5 Things to Know: Tyrese Maxey

This afternoon at 4 p.m. CT, Tyrese Maxey will announce his college decision via a video on social media. KSR have complete coverage of the announcement, but until then, here are five things you need to know about the five-star point guard, who could either join Kentucky in the fall or for the 2019-20 season.

	Tyrese Maxey Guard | 6-3 | 185 lbs. Garland, Tx. | South Garland AAU: RM5 Elite
	ESPN	No. 14 | 3 SG	Top247	No. 17 | 2 PG
	Rivals	No. 14 | 3 SG	247 Comp.	No. 13 | 2 PG

1. The latest buzz suggests he’ll stay in the 2019 class

Maxey told reporters a few weeks ago he’s only a few classes away from being able to play college basketball this fall, but the latest buzz suggests he’ll stay in the 2019 class. Given the bevy of guards on next year’s roster, that’s probably the best scenario for both Kentucky and Maxey; however, the Texas native made it clear he’s not afraid of competition when asked about possibly fighting for playing time on Kentucky’s roster this fall.

“Challenge is really good for competition,” Maxey said, via Chris Fisher. “That’s why we play basketball.”

That alone makes me like him.

2. Kentucky is the overwhelming favorite

The Cats own 92% of the picks in Maxey’s Crystal Ball, including that of recruiting guru Evan Daniels, who cemented his pick for Kentucky back on April 21 after Maxey hosted Cal on two in-home visits and raved about the possibility of sharing a backcourt with UK commit Ashton Hagans, who is expected to reclassify to 2018.

“I talked to Ashton a little bit. I hit him and told him good luck this weekend,” Maxey said, via Chris Fisher. “We both like to play defense and compete which would make us better in practice if we go at each other. But him being a really good passer and me being a good shooter and playing off each other, it could be special.”

In fact, Maxey went one step further, calling himself and Hagans a “duo” in a conversation with Kyle Tucker.

“We call ourselves The Duo,” he said, pausing a beat before correction himself: “A possible duo. I’m sorry. Trying not to laugh.”

Should Maxey stay in the 2019 class, there’s an equally exciting possibility of him teaming up with another star…

3. James Wiseman wants to play with him

The coveted big man was asked which players he wants to team up with at the next level and Maxey and Hagans were the two he named. With Kentucky and Memphis locked in a race for Wiseman, having Maxey go ahead and commit for the 2019-20 season could be the extra incentive Wiseman needs to turn down his former coach Penny Hardaway.

4. Calipari thinks he’s a combination of Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray

Cal likened 2019 guard Jalen Lecque to John Wall, but sees a mixture of Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray in Maxey for his ability to play on or off the ball. That versatility will help Maxey adapt should he reclassify to join a guard-heavy roster this fall.

5. He’s clutch

Why does Calipari want Maxey? Check out how he cooly clears the lane to go at the rim, and, after seeing the double-team, pulls up and sinks the game-winning jumper with a hand in his face.

Tyrese Maxey spent half this possession telling his teammates to clear out ?? #GTFO #FTW #2018EYBL @TyreseMaxey @HoustonHoops17U pic.twitter.com/ng3eGmTbte

— FloHoops (@FloHoops) April 28, 2018

Come on down and join the party, Tyrese.

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