KSR's Nike EYBL Session 1 Primer: Atlanta

The season may be over, but Kentucky basketball never stops. Stay-or-go decisions are officially underway (a season in itself), and now, grassroots recruiting is set to ramp up, headlined by the start of the Nike EYBL schedule.

Session 1 starts in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, a live period for coaches to gather courtside to watch the next generation of college and professional stars create names for themselves. It’s the best opportunity for schools to figure out who to recruit and/or back away from, all of the nation’s top talent competing under the same roof with one goal in mind: winning a Peach Jam title, the most prestigious honor in travel basketball.

So what should we expect as Session 1 takes place in Atlanta from April 21-23, followed by stops in Phoenix from April 28-30, Dallas from May 12-14, Memphis from May 26-29 and Peach Jam in North Augusta from July 3-9? Who will John Calipari and the Kentucky coaching staff be courtside for throughout the weekend, starting up top with rising seniors in the class of 2024, all the way down to rising sophomores in 2026? And just how interested is the program in each player?

It’s a first draft and the names and levels of interest will fluctuate by the session. A recruit the Wildcats aren’t very high on currently could explode this weekend and give the school no choice but to take a closer look. Or one of the program’s top targets could tank, forcing Kentucky to drop them on the priority list. That’s what this stuff is all about, how the staff determines its next crop of talent.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Tre Johnson (2024, SG)

EYBL: Houston Hoops
On3 Ranking: No. 1 overall, No. 1 SG
Size: 6-5, 180 pounds
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Kentucky Interest: High

The best three-level scorer in the senior class, Johnson has a natural touch and smooth stroke with deep range. He boasts a high basketball IQ, wired to get buckets at an elite level. Mechanically sound with extreme confidence, the 6-foot-5 guard is arguably Kentucky’s top recruiting target in 2024.

Boogie Fland (2024, PG)

EYBL: PSA Cardinals
On3 Ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 1 PG
Size: 6-3, 175 pounds
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Kentucky interest: High

Thin, but extremely skilled and plays with a flair. The Harlem native has a tight handle with solid court vision, a high-level floor general who values ball security. He’s a confident all-around scorer and shooter, firmly at the top of Kentucky’s priority list among point guards.

Billy Richmond (2024, SG)

EYBL: NJ Scholars
On3 Ranking: No. 80 overall, No. 19 SG
Size: 6-6, 180 pounds
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Kentucky interest: High

A Camden HS standout alongside Kentucky signees DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw, Richmond is a long, wiry wing who makes up for his raw offensive game with athleticism and a high motor. He gets after it on both ends and thrives in transition while also proving he can knock down the occasional catch-and-shoot 3-pointer. The lowest-rated prospect on the board for the Wildcats, but a committable offer with strong mutual interest.

Karter Knox (2024, SF)

EYBL: Florida Rebels
On3 Ranking: No. 7 overall, No. 2 SF
Size: 6-5, 180 pounds
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Kentucky interest: Medium

Brother of former Kentucky wing Kevin Knox, the five-star forward has a nice frame and he continues to fill out. Drives and finishes with confidence while also growing as a shooter. He’s a do-it-all player who is rounding into form entering the spring. Will be a big grassroots season for the Tampa native.

Liam McNeeley (2024, SF)

EYBL: Florida Rebels
On3 Ranking: No. 10 overall, No. 4 SF
Size: 6-7, 205 pounds
Hometown: Richardson, TX
Kentucky interest: Medium

A new name Kentucky is keeping a close eye on, McNeeley is a gifted shooter and scorer with a high basketball IQ. Where he falls short as a fluid athlete, he makes up for it with skill. He’s also got solid positional size and fights defensively.

Ahmad Nowell (2024, PG)

EYBL: Team Final
On3 Ranking: No. 50 overall, No. 8 PG
Size: 6-2, 185 pounds
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Kentucky interest: Medium

A high school and grassroots teammate of Kentucky signee Justin Edwards, Nowell is another new name the Wildcats are watching closely. Physical and tough, the 6-2 point guard has a high floor at the collegiate level, specifically as a two-way threat.

John Bol (2024, C)

EYBL: MOKAN Elite
On3 Ranking: No. 32 overall, No. 4 C
Size: 7-2, 190 pounds
Hometown: Boma, South Sudan
Kentucky interest: Medium

His size speaks for itself at 7-2 with a 7-9 wingspan. Moves well and blocks shots with the best of them while thriving as a rim-runner. Not the most skilled, but a high motor and a versatile defender, separating his game from his peers in the class. A player Kentucky continues to monitor.

Isaiah Elohim (2024, SG)

EYBL: Team WhyNot
On3 Ranking: No. 16 overall, No. 4 SG
Size: 6-5, 205 pounds
Hometown: Kingston, NY
Kentucky interest: Low

The Wildcats had strong early interest, but those conversations have died down as other backcourt targets have emerged. Still, though, Elohim is a strong, physical guard who thrives in the mid-range and as a finisher around the basket, comfortable getting downhill.

Amier Ali (2024, SF)

EYBL: Houston Hoops
On3 Ranking: No. 43 overall, No. 14 SF
Size: 6-8, 180 pounds
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Kentucky interest: Low

The Columbus native may be the most confident shooter in the class, a gift and a curse when breaking down his game. On one end, he takes and makes shots others his size simply can’t. On the other, he’s erratic at times with poor shot selection, abusing the green light he plays with on occasion. Kentucky likes the physical tools and is keeping an eye on him, but the style of play is an acquired taste that may lead the four-star wing elsewhere.

Meleek Thomas (2025, SG)

EYBL: NH Lightning
On3 Ranking: No. 3 overall, No. 1 SG
Size: 6-3, 165 pounds
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Kentucky interest: High

A confident all-around scorer with deep range, arguably the best in his class at knocking down shots. Thin, but a solid frame to add weight. More of a pure scorer than an on-ball facilitator. Planning to visit Kentucky in the summer with solid mutual interest.

Jayden Quaintance (2025, C)

EYBL: Team Thad
On3 Ranking: No. 29 overall, No. 5 center
Size: 6-10, 225 pounds
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Kentucky interest: Medium (growing)

One of the fastest risers in the class, Quaintance is a name to watch closely this spring and summer. Physically gifted and versatile with elite ball skills, he does things other 15-year-olds simply can’t — hence why he’s playing 17U. A future five-star, Quaintance will contend for the top spot in a very strong 2025 class.

Tyran Stokes (2026, SF)

EYBL: Vegas Elite
On3 Ranking: N/A
Size: 6-7, 235 pounds
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Kentucky interest: High

The native of Louisville is strong, explosive and poised, performing on the big stage as a 15-year-old freshman — stood out with Prolific Prep this past season at GEICO Nationals. An early favorite for the Kentucky coaching staff.

AJ Dybantsa (2026, SF)

EYBL: Expressions Elite
On3 Ranking: N/A
Size: 6-7, 185 pounds
Hometown: Needham, MA
Kentucky interest: High

Arguably the top player in the rising sophomore class, Dybantsa is wiry and smooth as a creator while also impressing as an athlete. He gets downhill in a hurry and lives at the free-throw line, possessing all of the tools necessary to be a star.

Games begin Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. and run through 8:30 p.m. ET, then from 8:00 a.m. through 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. Session I closes with a 9:30 a.m. ET start and a 2:00 p.m. ET finish on Sunday. All games will be streamed live on the official Nike EYBL website right here, with live stats and score updates kept at the same link.

Recruiting season starts now.