Four-star forward Bryce Hopkins signs with KENTUCKY

Four-star forward Bryce Hopkins is officially a Kentucky Wildcat, the third prospect to sign with the program in the class of 2021.

The Kentucky basketball program announced the addition this afternoon.

“Welcome to the family, [Bryce Hopkins],” the school announced, adding a brief highlight video of Hopkins’ top plays.

Welcome to the family, @brycehopkins#LaFamilia x #BuiltDifferent 😼🏀 pic.twitter.com/hYDlxtYpmJ

— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 11, 2020

Hopkins, a 6’7” forward out of Oak Park, IL, is considered the No. 30 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The four-star forward committed to UK on Oct. 26, choosing the Wildcats over offers from California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Michigan, Oregon, Providence and Texas, among others.

“I was driving home from work, and Bryce sent me a text message that said, “Dad, I think I’m going to commit. I’m going to Kentucky.” I was like, “Wow.” It was out of the blue,” Hopkins’ father, Clyde, told KSR following the commitment. “I knew he was struggling going back and forth. When I got home, we sat down and I told him, “Man, just trust your decision. I want you to be 100% committed. You shouldn’t have any doubts, just trust your gut and go with it.”

“He said, “I want to go to Kentucky and I want to play for Coach Cal.” I was like, “Hey, it’s done.” That’s when we reached out, contacted the guy to make the video, did it, and the rest is history.”

Hopkins is ready for the challenge that comes with playing for Calipari at Kentucky.

“I would just say the history there. Being pushed, being developed for that next level,” Clyde Hopkins said. “Bryce really likes the way Cal develops his kids for that next level, which is the NBA. Bryce has always been up for the challenge.”

Hopkins is one of three UK commitments in the class of 2021, joining five-star forward Daimion Collins and four-star guard Nolan Hickman Jr. Following Hopkins’ official addition this afternoon, all three players have now signed with Kentucky during the Early Signing Period, which is open from Nov. 11 through Nov. 18.