Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: John Calipari and Joel Justus have successful visit with James Wiseman

John Calipari just wrapped up a visit with likely his top recruiting target in any high school class right now.

On Monday, Calipari and assistant coach Joel Justus met with James Wiseman, the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2019.

Wiseman posted a picture from the visit while saying,” First in-home visit was a success.”

That would seem to be good news for UK, but this recruitment is far from over. The Memphis Tigers now have Wiseman’s former coach, Penny Hardaway, and that’s led to a lot of buzz that Memphis is now the team to beat.

Rivals reporter Eric Bossi doesn’t quite see it that way:

However, he (Wiseman) also confirmed what most of us have thought and that his recruitment is primarily a battle between Kentucky and Memphis.

Wiseman wouldn’t name a leader, but most recent behind-the-scenes talk has John Calipari and the Wildcats as the favorite over Wiseman’s former high school and summer coach Penny Hardaway.

Elsewhere, Wiseman talked with Cats Pause about the visit and what was discussed.

“It was basically the same message,” Wiseman said. “Coach Cal said he wants to coach me and can help me reach my full potential of getting to the league.”

While Calipari does the brunt of the recruiting work, especially in recent weeks, don’t sleep on the impact Justus has had in this recruitment. He’s been the leader recruiter on Wiseman, and the relationship they’ve built is proving to be a big assist for UK.

“Me and Coach Justus talk a lot,” Wiseman said. “We have a strong connection and we communicate a lot.”

With the spring recruiting period in full swing, UK is still holding on to a narrow lead in Wiseman’s 247 Crystal Ball, and Memphis has received every pick since February.

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