Okay, let’s solve this Timberwolves riddle: Who is Kok Yat?

From the moment that I saw his name appear on the 2023 Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League roster, I immediately asked myself who the heck is Kok Yat? And when I discovered the answer, I had to hang my head in shame. Kok Yat is a basketball player who was born in Anchorage Alaska, a place that I was blessed to call home for 10 years of my life.

And now that I know that, I have to share this secret about him: You really need to keep Kok Yat on your radar. He could really be a good one, and I am saying that with all sincerity. Having lived with Alaskans, I can tell you from first-hand experience: They can do anything that they put their mind to.

Kok Yat is a 6-foot-9 190-pound forward who has one season with Overtime Elite under his belt. In all honesty, his first season of competition is pretty good for a 20-year-old who is still learning the ropes. Before I share some thoughts, why not meet this young man?

Kok Yat moved to the lower 48 in order to gain access to basketball resources and better competition. His initial effort to compete on DePaul’s basketball team was not as successful as he had hoped. So, Yat tried out for and signed one with Overtime Elite, an alternative semi-pro basketball league that is specifically designed for 16 to 20-year-olds, offers a salary, and allows them to compete as well as perfect their craft for a future NBA career.

Yat competed just one year for Overtime Elite, but his performance certainly stirred up some interest.

The 6-foot-9 181-pound forward has some room to grow, he is already skilled at hauling in rebounds and putting up points. For now, his biggest hurdle is improving his shot selection and his accuracy.

So now if and when asks you ‘Who is Kok Yat?’, you can reply that he is a talented forward who was born in Anchorage, Alaska. And if that is not enough, tell them to keep an eye on him as he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League team.

Stay tuned . . .