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07-23-2024, 02:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-23-2024, 02:41 PM by Cactus Jack.)
Wanted to start a big board for Kentucky's 2025 recruiting class. I'll have a separate thread on the 2026 class, even though we all know that there'll probably be some reclassifications or names that might move from one list to the other. This will be the first of three initial posts (Offers to Date, Calipari Offers, and Offers Expected).
2025 Offers to Date:
Jasper Johnson - CG - Lexington, KY/Overtime Elite:
An in-state kid that we all know plenty about. He has his own thread in case you need a refresher. If Kentucky pulls it off, they'll need to beat out North Carolina and Alabama. Played well for Team USA's U18 squad and recently announced that he'll be spending next season with Overtime Elite.
Darryn Peterson - SG - Ohio/Huntington Prep (WV):
One of the top two guards in his class, the interest between Peterson and the 'Cats seems to have cooled over time. At one point, fans were hoping Peterson would reclass to 2024, but that seems firmly off the table.
Braylon Mullins - SG - Greenfield, IN:
A rising four-star that Pope offered while atop Rupp. He's included Kentucky in his final ten schools, which includes a who's-who of programs. He'll take an official visit to Kentucky on October 25th. The sharpshooter ranks in the Top 30 range of most recruiting boards and is an AAU teammate of Great Crossing's Malachi Moreno.
Acaden Lewis - CG - Washington DC:
Assistant Jason Hart has the lead on this one. Kentucky made his final eight, which also includes Auburn, Duke, UConn, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Syracuse. Most recruiting boards list him as a Top 50 level prospect, but there's a lot of fluctuation.
Brayden Burries - SG - San Bernadino, CA:
The 6'4, 200 lb. shooting guard with good measureables is the #1 prospect in the state of California and most services list him in the top 15 range. Kentucky recently offered. Arizona, USC, UCLA, Kansas, Houston, Duke, and Alabama have also been in on his recruitment.
AJ Dybantsa - SF - Brockton, MA/Utah Prep:
The #1 overall player in his class and projected #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will be a difference-maker from Day 1. Right now, he's saying he'll make a decision in February; there'll be a flurry of contenders, including BYU. Don't be surprised if the winds change throughout his recruitment and expect a huge NIL commitment from the school that eventually snags him.
Nate Ament – F – Washington, DC:
A slim 6’9 four, Ament is listed as three or four depending on the recruiting service and is generally listed as a Top 10-15 type talent. Hailing from the outskirts of the DC area, he also has interest from Louisville, Virginia, and Duke. UConn may become a player as well. Nate averaged 3.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg in just under 9 minutes per for Team USA’s U18 National team.
Niko Bundalo – PF – Belgrade, Serbia/Western Reserve HS (Cleveland):
The high four-star is a 6’11, 215 big with exceptional skill. He’s ranked anywhere from 20-40 in recruiting rankings, with most having him in the high 20’s or low 30’s, but there’s quite a bit of variation between services. His stock could continue to rise and Ohio State, Michigan State, and Creighton should be players in his recruitment.
Malachi Moreno – C – Georgetown, KY/Great Crossing:
The 6’11, 225 Kentuckian will be the early favorite for next year’s Mr. Basketball award. There’s a separate thread on his recruitment. He’s a player that I think has legitimate pro potential. Most recruiting services have him somewhere in the top 25-40 range. Not saying that he’s locked in on the Hoosiers, but expect Indiana to have a large say in his recruitment.
Eric Reibe – C – Germany/Bullis School (Washington, DC):
A 7’0, 225 lb, four-star with new interest from Pope. The big didn’t exactly set the world on fire in the U18’s for Team Germany, but he is starting to get the attention of a different echelon of school than many of those in on him early (i.e., Harvard, Iowa, and Creighton). In the last month, UConn, Louisville, and North Carolina have all joined his list of suitors. Oregon has been in on him for awhile and West Virginia is regaining traction.
Chris Cenac – C – New Orleans, LA/Link Academy:
The five-star is ESPN’s top center in next year’s class, though other services have him a bit lower. Coming in at 6’10, 230 with good leaping ability, the physical tools are there. How much he can develop offensively (past lobs, put-backs, and deep posts) remains to be seen. He’s leaving Isidore Newman (which produced Peyton, Eli, and Arch Manning) for Link Academy this coming season. LSU, Houston, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Kansas were all involved in the earlier stages. Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee also have some level of interest. Of the three centers listed, his ending up at Kentucky would surprise me most.
2025 Offers to Date:
Jasper Johnson - CG - Lexington, KY/Overtime Elite:
An in-state kid that we all know plenty about. He has his own thread in case you need a refresher. If Kentucky pulls it off, they'll need to beat out North Carolina and Alabama. Played well for Team USA's U18 squad and recently announced that he'll be spending next season with Overtime Elite.
