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AJ Lawson is a 6’7” forward from Ontario, Canada that is being labeled as the top Canadian recruit of the 2019 basketball class.
Although he has not received an official rating or ranking from national recruiting agencies, he is a target that is drawing interest from top programs.
Kentucky unofficial visit from AJ Lawson @NorthPoleHoops #1-Ranked 2019 AJ Lawson, as fellow Canadians Nickeil Alexander-Walker & Shai Gilgeous-Alexander match up in UK vs Virginia Tech. #ANationInspired #NPA @UPLAYCanada pic.twitter.com/RPxP9Y6MA1
— NPA (@NPACanada) December 15, 2017
After watching Canadian players like Kyle Wiltjer, Trey Lyles, Jamal Murray, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander play in Lexington, any time a recruit from up north draws interest from Calipari it gets fans excited. It certainly does not hurt recruiting to have those guys representing Big Blue Nation either.
Missing out on Andrew Wiggins and RJ Barrett definitely hurt, but it seems as though the Kentucky staff has built relationships with those around these young Canadian stars. Perhaps those relationships will pay off if Calipari ever decides to extend an offer to Lawson.
Lawson played in the Nike EYBL last summer, and although his statistics were not particularly impressive he did turn some heads. He has received offers from Oregon and SMU, but interest is growing from the blue bloods and Kentucky getting the first look from him is definitely not a bad thing.
Lawson will be taking an unofficial visit to Kentucky this weekend to see the Wildcats match up against the high-scoring offense of the Virginia Tech Hokies, where fellow Canadian Nickeil Alexander-Walker also plays. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. from Rupp Arena and you can catch the action on ESPN 2.
In the meantime, take a look at what Lawson can do on the court.
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