UK Basketball: Tyrese Maxey now looks unlikely to reclassify

It’s time to slow down on the Tyrese Maxey reclassifying talk.

Per Kyle Tucker of SEC Country, Maxey’s mentor has “pumped the brakes” on the 2019 recruit’s reclassification for this coming season. This is coming just a day after Maxey told Tucker that Kentucky is “in great shape” to land him and he’s considering a reclassification to play this coming season.

Maxey’s mentor, Jabari Johnson, made one thing clear: “(Cal) definitely wants him. And I think with Tyrese, it’s mutual.”

He went on to say that he’s not sure if Maxey is going to make the move to reclassify. He said, in his opinion, if Maxey did reclassify, it would be a shock to everyone.

Calipari is set to visit Maxey at an official in-home visit. Other top coaches such as Shaka Smart (Texas), John Beilein (Michigan) and Tom Izzo (Michigan State) are also scheduled to meet with Maxey.

Johnson went on to say that Maxey is an NBA-level player and that Maxey’s mindset is whatever can get him to the NBA the quickest. Considering Kentucky has nearly double as many first round picks than any other school in the Calipari era, that bodes well for a Kentucky commitment.

One aspect Tucker pointed out is that reclassifying gets Maxey to the NBA a year quicker. While Johnson’s opinion is certainly credible, this is also something to ponder.

If Maxey reclassified, Kentucky would have quite the crop of point guards this fall. Sophomore Quade Green is expected to return and Immanuel Quickley is the third ranked point guard in the 2018 class. 2019 commit Ashton Haggans is also expected to reclassify for the upcoming season.

Maxey certainly seems like the type of player that not only Calipari has an obsession for but also would enjoy the grueling work required to play at Kentucky.

Be sure to read Tucker’s full update.