts. However, this remains an area for further development in consistency. His free-throw shooting stands at 61.6%, indicating room for improvement to maximize scoring opportunities considering his inside game and aggressive play at the rim, which makes him a valuable free throw generator (7.8 attempts per game). Additionally, he contributes as a passer, averaging 2.1 assists per game, often facilitating from the high post. Overall, he is an undersized big with room to expand his versatility into a more perimeter player. Considering his limited height, this is a crucial step for having a significant career at the pro level.
DEFENSIVE PHASE
Taje’ Kelly leverages his strength to secure rebounds and protect the paint. He demonstrated this by leading the conference in defensive rebounds and averaging 8.9 total rebounds per game. His defensive awareness allows him to position effectively and provide help defense when necessary, despite not having the verticality to be a credible rim protector (0.4 blocks per game). While not a prolific shot-blocker, his presence deters opponents from aggressively attacking the rim, thanks to his strong body for making contact. Enhancing his lateral mobility would improve his ability to guard quicker players on the perimeter and switch effectively in pick-and-roll situations.
IMPROVED AREAS
Taje’ Kelly needs to improve his ball-handling and reduce turnovers, especially when operating outside the paint. Developing a more consistent three-point shot will expand his offensive arsenal and maximize his efficiency. On the defensive end, improving his lateral quickness and overall mobility is essential to better handle switches. Additionally, adding verticality or improving his timing around the rim would make him a more credible interior presence. The rookie can guarantee an impact in a medium-level league. Continuing his development, he can emerge on more significant stages.