Jayden Quaintance cuts list to two, includes Kentucky
Four has become two, as 2024 five-star forward Jayden Quaintance has cut his list down to a pair of SEC programs — one being the University of Kentucky.
Arguably the Wildcats’ most important recruit among seniors, Quaintance announced Friday he is down to Kentucky and Missouri, cutting Florida and Ohio State. The nation’s No. 4 overall prospect is no longer considering the G League Ignite, either.
The top-five recruit is rated as the No. 1 center in 2024. Quaintance is listed at No. 8 overall and No. 2 among centers in the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings by all four major recruiting services.
Standing 6-10, 225 pounds, Quaintance took an official visit to Kentucky in late October during the program’s first exhibition matchup of the preseason against Georgetown College. His official to Missouri took place on Sept. 22.
He also took visits to Ohio State, USF and Florida while also meeting with the G League Ignite before coming up with his pair of finalists.
What will he be prioritizing when it comes time for a decision? Role, roster makeup and locker room chemistry, among other factors.
“What the team looks like and who they already have, what role I’m going to have on the team,” Quaintance told KSR. “Am I going to be able to show off what I have? Will I have a green light? And what are the coaches like? How are they interacting with the players? Those things.”
Quaintance, just 16 years old, must complete two years of college before being NBA draft-eligible in 2026. What will the program of his choosing be getting for those two years?
“A hard worker, someone who will give it his all no matter where I go,” he said. “I’m just trying to be the best that I can, give everything I have. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win games.”
The five-star prospect is not expected to put pen to paper during the early signing period, but a commitment could come at any time.
Will his future school be the University of Kentucky? John Calipari certainly hopes so.
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