More unfavorable recruiting predictions for Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats have struggled to fill their 2019 class, and things may not be getting any better this spring.

Yes, Kahlil Whitney and Tyrese Maxey are stars, and Dontaie Allen could be a major contributor. But the Wildcats have missed out on the majority of their top targets, including James Wiseman, Vernon Carey, and Isaiah Stewart.

Jeff Borzello of ESPN recently updated his predictions of the top remaining prospects in the class, and Big Blue Nation will not be pleased with what he has to say.

The top prize remaining on Kentucky’s big board is Anthony Edwards, who was in Lexington earlier this week on his official visit. While Edwards will be taking four visits before making his decision this spring, Borzello agrees with other prognosticators that Florida State is the favorite with about 40% confidence.

Jaden McDaniels, who is now No. 1 on ESPN’s 2020 NBA Draft projection, is the most coveted big man that is still considering Kentucky. However, Borzello believes he will likely be staying at home and playing for Washington.

“Kentucky made McDaniels a priority in the fall, as the Wildcats need a frontcourt player,” Borzello wrote, making this pick with 50% confidence. “Right now, though, Washington has most of the buzz. The Huskies just landed fellow five-star prospect Isaiah Stewart and want to keep McDaniels home. They went four-deep for McDaniels at a game earlier this week.”

Kansas has long been the favorite to land forward Matthew Hurt. However, many say his recruitment is among the most difficult in the class to predict. Borzello is sticking with the pick of Kansas, but seems very unsure as he just lists his confidence level at 25%. Hurt has an upcoming visit to Kansas, and if they are the leader, you would think there would be some chatter after that visit.

If John Calipari and his staff miss on all three of these guys, where do they turn? Some believe Isaiah Todd may be an option if he reclassifies. Others think N’Faly Dante is a reclass option, so perhaps Calipari will be working on this class all the way into the summer.

However, the most important recruits at that point may be on the current roster, ensuring that both Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery plan to stick around.

Check out Borzello’s entire article here.

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