JJ Traynor is one of the fastest rising prospects in America.
After a stellar summer, the Bardstown (KY) power forward is starting to attract the attention of the nation’s top programs.
It came as no surprise that the Louisville Cardinals worked their way into the mix. According to Evan Daniels, the Cards extended Traynor a scholarship offer during a recent visit to Louisville.
The Kentucky Wildcats have shown interest but has yet to offer Traynor, who is still expected to decide during the early signing period, so time is running out for John Calipari to make a move.
In addition, Louisville has picked up several predictions to land Traynor, including ones from Rivals analysts Corey Evans and Dan McDonald, as well as 247 Sports analysts Jerry Meyer and Chris Fisher.
Currently, 247 Sports ranks JJ Traynor as a four-star and the top prospect in the Bluegrass. His stock has soared over the past several months as he continues to show signs of great potential. He has great length and the tools to become a special player, especially defensively.
A few weeks ago, several division I coaches, including Kenny Payne, traveled to Bardstown for an early morning workout at Traynor’s high school. It wasn’t long after that he was offered by Xavier. Kenny Payne also left that work out with a positive impression and UK is still considered to be in the mix despite having yet to make an offer.
Chris Mack has had his share of recruiting success since taking over at Louisville. If he was to add Traynor to his 2020 recruiting class it would be a solid local addition.
It will be interesting to see how this recruitment will go if UK does decide to get heavily involved and formerly extend an offer.
Something to keep in mind will be that JJ’s father, Jason Osbourne, is a former Louisville Cardinal. Osbourne was Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball in 1993 while playing for Louisville Male High School. He was also named a McDonald’s All-American that year. Although his career never really took off at Louisville, it will still be something that could factor in Traynor’s decision making process.