Jaden McDaniels sets visit with Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats are getting serious with Jaden McDaniels.

After John Calipari visited McDaniels multiple times in recent months, the five-star forward is now visiting Kentucky this weekend, according to Evan Daniels. He’s already visited the Washington Huskies, Texas Longhorns and San Diego State Aztecs.

McDaniels is a 6-11 power forward from Federal Way (WA). He is currently the top power forward in the 2019 recruiting class, and 247 Sport Composite ranks him at No. 4 overall.

McDaniels averaged 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this summer on the Nike EYBL circuit, and Nike named him the Breakout Performer of the Year.

Before the spring season began, McDaniels was ranked as the No. 89 recruit in the country. He saw an unprecedented jump to the top 10 in early June and continues to rise. Some believe that he could end up being the top prospect in the class, which explains why Kentucky is now getting in the mix.

Kentucky didn’t show much interest during the spring and summer recruiting circuits, but Calipari made it to Washington to visit him twice in the fall.

Kentucky has yet to offer McDaniels a scholarship, but that could be happening soon enough since he’s visiting Lexington this week.

As for early favorites, Texas has gotten some buzz, as has Washington, where head coach Mike Hopkins is working to keep the talented forward close to home for college.

Then there’s San Diego State, where Jaden’s brother, Jalen, is a star forward that could be part of the 2019 NBA Draft. That would probably impact Jaden’s college decision, which isn’t expected to be made until the spring.

Check out some highlights of the top-five recruit in action:

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