Jaden McDaniels keeping his cards close to the vest

The week of the McDonald’s All-American Game is the week that we sometimes hear some scuttlebutt on the uncommitted players in the class. This year is no exception, as two Kentucky targets, Matthew Hurt and Jaden McDaniels, are playing this week.

Hurt and his father have spoken on his recruitment earlier in the week, saying there is no leader in his recruitment at this very moment.

Jaden McDaniels is another story, however.

In an interview with the Herald-Leader, McDaniels said that he would not comment on his ongoing recruitment.

“I just don’t like talking about it, It’s just something I don’t talk about,” McDaniels said.

In a separate interview with Rivals.com, McDaniels talked about the schools still in the running for his services. McDaniels is down to the Kentucky Wildcats, Texas Longhorns, San Diego State Aztecs, UCLA Bruins, and the Washington Huskies.

When it comes to Kentucky, McDaniels says Kentucky is pitching the same thing they do in most recruitments: Everything is earned.

“Same with Coach Cal (John Calipari) and Kenny Payne. Kenny Payne always tells me that if this is where you want to be, you have to work,” said McDaniels. “You aren’t going to get anything handed to you or a starting spot but you have to work here.”

McDaniels also said several Kentucky commits Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney are recruiting McDaniels, but they’re also giving him space to make his own decision.

“A little bit. They talk to me every once in a while about coming to UK, so it is cool.”

Kentucky and Washington have been presumed the favorites for his services. McDaniels admittedly had Kentucky as his dream school for years, but he’s not letting that affect what he chooses to do in college. Washington is the hometown school on the West Coast, and Kentucky has not had much luck getting kids to leave there for Lexington.

Both Kentucky and Washington have commits at this weeks McDAAG. Kentucky with Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney, and Washington with Isaiah Stewart.

This recruitment could end up going until April or May, so Cats fans will have to wait until then for McDaniels to even speak on his recruitment. Let’s just hope for some good news on Matthew Hurt’s end, first, since he’ll decide in two weeks.