As things stand right now, Kentucky could be headed for a historically great recruiting class in 2019. The Wildcats have already secured the services of the top two point guards in the class Ashton Hagans and . The Wildcats also are the perceived co-favorite for the nation's No. 1 player James Wiseman, and are also heavily involved for a handful of other five-star prospects including No. 2 Vernon Carey, No. 5 Matthew Hurt, No. 10 Scottie Lewis and No. 11 Jalen Lecque. Oh, and then there's four-star D.J. Jeffries who is also committed to the Cats.
So yeah, it's good to be John Calipari right now, but it isn't an exaggeration to say the rich could conceivably get richer this summer, thanks to the fastest-rising recruit in America.
Meet Jaden McDaniels, a wing from Seattle who has been the talk of the recruiting world this spring. Considered just a four-star prospect a few months ago, he is now a Top 10 prospect in America according to 247 Sports.
https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/997155371230756864
Not bad. But here's the catch: According to Rivals.com recruiting expert Corey Evans, McDaniels has already heard from virtually every program in America, but he is still waiting for one. That's Kentucky, which Evans described as McDaniels' "dream school."
Evans joined the Aaron Torres Sports Podcast this week and shared some details on him:
"Jaden McDaniels was at USA Basketball Under-18 this past week, didn't make it. But he has been the face of spring 2018. His older brother is Jalen McDaniels, likely a two-and-done guy at San Diego State. He's entering his sophomore year this coming year.
But [Jalen] is a 6'9 small forward that Kansas just offered, Oregon offered, UCLA offered, Arizona offered, Oklahoma and Texas are also the favorites there as well. He can be the No. 1 player in America... And his dream school is Kentucky. I really want to see if Kentucky will jump in and offer him. I know they have D.J. Jeffries coming but, this kid is different. He's really different. His rate of progression is astronomical. His basketball ceiling for growth further is stupendous.
And he's someone where, if Kentucky were to offer, that could change the ball-game."
https://twitter.com/coreyevans_10/status/1005103678448119810
Those are some incredibly strong words on a player who has absolutely turned heads this summer, averaging 20 points and nine rebounds on the Nike EYBL circuit. According to Evans he's already measured at 6'9 without shoes with a 6'11 wingspan is a guy that both college coaches and NBA scouts are certainly intrigued by. Evans compared him to a more polished version of former Florida State star and lottery pick Jonathan Isaac.
The question of course, is what's next. As Evans' mentioned, the Wildcats already have a wing committed in the class of 2019 with D.J. Jeffries. Still, rarely has having one player committed ever stopped Calipari, and it will be interesting to see if he actively pursues McDaniels going forward.
One thing is for sure: The fast-rising senior will be waiting for his call.
To listen to the rest of the interview Evans, where the Rivals.com recruiting guru breaks down Team USA basketball camp, Tyrese Maxey and the future of Cole Anthony, download the Aaron Torres Sports Podcast, by clicking here.
[mobile_ad]
Recruiting momentum is starting to build for the Kentucky football program. Tommy Ziesmer is the latest commitment for the Big Blue. The Danville (Ky.) Boyle County product will be a senior this upcoming season and is the No. 561 prospect in the...
Last night American Idol decided its three finalists for next week's Sunday finale. There were five contestants singing for the three final spots in the competition and Louisa, Kentucky's own Noah Thompson was among the performers still alive on the...
One of the pillars of Kentucky Basketball is servant leadership, and this summer, two Wildcats will head overseas to give back to the community. Lance Ware and Kareem Watkins will travel to Brazil with Sports Reach for a 10-day outreach trip. The...
Need a distraction from Monday morning work? Turn on Kentucky Sports Radio from 10 AM to hear the guys discuss everything from the weekend and what's ahead. Matt Jones is plugged in from a chicken ranch in Texas, Ryan Lemond is at home in Lexington,...
Mornin' from the back porch where the smell of maple cherry smoke and two big pork shoulders on Smoker Phillips (that's the name of my smoker) have things in a good mood for a Monday. You coming to the cookout later? If not, I'll save you a plate....
Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Football staff added the sixth piece to the 2023 recruiting class on Saturday in homegrown product Tommy Ziesmer. A three-star edge rusher out of Boyle County High School (KY), the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Ziesmer has been...
The Softball 'Cats are headed to Virginia. During Sunday's NCAA Softball Championship Selection Show, Kentucky drew the Miami (OH) Redhawks for next weekend's tournament opener. The two teams are part of the Blacksburg Regional, which will be...
It doesn't sound like Karl-Anthony Towns was anywhere close to 100 percent by the end of the season. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the Minnesota Timberwolves center received stem cell treatment and platelet-rich plasma injections on both...
Loading comments...