PHOTOS: Jalen Duren looks really good in Kentucky blue

IG: JalenDuren

Finally, the pictures we’ve all been waiting for: Jalen Duren wearing Kentucky Blue. The No. 1 player in high school basketball just posted photos from his official visit to Kentucky, and they’re downright gorgeous. Before you get too excited, he notes in the caption that he’s not committed…yet.

 

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A post shared by Jalen Duren (@jalenduren)

IG: JalenDuren

IG: JalenDuren

IG: JalenDuren

ICYMI earlier today, both 247 Sports and ESPN updated their recruiting rankings for the 2022 class. Duren took the top spot from Emoni Bates on 247 Sports’ list, but ESPN elected to keep Duren at No. 2; however, Paul Biancardi and Adam Finkelstein noted that’s only because wings are in such high demand right now.

If we were assessing only who the top high school basketball player in the country was, then Duren would have a strong case. The calculous is about more than that though. It is about the future and trying to project value at subsequent levels. Right now, the game is in a place at the highest levels where there is a premium on big wings, of which Bates is one, while the market for bigs is less strong than it has been, maybe ever.

Nevertheless, Duren fits the modern game. His physical tools and body type are off the charts. He can protect the rim, run the floor, move his feet laterally, finish possessions on the glass and provide vertical spacing. He also flashes potential skill to develop facing the basket, especially as a passer.

To take the next step in his game, he needs to commit himself to giving maximum effort every time he steps on the floor, become a more consistent free throw shooter and continue to develop his overall offensive arsenal, both facing the basket and even with his back to it.

[ESPN]

Duren will release his top five on Friday, with Miami and Memphis perceived to be Kentucky’s toughest competition at the college level. He’s expected to reclassify to the 2021 class, meaning he would play college basketball this fall.

Come on down and be a part of something special.