Jayden Quaintance recreates Anthony Davis wingspan photo at Kentucky

Remember Anthony Davis‘ iconic wingspan photo from his time at Kentucky, the former Wildcat’s arms stretching out over 10 UK basketballs in a black-and-white limited edition poster handed out during the team’s win over Florida in February of 2012? It was the start of his National Defensive Player of the Year campaign at the time, but little did anyone know, he’d ultimately be named National Player of the Year and Final Four Most Outstanding Player, leading the program to its eighth national championship.

Now, there is a new National Defensive Player of the Year candidate on campus, and he goes by the name of Jayden Quaintance. The Arizona State transfer was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team in 2024-25, averaging 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.5 assists per contest for the Sun Devils as the youngest player in college basketball.

He made the move to Lexington this offseason, signing with Kentucky back in April as Mark Pope’s ultimate portal prize.

“Jayden is a 17-year-old phenom who is as explosive as he is skilled, and he is just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become in this game,” Pope said at the time.

Quaintance has since moved in and begun the rehab process in Lexington as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered in February, followed by surgery in March. Getting familiar with the Kentucky basketball facilities, the newest Wildcat found that old image of Anthony Davis up on the wall and decided to recreate the iconic look showing off his own wingspan.

Jayden Quaintance comparing his wingspan to Anthony Davis 👀 pic.twitter.com/8pHOlXM5vh

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) May 25, 2025

The former five-star recruit boasts an insane 7-foot-5 wingspan — just short of A.D.’s mark of 7-foot-6. To Quaintance’s credit, though, he’s still got room to grow as a 17-year-old.

Can he pass him up by the time he makes his Kentucky debut later this season?

pic.twitter.com/N0Iy7XVc78

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) May 25, 2025

Prepare for similar defensive brilliance in blue and white, BBN.