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Kentucky coach John Calipari has given out only one scholarship offer to anyone in the 2020 recruiting class.
The recipient of that offer is Scottie Barnes from University School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
While you know Calipari has a fighting chance of landing any recruit he goes after, this time, he will be up against an unfamiliar foe with deep pockets: the NBA.
Apparently, the NBA has no plans to change their eligibility rules until the year 2020. But if that does happen, then all of the 2020 recruits could potentially enter the NBA Draft instead of spending time in college.
Is that something that Barnes would consider?
“It’s always going to be something to look into to see if you’re in the right position or not, but me personally I think I want to go through the college experience and see what’s that like,” Barnes said a Nike EYBL session in Indianapolis, via FloHoops.com. ”I just want to go to college.”
That kind of attitude may be hard to find once the rules actually change, and Barnes could definitely change his tune between now and then. But according to Adam Zagoria, Barnes is genuinely honored by receiving Cal’s first offer in the class.
“It’s always going to be a blessing to get an offer from one of the best coaches that ever coached, so that’s a big blessing in my life,” Barnes said of Calipari. ”They saw the type of player I am on and off the court, the way I play and I guess they like the way I play and they want me to fit in their style.”
The 6-5 forward has drawn comparisons to Ben Simmons and Penny Hardaway, according to Zagoria. Those comparisons do not necessarily match up, in my opinion, but Barnes prides himself on being able to play four positions so it sounds like he would prefer the reference to Simmons.
As you sit and ponder the reality that we may only have one more recruiting cycle with several one-and-done players, enjoy these Scottie Barnes highlights:
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