Kentucky Wildcats recruits featured in new ESPN recruiting rankings for every class

ESPN released its latest insider rankings for high school basketball prospects, which is not based on position or class.

Several Kentucky Wildcats targets are on the list: R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson, Cameron Reddish, Bol Bol, Simi Shittu, Vernon Carey Jr. (2019), Trendon Watford (2019), Keldon Johnson, Romeo Langford, Darius Garland, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes.

Unsurprisingly, R.J. Barrett was listed No. 1. The UK target reclassified to 2018, and after Marvin Bagley’s move to 2017, Barrett almost immediately became the No. 1 prospect in his class.

Barrett has established himself as the best in his class by way of outstanding performances, everyday production with an all-around game that is suited for the NBA. He works feverishly on his skills and on the glass, as his ever-improving perimeter game is shining.

Another UK target, Zion Williamson, is ranked No. 2. Kentucky is a top-two favorite to land the internet sensation star. It seems likely that it’ll come down to Kansas and the Cats.

Ranked Nos. 3 and 4 are Cameron Reddish and Bol Bol. As time goes on, Kentucky is looking less and less likely to land either of them.

Simisola Shittu is ranked No. 7, a power forward that the Cats are currently the favorite for, according to his 247 Crystal Ball.

He is a blue collar-type with a strong and powerful build who demonstrates the ability to score and be a playmaker from the forward position. Shittu's dependable production is what makes him special.

Vernon Carey Jr. is ranked No. 8, a superstar big man in the 2019 class that John Calipari has already expressed interest in.

Another 2019 big man UK has shown interest in is James Wiseman, who checked in at No. 5. Some services have Wiseman ranked No. 1 overall in 2019.

Keldon Johnson is ranked No. 12. The 2018 perimeter player is someone UK just surged ahead for in the recruiting battle after offering him on a surprise visit.

Immanuel Quickley is ranked No. 19. The 5-star point guard is the most likely future Wildcat, and receives praise from ESPN for his size and ability with the ball in his hands.

He brings attractive size for his position at 6-foot-3, and adds scoring skills. He is one of the best in the open floor and is most dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Jalen Green, a Class of 2020 guard, is ranked No. 11 on this list. Green is someone UK has shown interest in, though his class is still a ways away.

Scottie Lewis, a Class of 2019 guard, comes in at No. 16. He and teammate Bryan Antoine are two players that UK figures to have a lot of interest in.