On Monday night, five-star combo guard Charles Matthews from Chicago (IL) St. Rita announced on Twitter with a semi-cryptic tweet that he was ready to make his decision. Matthews announced a final five of the Kentucky Wildcats, Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan St. Spartans, Kansas Jayhawks, and Marquette Golden Eagles.
I'm ready...
— Charles Matthews (@CMATT_4) February 25, 2014
Matthews later clarified that he would make his announcement on Wednesday. The good news for Wildcats fans: almost immediately after Matthews' initial tweet, news trickled out that Wildcats head coach John Calipari had paid Matthews a visit in Chicago to watch him practice. Earlier today, Matthews committed to Kentucky via a presser from his high school.
The talented guard plays AAU ball for Chicago Meanstreets, the alma mater of former Wildcat Anthony Davis and future Wildcat Tyler Ulis. Matthews, ranked 12th overall in 2015 according to the 247 Composite Rankings, is the most talented Chicagoan in his class. Calipari's recruitment of Davis and Ulis shows that Kentucky considers Chicagoland a fertile recruiting ground. The Wildcats have also offered, but missed, on heralded area prospects like Jahlil Okafor and Jabari Parker.
Matthews becomes the first prospect in the 2015 class to commit to Kentucky. The Wildcats have a handful of offers out in the class, initially offering Matthews last June. Matthews had taken an unofficial visit to Lexington to attend the UK Alumni Charity game last September.
He is an above-the-rim slasher with a great first step and dribble drive. There's some question as to whether Matthews can play the 1 or not. To me, he looks more like a 2-guard that can handle the ball if needed, but isn't necessarily the lead guard Calipari is looking for.
That's not a problem. With incoming freshman Tyler Ulis and current freshman Dominique Hawkins both considered four-year players, the Wildcats have quality and depth at the position. In addition, Kentucky has offers out to two other junior guards: wing Luke Kennard and combo guard Malik Newman. Per recruitniks, the Wildcats could continue to target both, with Kennard at the "3" and Newman at the "1" alongside Matthews.
For now, the Wildcats welcome its first 2015 commitment in Charles Matthews. Welcome to Big Blue Nation, Charles!
Update: CBS has a good, comprehensive look at Matthews.