Monday Quickies: N’Faly Dante Edition

The Kentucky target took home Peach Jam MVP honors, and now has a lot of attention headed his way.

By Zac Oakes@ZacOakes Jul 15, 2019, 6:40am EDT

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Things have quieted a little in regard to 2020 big man N’Faly Dante and a potential reclassification to the 2019 class.

Expect that to change soon.

Dante participated in Peach Jam over the last few days, culminating with him leading his team to the tournament championship behind a powerful 22 points, 18 rebounds performance to defeat fellow Kentucky target Jalen Green’s squad in a thrilling finals matchup.

Dante was awarded the tournament MVP in the process for his performance in which he looked more than ready to face off against college competition next season.

And that’s where Kentucky gets involved.

Dante has openly contemplated a reclassification to 2019, mentioning in interviews it could be a possibility if the academic side of the move gets taken care of. Kentucky has heavily recruited Dante as either a member of the 2019 class or 2020 and for good reason. Dante has shown the potential to be a major contributor at the college level.

But while rumors circulated that Dante wanted to reclassify into 2019, there were a lot of rumors also that he didn't want to announce his intention until after Peach Jam. Now that the tournament has finished, a lot of attention will be focused on Dante.

Will he reclassify? Will he stay in 2020? Where does Kentucky fit in with each scenario?

I suspect we will learn more in the next week or two, but if there were any doubts that Dante could be a contributor for Kentucky in the 2019-2020 season, I think those doubts can be laid to rest.

Tweets of the Day

N’Faly Dante was terrific in the Peach Jam championship victory for Mokan Elite. 22 points, 18 rebounds [unofficially].

Kentucky had three coaches courtside. They would take him for both 2019 and 2020. I think he’s ready for college. Iowa State, Oregon, LSU, Tennessee, involved.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) July 14, 2019

Dante is a major priority for Kentucky.

On my way down to Hoover, my 2019 SEC Media Days ballot

EAST
#1 Georgia
#2 Missouri
#3 South Carolina
#4 Florida
#5 Tennessee
#6 Kentucky
#7 Vanderbilt

WEST
#1 Alabama
#2 LSU
#3 Auburn
#4 Texas A&M
#5 Mississippi State
#6 Arkansas
#7 Ole Miss

CHAMPION
Georgia over Alabama
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 14, 2019