It's never too early to think about the future, and you don't have to remind John Calipari of that.
The latest section of the Kentucky Wildcats' recruiting adventure takes us to none other than Las Vegas, Nevada. There hosts the Under-17 Adidas Summer Championship, where a plethora of future Kentucky targets have been showing out since last Wednesday.
Of those on Calipari's radar competing are 2017 studs Kevin Knox, Nick Richards, and Tremont Waters; as well as elite 2019 prospects Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine. Another prospect that has been dominating is Class of 2018 guard Romeo Langford out of Indiana.
The product of New Albany High School, this 6'6" combo guard is currently tops in his state, positional, and national ranks in a widespread of recruiting rankings.
Langford, part of the Eric Gordon All-Stars, had scoring totals of 22 points, 20 points, and 18 points before going nuts in his last exhibition. Romeo ended up dropping 40 points in Friday night's game, with 25 in the first half, all with Calipari in attendance.
Romeo Langford (@yeahyeah_22) went for 40 in 29 minutes for @EG10AllStars yesterday. Huge talent, only 16 years old. pic.twitter.com/dSq8GCFosW
— Synergy Sports Tech (@SynergySST) July 23, 2016
In addition to grabbing eight rebounds, Langford shot 12-of-19 from the floor, 5-of-10 from three point range, and 11-of-13 from the free throw line in a 79-75 victory over Just Win Academy.
Of the twelve made field goals included a go-ahead bucket in the final minute, and another one for the insurance.
Langford lists at 6'5" or 6'6", depending on who you ask, and weighs in at 185 lbs. Having the size and scoring skills of a two-guard, Romeo has plenty of ability and experience at the point guard spot.
Ball handling and perimeter shooting are the best attributes that Langford currently possesses. He can flat out score, and while other parts of his repertoire need work, Romeo is just a rising junior.
Kentucky, Duke, and Indiana are at the top of the early recruiting chain for Langford's talents. Others including Purdue, Kansas, Vanderbilt, and UCLA look to be in the mix as well.