Darryn Peterson - SG - Ohio/Huntington Prep (WV):
One of the top two guards in his class, the interest between Peterson and the 'Cats seems to have cooled over time. At one point, fans were hoping Peterson would reclass to 2024, but that seems firmly off the table.
Braylon Mullins - SG - Greenfield, IN:
A rising four-star that Pope offered while atop Rupp. He's included Kentucky in his final ten schools, which includes a who's-who of programs. He'll take an official visit to Kentucky on October 25th. The sharpshooter ranks in the Top 30 range of most recruiting boards and is an AAU teammate of Great Crossing's Malachi Moreno.
Acaden Lewis - CG - Washington DC:
Assistant Jason Hart has the lead on this one. Kentucky made his final eight, which also includes Auburn, Duke, UConn, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Syracuse. Most recruiting boards list him as a Top 50 level prospect, but there's a lot of fluctuation.
Brayden Burries - SG - San Bernadino, CA:
The 6'4, 200 lb. shooting guard with good measureables is the #1 prospect in the state of California and most services list him in the top 15 range. Kentucky recently offered. Arizona, USC, UCLA, Kansas, Houston, Duke, and Alabama have also been in on his recruitment.
AJ Dybantsa - SF - Brockton, MA/Utah Prep:
The #1 overall player in his class and projected #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will be a difference-maker from Day 1. Right now, he's saying he'll make a decision in February; there'll be a flurry of contenders, including BYU. Don't be surprised if the winds change throughout his recruitment and expect a huge NIL commitment from the school that eventually snags him.
Nate Ament – F – Washington, DC:
A slim 6’9 four, Ament is listed as three or four depending on the recruiting service and is generally listed as a Top 10-15 type talent. Hailing from the outskirts of the DC area, he also has interest from Louisville, Virginia, and Duke. UConn may become a player as well. Nate averaged 3.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg in just under 9 minutes per for Team USA’s U18 National team.
Niko Bundalo – PF – Belgrade, Serbia/Western Reserve HS (Cleveland):
The high four-star is a 6’11, 215 big with exceptional skill. He’s ranked anywhere from 20-40 in recruiting rankings, with most having him in the high 20’s or low 30’s, but there’s quite a bit of variation between services. His stock could continue to rise and Ohio State, Michigan State, and Creighton should be players in his recruitment.
Malachi Moreno – C – Georgetown, KY/Great Crossing:
The 6’11, 225 Kentuckian will be the early favorite for next year’s Mr. Basketball award. There’s a separate thread on his recruitment. He’s a player that I think has legitimate pro potential. Most recruiting services have him somewhere in the top 25-40 range. Not saying that he’s locked in on the Hoosiers, but expect Indiana to have a large say in his recruitment.
Eric Reibe – C – Germany/Bullis School (Washington, DC):
A 7’0, 225 lb, four-star with new interest from Pope. The big didn’t exactly set the world on fire in the U18’s for Team Germany, but he is starting to get the attention of a different echelon of school than many of those in on him early (i.e., Harvard, Iowa, and Creighton). In the last month, UConn, Louisville, and North Carolina have all joined his list of suitors. Oregon has been in on him for awhile and West Virginia is regaining traction.
Chris Cenac – C – New Orleans, LA/Link Academy:
The five-star is ESPN’s top center in next year’s class, though other services have him a bit lower. Coming in at 6’10, 230 with good leaping ability, the physical tools are there. How much he can develop offensively (past lobs, put-backs, and deep posts) remains to be seen. He’s leaving Isidore Newman (which produced Peyton, Eli, and Arch Manning) for Link Academy this coming season. LSU, Houston, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Kansas were all involved in the earlier stages. Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee also have some level of interest. Of the three centers listed, his ending up at Kentucky would surprise me most.
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07-23-2024, 08:41 PM
Calipari Offers:
Cameron Boozer – PF – Miami, FL:
A consensus top 3 player in the class and son of former Dukie Carlos Boozer, there are a number of schools in contention for both of the Boozer twins. Expect Arkansas, Duke, and Miami to be amongst the finalists.
Cayden Boozer – SG – Miami, FL:
See above. Cayden is a top 25-40 type guard and everyone will be shocked if he isn’t a package deal with his twin.
Koa Peat - PF - Gilbert, AZ:
The 6'8, 220 lb. five-star is the son of a former NFL player. Most recruiting boards list him as a Top 5-10 player. He was first offered by Calipari and most of the momentum in his recruitment seems focused west, with schools like Arizona, Houston, and Texas receiving the most buzz.
