The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: V.J. King

THE BASICS

School: Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Small forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 179 pounds

Athletic achievement: He averaged 22.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game this past season, leading the Panthers (20-11) to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I state championship game. A First Team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference honoree, King was selected to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. He is ranked as the No. 21 recruit in the Class of 2016 by Scout.com.

Academic excellence: King has maintained a 3.54 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and youth basketball coach, and has also donated his time with the Special Olympics and special-needs students at his school.

THE PRAISE

“V.J. King is a terrific player, he has a chance to be a pro,” said Neil Berkman, head coach of Bishop Ireton High. “He was Paul VI’s entire team. It seemed like he took 60 percent of their shots.”

THE FUTURE: King has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Louisville this fall.