Where UK recruits stand in final 247 Sports rankings for 2019 class

As the 2019 recruiting cycle winds down, the final 247 Sports rankings for this class have been unveiled.

Coming into today, 247 was by far the friendliest ranking for the Kentucky Wildcats. Not only did Kentucky have two top-11 commits (Kahlil Whitney and Tyrese Maxey), but Keion Brooks was ranked 13th overall, by far his highest ranking in any service. Kentucky target Johnny Juzang was also a five-star player, despite being ranked 29th overall.

In the final rankings, Maxey rose to No. 10, Whitney fell to No. 11, and Brooks fell to No. 14. Kentucky commit Dontaie Allen, who was previously ranked 95th overall, actually rose to No. 91. He would have finished a lot higher if not for an ACL tear ending his senior season in late December.

Juzang fell to 30th overall and is now a four-star recruit.

Jaden McDaniels, who had previously been a consensus top-10 recruit, took a big fall to No. 13 overall. McDaniels is the highest-ranked uncommitted recruit that Kentucky has a real shot at landing, though it’s going to be a tight finish between them and the Washington Huskies.

RJ Hampton, who recently reclassified into the 2019 class, checked in at No. 5. While Kentucky is still in the running for Hampton, most experts believe this is a Kansas Jayhawks vs. Memphis Tigers battle with the homestate Texas Tech Red Raiders being a darkhorse. Kentucky just has too many bodies in the backcourt for Hampton to join, but never say never.

As is stands, Kentucky currently has the third-ranked recruiting class, but a commitment from just one of Juzang and McDaniels would at least briefly put Kentucky at No. 1. However, Memphis will finish No. 1 if they’re able to land Hampton and Precious Achiuwa.

Overall, Kentucky should finish with at least four top-30 recruits — if they land Juzang as is expected — and possibly a fifth if they land one of McDaniels and Hampton.

The top five featured Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony, Isaiah Stewart and Hampton.

Go here for the final rankings.

What are you thoughts on these final rankings?