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One of the Kentucky Wildcats’ biggest remaining targets is Cameron Johnson.
The Pittsburgh graduate transfer is close to wrapping up his visits, of which included Kentucky, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon and TCU among others. His decision will likely come down to the two Wildcat programs, but that could hinge on who stays and leaves via the NBA Draft.
At Arizona, Rawle Alkins is coming off a great performance at the NBA Draft Combine, which could be what pushes over the edge to stay in the draft. The exact same thing is true of Hamidou Diallo at Kentucky, as he is likely staying in the draft after putting on a show in Chicago.
Depending on which of those guys stays/leaves will affect what Johnson does, being that he’d be in line to take their starting spot and role with either team. It remains to be seen when they’ll make a decision, but it sounds like Johnson could make his sooner rather than later.
According to Rivals recruiting expert Corey Evans, Johnson could make his decision very soon, and he likes Arizona’s chances.
If each loses their departing freshman to the NBA Draft, a situation that I do believe occurs, Arizona would remain as the top threat for Johnson.
More of a small forward prospect, Johnson could walk into a great opportunity to start and help Miller achieve his first ever Final Four bid. He could succeed just the same at Kentucky, but the availability of minutes and forcing Johnson to play more as a two-guard could hurt UK’s chances.
Expect a commitment to occur in the coming days. Kentucky and Arizona currently remain in a fine spot for the shot-making grad transfer.
If Johnson does decide this week, it’s probably Arizona since both Alkins and Diallo should remain in the draft. As Evans alluded to, Arizona offers a better situation for Johnson if both guys remain in the draft.
While it would sting to miss on Johnson and lose Diallo to the draft, UK will be fine with Kevin Knox now in the fold.