"Blue-Collar Floor General with Vision, Pace, and Relentless Work Ethic"

Kobe Uta’i

@KobeUtai29

IG: @Utai_29

6’1, 185lbs, Class of 2027

Marsden State HS, Queensland, Australia

Kobe is the definition of a blue-collar gen. He is tough, unselfish, and willing to do all the little things that make a team better. As a true glue guy, he keeps his team connected with smart decision-making and a steady hand. His game is built on finding open teammates, controlling tempo, and creating scoring opportunities with his good court vision and confident passing. He can push the ball with pace, handle pressure with poise, and knock down shots when the defense sags off. While his scoring is steady, his real impact comes from setting the table for others, keeping the offense flowing, and playing a brand of basketball that makes winning contagious.

This season, Kobe averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in 20–24 minutes per game, showing his ability to impact multiple areas of the stat sheet. His biggest improvement came in his defense and shooting, bringing a more complete presence to the floor on both ends. That defensive growth is part of his ongoing focus, striving for “game-like defense” every possession while working on agility and speed to stay in front of quicker opponents. In the Las Vegas Main Event, he showed exactly what he brings to the table with 8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and a block on 3-for-5 shooting, controlling the game without forcing the action.

Kobe describes himself as a pass-first guard who can score when needed, a floor general who takes control without needing the spotlight. He thrives on playing consistently well and adjusting to different environments, knowing that effort and execution are what separate good players from great ones. His mentality is that opponents are human, just like him, and if he gives everything he has, he can win any matchup. When facing adversity, he trusts his strengths, stays composed, and refuses to shy away from the moment.

Grounded in his Samoan upbringing, Kobe carries a cultural value system of service, humility, and hard work instilled by his parents. That mindset drives him to improve daily, never seeking awards but always striving to be better. His ultimate goal is to play overseas, testing himself against the best while giving everything he can to the team that believes in him. Off the court, he’s deeply connected to his family, cherishing time together through simple things like board games or TV nights, and has a grounding presence that keeps him balanced and motivated.

I assess that Kobe’s unselfish playmaking, high IQ, and defensive growth make him the kind of guard every coach can trust to run a team. His ability to push pace, read the floor, and make winning plays without chasing stats is rare, and his work ethic ensures he will keep getting better.

With continued development in his speed and defensive quickness, Kobe has the tools to be a reliable leader and playmaker at the next level. His combination of vision, pace, and humility gives him a strong foundation to succeed wherever he plays, making him a steady, dependable presence any program would value. Stay tuned as this rising star for a statement season.