Where UK recruits stand in new Rivals 2019 rankings; high praise for Dontaie Allen

Last week, ESPN released their updated recruiting rankings for the Class of 2019.

This week, Rivals has followed suit, updating their top 150 players, which includes three commitments for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Five-star forward Kahlil Whitney remains Kentucky’s top pledge, as he checked in at No. 8 overall.

Right behind Whitney is five-star guard Tyrese Maxey at No. 9, giving Kentucky a pair of top-10 pledges for 2019.

Four-star forward Dontaie Allen checked in at No. 55, but Rivals recruiting analyst Dan McDonald thinks the Pendleton County star should be higher.

“I was a big fan of Dontaie Allen last summer,” said McDonald.” He is such a talented scorer and he is a really productive player. I think we could have gone a little higher than No. 55 with him because will do great at Kentucky. As an upperclassman, I see him as the type of player that could lead the SEC in scoring.”

If not for Allen’s ACL tear, he probably would be higher in all of the rankings.

As far as remaining Kentucky targets go, five-star guard Anthony Edwards checked in at No. 2, trailing only Vernon Carey Jr.

Five-star forward Jaden McDaniels took a small drop to the No. 7 spot, followed by five-star forward Matthew Hurt. As of now, those two are Kentucky’s best bet at landing another Class of 2019 recruit.

Eric Bossi is very high on McDaniels and thinks the Seattle native should be even higher.

“I see a guy that to me is a better version of Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac,” said Bossi. “Isaac is just starting to find his groove in the NBA and I see McDaniels with a similar body, athleticism and way more skill at this juncture.”

If Kentucky gets either of Hurt or McDaniels, that would give Kentucky three top-10 commitments in this class in addition to another top-60 recruit.

Keion Brooks just barely hung on to his five-star rating at No. 27 overall. Indiana remains the heavy favorite in his recruitment.

James Wiseman (3), Isaiah Stewart (5), Scottie Lewis (13), Oscar Tshiebwe (22) and Zeke Nnaji (30) highlight the list of committed recruits who were pursued by Kentucky.

Go here for the full rankings.

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