Tyrese Maxey talks reclassification, possibly playing in loaded UK backcourt

Five-star point guard Tyrese Maxey remains in play for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Maxey, the No. 13 player and No. 2 point guard in the class of 2019, is competing at the Nike EYBL in Dallas this weekend. The 6-3 guard is mulling over a reclassification to 2018, which could overload the UK backcourt next year with five-stars Immanuel Quickley and Ashton Hagans also potentially in that backcourt, not to mention Quade Green looking more likely to return.

Don’t tell Maxey it’s too crowded. In an interview with Cats Pause, Maxey said he’s talked with Hagans already, and they think playing together at UK could make for a special backcourt.

“I talked to Ashton a little bit. I hit him and told him good luck this weekend,” said Maxey. “We both like to play defense and compete which would make us better in practice if we go at each other. But him being a really good passer and me being a good shooter and playing off each other, it could be special.”

In a separate interview with USA Today, Maxey admitted the decision on reclassify has become a tough call for him to make.

“It’s a tough decision now that I know it’s more real. I’ve been thinking hard on it,” said Maxey, adding that a decision probably won’t come until sometime in July.

The summer evaluation period is going to be an interesting one for UK, as they have three different guard recruits that could reclassify. Hagans is already committed and planning to reclassify, but it’s not a done deal.

Then there’s Jalen Lecque, who’s also mulling over a move into 2018 with UK strongly in the mix, though I think UK prefers Maxey over Lecque for now.

Among Maxey’s other offers include the Michigan State Spartans, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, UCLA Bruins, Texas Longhorns and others.

As a Garland (TX) native, the only other school that’s gotten buzz for Maxey is SMU. However, that was because they hired his father, Tyrone Maxey, who has since resigned.

John Calipari and Tony Barbee visited Maxey on April 5 and pitched to him a 2018 reclassification, and all the buzz has been UK in this recruitment ever since.

Whether or not Maxey can or will reclassify is yet to be determined, but either way, UK is in great shape for this talented guard.