Report: Kentucky in pursuit of South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman

Kentucky is already starting to do some work on a potential transfer portal prospect.

Just one day after Baylor Scheierman announced he was entering the portal, Wildcats assistant Orlando Antigua called his agent, according to The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker. Scheierman is testing the NBA Draft waters, but maintaining his eligibility and entering the portal.

Tucker spoke with Scheierman’s agent, Austin Walton, about Kentucky’s interest. It sounds like the interest might be mutual.

“That moved real quick,” Walton said, via Tucker. “We have a high level of interest and I think the interest is mutual. The exposure of Kentucky basketball and the tradition there is something that appeals to Baylor. Their history of development and draft picks is something that’s very enticing for Baylor. It’s a lot of what we’re looking for.”

Scheierman was the Summit League Player of the Year this year for South Dakota State and is receiving plenty of interest in the portal. Texas, Louisville, UCLA, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Arizona, Florida, Memphis, Michigan State, Baylor and Alabama also reached out, Walton told Tucker.

Last year at South Dakota State, Scheierman averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 points and 4.5 assists to help the Jackrabbits to a 30-5 overall record and a perfect 18-0 record in conference play. They appeared in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 13 seed and fell to Providence in the first round of the big dance.

Kentucky hasn’t done much in the transfer portal this offseason, but might need to do some work there to replace some production. TyTy Washington is heading to the NBA Draft and Kellan Grady is out of eligibility, and those are two big pieces to replace. In addition, Shaedon Sharpe is entering the draft but also keeping his eligibility. That said, questions are still swirling about whether he’ll end up actually returning.