UK Basketball Recruiting: Tracking John Calipari at the Nike EYBL and UAA

John Calipari and the Kentucky coaching staff are in Texas this weekend for the Nike EYBL tournament in Dallas, as well as the Under Armour Association, which is also in Dallas.

With a star-studded field in both events, who are the coaches keeping an eye on? It’s quite a list.

First off, Kentucky was (to no surprise) front and center for the Bluff City Legends on Friday. Formerly Team Penny, the squad includes Kentucky commitment D.J. Jeffries, arguably Kentucky’s top target in 2019 in James Wiseman, and 2021 in-state talent Zion Harmon.

Additionally, Calipari has had an eye on Jalen Lecque, who is currently in 2019 but could reclassify to 2018 , as well as Ethan Morton (2020).

Also on the list of players Kentucky has an eye on in Texas: 2019 star big man Vernon Carey Jr., who is ranked as the top player in the class, as well as Tyrese Maxey who could be a reclassification candidate.

While he may not get the same attention as some of his 2019 counterparts, Keion Brooks is someone Kentucky has already offered and has watched plenty of in Dallas for Indy Heat.

Also for the 2020 class, Joel Justus has watched shooting guard Addison Patterson, ranked 18th overall by 247 Sports, while Calipari watched small forward Scottie Barnes, ranked seventh overall by 247.

Kentucky coaches were also on hand to watch Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine, point guard Cole Anthony (all 2019) and point guard R.J. Hampton (2020).

And let’s not forget about the Bluegrass’ own KyKy Tandy. THe University Heights star is playing for Team Thad in the UAA event. He told Andrew Slater that Iowa State, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Cincinnati have been showing the most interest in him, but Kentucky is ramping up its interest.

This should all come as no surprise, as Calipari and the Kentucky coaches have been on a tear the last few months in recruiting for the 2019 and 2020 classes.

It will be interesting to see who they prioritize out of these groups, as well as the reclassification possibilities for Maxey and Lecque.

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