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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].
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) July 14, 2019
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.
Dante is a major priority for Kentucky.
On my way down to Hoover, my 2019 SEC Media Days ballot
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 14, 2019
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
Little respect for the football Cats.
Quickies
N’Faly Dante leads team to Peach Jam victory - Cats Pause
He finished Peach Jam averaging nearly 19 points and 9 rebounds per game.
How bad does Kentucky need N’Faly Dante? - KSR
Even with a talented frontcourt, Dante would earn minutes.
Keldon Johnson and Jarred Vanderbilt also having solid summer leagues - KSR
Tyler Herro isn’t the only player making a name for himself.
How much can DeMarcus Cousins help the Lakers? - SI
There is some debate on how much impact Boogie will have.
New Heisman odds from Vegas - 247 Sports
Tua and Trevor Lawrence are the early frontrunners.
Giannis thinks he’s only at 60 percent of his potential - Bleacher Report
That’s a scary thought for his opponents.
Djokovic talks Federer in crazy Wimbledon final - ESPN
It was the longest final in Wimbledon history.
Dwight Howard open to joining Clippers or Lakers - Yahoo
Could Howard end up having a Laker reunion?
Rays lose combined perfect game in 9th - ESPN
They still got the win, but were extremely close to making history.
Ryan Leaf hired as College Football Analyst - USA Today
Cool to see Leaf get this gig.