Kentucky reaches out to 2021 four-star guard Tamar Bates

Another day, another new name added to Kentucky’s list of potential additions at the guard spot.

Just one day after asking for his release from his letter of intent at Texas, 2021 four-star guard Tamar Bates has already heard from the UK coaching staff.

According to Tipton Edits, Bates has been in contact with Kentucky, Illinois, Mizzou, Washington and Gonzaga since backing out of his commitment on Monday.

2021 four-star Tamar Bates has heard from the following schools since decommitting from Texas yesterday: Kentucky, Illinois, Mizzou, Washington, and Gonzaga. pic.twitter.com/yJXBTAp8tP

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 30, 2021

Bates, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound shooting guard out Kansas City, KS, is considered the No. 56 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and is ranked as high as No. 53 overall by ESPN.

As a junior at Piper High School in 2019-20, the four-star guard averaged 22.1 points on 58% shooting and 44% from three to go with 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per contest. The standout scoring guard transferred to IMG Academy last August, a powerhouse program set to participate in the GEICO Nationals and compete for a title later this week. IMG plays its first game on Thursday, April 1 at noon ET on ESPNU.

As for Bates’ recruitment, he originally committed to Texas over Alabama, Creighton, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri and Oregon, among 17 total scholarship offers.

A key aspect of his commitment to Texas the first time around? Current Kentucky assistant Jai Lucas was Bates’ lead recruiter at Texas before he left the program last August.

If Lucas liked him enough to push for a commitment in Austin, and UK was among the first schools to reach out after his decommitment… Certainly something to keep an eye on.

Check out some of Bates’ recent highlights below:

Come on down.