Kentucky hits the recruiting trail during scholastic evaluation period

Jack PIlgrimby:Jack Pilgrim•06/20/22

Where in the world were John Calipari and his Kentucky assistant coaches this weekend? Three events in three different areas of the country, with representatives of the program at each stop in Shelbyville (KY), Philadelphia (PA) and Phoenix (AZ).

It was the start of the scholastic evaluation period, an opportunity for coaches to watch recruits playing for their high school teams this summer. The first scholastic period took place from June 17-19, with a second scheduled for this weekend from June 24-26. Events must be approved by the NCAA and NFHS and intercollegiate events approved by applicable two-year college governing body only.

Which players did the Kentucky coaches keep an eye on this past weekend?

2022 Titans-Rockets Summer Shootout (Shelbyville)

Coaches: John Calipari, K.T. Turner

In his own words: “As of right now, I’m just continuing to talk to Coach Antigua, Coach Calipari, continue to build my relationship with them,” Booker told KSR. “Hopefully I can get up there for a visit soon.”

In his own words: “It’s awesome, (Kentucky is) contacting me every day,” Sheppard told KSR. “I had a call with Coach O(rlando Antigua) before I came up. Just always reaching out. Went up last Saturday, hung out with the team for a little bit, just interacting with the players and the coaches is very special.”

Philly Live (Philadelphia)

Coaches: John Calipari, Orlando Antigua

In his own words: “That’s definitely a great school, I grew up watching Kentucky. That’s definitely a great school and I like that school,” Wagner told KSR at the HoopHall Classic in January. “But in general, I like college basketball. I really love all the schools that call me, appreciate all the schools that call and text me, stuff like that. I appreciate that stuff because I’m just a fan of all kinds of basketball.”

In his own words: “Family culture, that’s probably one of the biggest things that I’m looking for (in my recruitment), I would say,” Edwards told City of Basketball Love. “It’s important, because I feel like if they come out, then I’m one of their main priorities,” he said.

“Right now, yeah (it is between Kentucky and Tennessee),” he told KSR at the Pangos All-American Camp earlier this month. “I’m fine with it.”

In his own words: “I ain’t gonna lie, I started crying because when you work for something and you actually get it, it’s a surreal feeling,’ Bradshaw told On3’s Joe Tipton in regards to earning an offer from UK.

Section 7 (Phoenix)

Coach: Chin Coleman

In his own words: “Kentucky, for sure. I’ve always been a fan of that program,” Johnson told KSR at the Pangos All-American Camp earlier this month. “That’s a school I’d like to hear from for sure.”

In his own words: “Just a place where it’s gonna allow me to contribute and play right away,” he told California Preps regarding what he’s looking for in a school. “The place that’s gonna develop me to get to where I want to get to.”

“South Carolina, after the very first day (of the Adidas 3SSB second session), Coach Cal came to the game and I got the call, it was kinda surreal hearing his voice on the phone. It was just a dream,” Stojakovic told KSR back at the Pangos All-American Camp earlier this month. “It’s one of those schools where you dream of getting an offer and having the opportunity to play for Coach Cal.”

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2024-05-04