2024 five-star Jayden Quaintance commits to Kentucky

Kentucky has landed its ultimate prize, a foundational roster piece in the form of 2024 five-star center Jayden Quaintance.

The 6-10, 225-pound center out of Cleveland, Ohio chose the Wildcats on Tuesday over Missouri, previously cutting the likes of Florida, Ohio State and the G League Ignite. His commitment comes in time for the early signing period, Quaintance putting pen to paper with the program to make his addition official.

The consensus five-star big man is rated as the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 1 center in the latest 2024 On3 Player Rankings.

A standout for Word Of God Christian Academy — the high school of former Wildcat superstar John Wall — Quaintance joins five-star guard Boogie Fland, four-star center Somto Cyril and four-star guard Travis Perry in Kentucky’s ’24 recruiting class.

John Calipari extended an offer to the five-star prospect during an unofficial visit to Lexington back on June 25. Quaintance followed it up with an official on October 27, his final visit before making his commitment a few short weeks later.

Playing in the Overtime Elite league with the Holy Rams as a junior, the newest Wildcat averaged an impressive 15.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in 32.5 minutes per contest. Named to the 2023 Men’s U16 National Team, he also helped lead USA Basketball to a gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship this past summer, averaging 6.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 18.7 minutes per game. The 6-10 center was a standout at the 2023 NBPA Top 100 Camp, averaging 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 64.9% from the field.

What about his game stands out? Quaintance is a strong, physical presence with length and athleticism — college-ready tools. But the real excitement comes from the way his game continues to progress outside the paint. He’s comfortable putting the ball on the floor and getting to his spots while growing as a capable jump-shooter. A young 16 years old, the five-star center is raw and patience may be necessary, but he’s got everything you look for in a modern big. As Coach Cal would put it, Quaintance is a ‘basketball player’ who can dribble, pass and shoot. His ceiling is as high as anyone in the senior class.

“I could be, if I maximize my potential, at least an NBA All-Star, you know? That level of player,” Quaintance told KSR. “I just have to stay in the gym, stay committed, just stay working.”

Calipari currently has seven max-deal players in the NBA, billions of dollars in salaries. 11 former Wildcats are making at least $20 million in base contracts this season alone. Quaintance is a player capable of joining that list one day.

And he chose the right school to help make that happen.