Caleb Wilson – PF – Atlanta, GA:
The 6’9, 205 forward is a top-10 level talent. Expect Georgia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, Duke, Stanford, and Kansas to have a large say in where he ultimately ends up. Kentucky reached out to express interest in May, but as is the case with most players originally offered by Calipari, I’ll want to see much more interest both ways before looking at him as a a realistic possibility.
Darius Acuff – PG – Detroit, MI/IMG Academy:
The consensus top-15 prospect dropped Kentucky from his lists and is expected to commit to either Kansas, Michigan, or Arkansas in the coming days. His 26 points led the USA U18 squad in scoring in their final against Argentina.
Meleek Thomas – PG – Pittsburgh, PA/Overtime Elite:
Expect Arkansas to be one of the teams to beat in the recruitment of this consensus top-10 talent whose hometown and current program give him ties that suggest Calipari will be tough to beat. If not the Hogs, maybe UConn.
Cameron Boozer – PF – Miami, FL:
A consensus top 3 player in the class and son of former Dukie Carlos Boozer, there are a number of schools in contention for both of the Boozer twins. Expect Arkansas, Duke, and Miami to be amongst the finalists.
Cayden Boozer – SG – Miami, FL:
See above. Cayden is a top 25-40 type guard and everyone will be shocked if he isn’t a package deal with his twin.
Koa Peat - PF - Gilbert, AZ:
The 6'8, 220 lb. five-star is the son of a former NFL player. Most recruiting boards list him as a Top 5-10 player. He was first offered by Calipari and most of the momentum in his recruitment seems focused west, with schools like Arizona, Houston, and Texas receiving the most buzz.
Caleb Wilson – PF – Atlanta, GA:
The 6’9, 205 forward is a top-10 level talent. Expect Georgia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, Duke, Stanford, and Kansas to have a large say in where he ultimately ends up. Kentucky reached out to express interest in May, but as is the case with most players originally offered by Calipari, I’ll want to see much more interest both ways before looking at him as a a realistic possibility.
Darius Acuff – PG – Detroit, MI/IMG Academy:
The consensus top-15 prospect dropped Kentucky from his lists and is expected to commit to either Kansas, Michigan, or Arkansas in the coming days. His 26 points led the USA U18 squad in scoring in their final against Argentina.
Meleek Thomas – PG – Pittsburgh, PA/Overtime Elite:
Expect Arkansas to be one of the teams to beat in the recruitment of this consensus top-10 talent whose hometown and current program give him ties that suggest Calipari will be tough to beat. If not the Hogs, maybe UConn.
07-23-2024, 10:20 PM
Offer Expected:
Tounde Yessoufou – F – Benin/St. Joseph HS (CA):
The 6’5, 215 forward is a bit undersized, but has a nice wingspan. Likes to get downhill offensively, rebounds well, and can defend multiple positions. Generally seen as a top 25-type player, he has interest from USC, Arizona, Baylor, UConn, and Kansas.
Tounde Yessoufou – F – Benin/St. Joseph HS (CA):
The 6’5, 215 forward is a bit undersized, but has a nice wingspan. Likes to get downhill offensively, rebounds well, and can defend multiple positions. Generally seen as a top 25-type player, he has interest from USC, Arizona, Baylor, UConn, and Kansas.
07-23-2024, 10:32 PM
Great stuff as always CJ! I just can't get fired up for basketball yet with football season starting lol.
Yesterday, 12:06 PM
Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, and Acaden Lewis are in. Wondering how the rest of the class takes shape and how Pope plans to use Garrison next year if he's back. His offense looks like it relies on a five who can either handle, pass, or shoot really well, is at least above average for his position at another and passable at minimum for the least of his skills.
What's the deal with Caleb Wilson? Honestly impressed with Pope just being in the picture considering that this was originally a Calipari offer on a Top 5-10 level talent that we don't have anyone on staff with an obvious tie to (unless there's something I'm missing).
Don't see how we can't bring Oweh back. He's one of my favorite players on this team and I hope he makes it in the NBA, but there are handfuls of guys with better physical measurables in the D-League hoping for a two-way contract and chance to play themselves in. In the NIL world, it's probably a better financial and strategic decision to get the kind of NIL money that he deserves before risking it on the NBA, D-League, or one of the Euro leagues. (Tangent, but Oweh is the kind of guy that made me a fan of college players getting paid-- lays it all on the line for his team and brings them tons of revenue but probably won't have an NBA career where he really gets a bag... still worth much more to a college program than a scholarship and whatever any big program might have previously provided under the table.
If we're going into next season with Garrison as a back-up five who plays a lot for his defense and athleticism that could work, but I'd think you are in a bit of a bind as far as promising him what he probably wants (or could get from another school) and also bringing in a recruit or someone in the transfer portal that's a better fit for Pope's system to play over him.
