A not-so-good update on Hurt and McDaniels

Matthew Hurt, a 6-9 power forward from Rochester (MN) and the No. 7 overall player for 2019, according to 247 Sports, is in the middle of his recruitment. But could he be headed to an upcoming opponent?

Recently, there have been some rumblings that Kentucky may be in a pretty good position for Hurt. However, recruiting analyst Corey Evans from Rivals.com has predicted Hurt to the Kansas Jayhawks, and it doesn’t seem like he is budging.

The Lexington Herald-Leader did an interview with Evans and asked him about Kentucky’s chances with Hurt.

“I’ve stuck with Kansas for three years, so call me stubborn, but I’m going to stick with Kansas for now,” Evans said of his prediction. “But they’re kind of similar to how it is with Jaden — they’re in no rush at all. They have the leverage. They’re going to be looking at who’s leaving, who’s staying, who offers the best chance of success in college and putting him on the right track for the NBA Draft”

Evans added, “I don’t think Kentucky gets him (Hurt).”

All of this sounds like it will be April before we get a final decision from Hurt, and while Kansas may still be in front, a lot of time remains before a decision will happen.

Never count out John Calipari in a recruitment, but as of right now, it would appear there’s still a lot of work to do to get Hurt to Lexington.

Also in the recruiting world, Evans gave a look into where the No. 5 overall player on 247 Sports, Jaden McDaniels, is currently in the recruiting process.

“I think Washington is still the school to beat,” he said. “I think Kentucky is right there though. I think it’s those two schools, for the most part.”

Unfortunately, McDaniels’ good friend, Isaiah Stewart, just committed to Washington, and Evans noted how that could help sway McDaniels to stay in Seattle for college.

We also need to remember that former Kentucky point guard Quade Green is now at Washington, making that school even more appealing to the eye.

Kentucky needs to land at least one of these two players for next year, and as of right now, Coach Cal is going to have to make a comeback to get them in Lexington.

Then again, if Kentucky were to return a bunch of players from this year’s team, such as Nick Richards, Tyler Herro, and EJ Montgomery, to go with incoming five-star forward Kahlil Whitney, it would certainly help alleviate the sting on missing on one or both of Hurt and McDaniels.

Be sure to read the full interview for more insight into other 2019 recruits who Kentucky is still in the mix for.

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