/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63261141/iko_o.0.jpg)
There are more reclassification rumors surrounding players in the class of 2020 moving into 2019, and once again they involve Kentucky.
N’Faly Dante is a 6-11 five star center from Wichita, Kansas, and he was the second player that John Calipari extended a scholarship offer to in the class of 2020. 247 Sports ranks him as the 11th best prospect in his class, and his size makes him a really intriguing addition for next season, considering the anticipated lack of depth in Kentucky’s frontcourt.
However, Corey Evans told the Herald-Leader that he now thinks Dante will remain in the class of 2020.
“It sounds like he might remain in 2020 now.” Evans said. “I thought it was more like 60/40 or 70/30 that he would reclassify until the past few days. Now it sounds like it might be the exact opposite, maybe 30/70. But, as we know, these schools get desperate and they always find ways to make it sound good and to make it happen.”
LSU was the program that had the most momentum to land the five star center. Now, after Will Wade’s suspension and the black cloud following the Tigers, it’s rational to think that a player like Dante may be reevaluating any association he had with LSU. Now, Kansas and Kentucky appear to be emerging as the front runners to jump in front of his recruitment.
With PJ Washington and Reid Travis surely gone next season, no true frontcourt players signed for next year, and a limited number of prospects left, this could become a very important recruiting battle.
That is especially true if Dante is to reclassify and become immediately available in the fall. You would have to assume knowing the major role he could play at Kentucky next season may factor into his reclassification decision.
Then again, Kentucky could have EJ Montgomery and Nick Richards back next season, but one or both of them would likely be going in 2020. So, perhaps adding Dante as Class of 2020 recruit is more important than in 2019 when it’s all said and done.
Either way, this is a guy the Big Blue Nation wants to see in Lexington.
John Calipari will surely be following N’Faly Dante on the Nike AAU circuit this spring. Keep your eye on this one and follow A Sea of Blue for updates.
Read everything Corey Evans had to say about Kentucky’s recruiting targets here.
Go follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views.