Assuming that none of the incoming signees back-out, and that Moreno, Noah, and Perry aren't going to be ready to see anything more than spot duty. Also assuming that Chandler will be back (could see a transfer to BYU or somewhere closer to home) and that he could figure things out as he gets back into shape and catches up to the speed of the game.
Whether through recruiting or the portal, think we probably bring in:
- Back-up PG, probably someone out of the portal that's experienced and defensive-minded
- 3 and D wing
- Stretch 4 and/or Stretch 5... at least one will be a facilitator more like Williams than Carr
- SHOOTERS (that one probably goes without saying)
Pope offers that I'd mentioned in the first post who've now signed:
Peterson - Kansas
Dybantsa - BYU
Mullins - UConn
Reibe - UConn
Bundalo - Washington
Cenac - Houston
Yessoufou - Baylor
Think Yesoufou is a great pick-up for Baylor. He's the kind of player that they had during their championship run. That was one of the tougher defensive teams that actually won it that I've seen in awhile. Was hoping that Hart's California connection could reel him in. Would have liked to see him coming off the lifts and getting downhill attacking the rim.
Pope offers mentioned above who are uncommitted or unsigned:
Brayden Burries - has removed UK from his official list per most sources
Nate Ament - going on an official to Chapel Hill in Feb. for the UNC/Duke game, we'll probably have some ground to make up if we miss on Wilson and try to go all-in on him. Virginia is the only non-blue blood that I'd give a real shot-- will be interesting to see if the hometown school's new staff makes a big play. He's also signed a deal with Reebok-- I heard Georgetown (which is in the DMV area but doesn't have a new coach) had a guy named Iverson that people may have heard of. He was the face of Reebok at one point. This is entirely me reading tea leaves, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Hoyas put on a full court press and get into the picture.
What's the deal with Caleb Wilson? Honestly impressed with Pope just being in the picture considering that this was originally a Calipari offer on a Top 5-10 level talent that we don't have anyone on staff with an obvious tie to (unless there's something I'm missing).
Don't see how we can't bring Oweh back. He's one of my favorite players on this team and I hope he makes it in the NBA, but there are handfuls of guys with better physical measurables in the D-League hoping for a two-way contract and chance to play themselves in. In the NIL world, it's probably a better financial and strategic decision to get the kind of NIL money that he deserves before risking it on the NBA, D-League, or one of the Euro leagues. (Tangent, but Oweh is the kind of guy that made me a fan of college players getting paid-- lays it all on the line for his team and brings them tons of revenue but probably won't have an NBA career where he really gets a bag... still worth much more to a college program than a scholarship and whatever any big program might have previously provided under the table.
If we're going into next season with Garrison as a back-up five who plays a lot for his defense and athleticism that could work, but I'd think you are in a bit of a bind as far as promising him what he probably wants (or could get from another school) and also bringing in a recruit or someone in the transfer portal that's a better fit for Pope's system to play over him.
Assuming that none of the incoming signees back-out, and that Moreno, Noah, and Perry aren't going to be ready to see anything more than spot duty. Also assuming that Chandler will be back (could see a transfer to BYU or somewhere closer to home) and that he could figure things out as he gets back into shape and catches up to the speed of the game.
Whether through recruiting or the portal, think we probably bring in:
- Back-up PG, probably someone out of the portal that's experienced and defensive-minded
- 3 and D wing
- Stretch 4 and/or Stretch 5... at least one will be a facilitator more like Williams than Carr
- SHOOTERS (that one probably goes without saying)
Pope offers that I'd mentioned in the first post who've now signed:
Peterson - Kansas
Dybantsa - BYU
Mullins - UConn
Reibe - UConn
Bundalo - Washington
Cenac - Houston
Yessoufou - Baylor
Think Yesoufou is a great pick-up for Baylor. He's the kind of player that they had during their championship run. That was one of the tougher defensive teams that actually won it that I've seen in awhile. Was hoping that Hart's California connection could reel him in. Would have liked to see him coming off the lifts and getting downhill attacking the rim.
Pope offers mentioned above who are uncommitted or unsigned:
Brayden Burries - has removed UK from his official list per most sources
Nate Ament - going on an official to Chapel Hill in Feb. for the UNC/Duke game, we'll probably have some ground to make up if we miss on Wilson and try to go all-in on him. Virginia is the only non-blue blood that I'd give a real shot-- will be interesting to see if the hometown school's new staff makes a big play. He's also signed a deal with Reebok-- I heard Georgetown (which is in the DMV area but doesn't have a new coach) had a guy named Iverson that people may have heard of. He was the face of Reebok at one point. This is entirely me reading tea leaves, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Hoyas put on a full court press and get into the picture.
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