Evan Daniels picks P.J. Washington as Kentucky Wildcats’ likeliest commit

Who will the Kentucky Wildcats’ first 2017 commitment be?

That’s usually a question answered by the time the Big Blue Madness campout takes place, but we’re closing in on it with no pledges for UK in the upcoming class.

That will change in the coming weeks and months as guys like P.J. Washington, John Petty, Trae Young, Nick Richards, Hamidou Diallo, Lonnie Walker, and/or Jarred Vanderbilt possibly make their decisions.

Oh, and did we mention Washington just wrapped up his official visit with UK? That’s the guy who Scout.com ‘s Evan Daniels thinks could be UK’s first 2017 pledge.

“P.J. Washington,” said Daniels, via the Lexington Herald-Leader. “I think they’re in really good shape with him. Obviously, there’s a lot to play out. And if you asked PJ, he probably wouldn’t tell you they’re his leader. But just from being in this business of examining recruitments, he seems to be a guy that Kentucky is in great shape with.”

Personally, I think it’s a close call between Young and Washington in terms of who could pop first and who UK is in the best shape with. Daniels later added “They’re in good shape for guys like P.J. Washington and Trae Young and some others,” reinforcing that belief.

However, the Findlay Prep star is likely going to follow through with is current plan for official visits. After visiting UK, he’ll now head to Notre Carolina for a visit with the Tar Heels.

What’s going to be interesting to watch is what Washington then does. After taking a month off the road, Washington is scheduled visit Arizona the weekend of October 22nd and close things out with a trip to Texas the weekend of October 29th.

If he follows through with those latter two visits, I think it gets a little shaky with Washington, but I still like their odds. If he cancels those last two and decides to commit before then, UK should be the pick.