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Kahlil Whitney shocked everyone this afternoon with the news that he will be leaving the University of Kentucky basketball program.
Whitney was the Wildcats’ second commit of the 2019 class, just behind Tyrese Maxey, and called the Kentucky Wildcats his dream school.
It is unfortunate that he is leaving, but it is a business decision for himself and his family and people should respect that. Whitney becomes another in a long-line of highly touted prospects to come to Kentucky, only to get buried behind more highly touted prospects, leading to their eventual transfer. Ryan Harrow, Kyle Wiltjer, Sacha Killeya-Jones, Marcus Lee, Charles Matthews, Quade Green, Jemarl Baker, and now Kahlil Whitney.
Here is what social media had to say about Whitney’s decision:
Thank You❤️ Next chapter pic.twitter.com/P3z1RNzHa8
— Kahlil The Dragon Whitney (@KahlilWhitney) January 24, 2020
Unfortunately I’m not the least bit surprised by the Whitney news. I wanted him to be so good but it’s not for everybody.
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) January 24, 2020
Before you crush Kahlil Whitney for not being “good enough” or whatever, just remember the Charles Matthews situation. I personally hope the Dragon finds success whenever he lands.
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) January 24, 2020
Wish we knew this before Calipari talked to us. McDonald’s All-American who has been buried on the bench is leaving. https://t.co/vNb0nBA8zT
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) January 24, 2020
Going to miss you Champ but build your future your way. Keep working hard and enjoy your college years as they will forever be the best years ever! Much Respect #WeRUK
— Derek L. Anderson (@DerekLAnderson) January 24, 2020
Wishing you nothing but the best @KahlilWhitney https://t.co/Y6bvDAKmK5
— Keion Brooks (@keion_brooks) January 24, 2020
Made a few calls on Kahlil Whitney this morning. It's early, but - assuming he does transfer - the school I'd keep an eye on is DePaul. He's obviously from Chicago, and a bunch of his former AAU teammates are currently part of that program. We should start to get answers soon
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) January 24, 2020
Interesting that Whitney announces he is leaving UK. Does not mention transferring. #bbn #ukbasketball https://t.co/GQeGg65oWF
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) January 24, 2020
I’ll still cherish this photo from happier times forever. pic.twitter.com/oOClhN4FHg
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) January 24, 2020
Kahlil Whitney’s transfer is something that’s been rumored for a few weeks now. One potential school to watch here could be Georgetown. https://t.co/cMQaKjcuGn
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) January 24, 2020
Kentucky freshman Khalil Whitney says he’s transferring. He was a five-star guy who has struggled to find a spot in the UK rotation.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 24, 2020
Kahlil Whitney and every player needs to make their own decision, just odd someone would jump ship in mid-freshman season when we have PJ Washington, Ashton Hagans, and Nick Richards in the last calendar year alone as prime "be patient, trust the process" examples.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) January 24, 2020
Another example IMO of Kentucky being a victim of its own success in some ways. Could've worked eventually but unfortunately not everyone is willing to wait for eventually, especially at UK.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) January 24, 2020
Kahlil Whitney becomes the 12th player to leave the program under John Calipari since 2010, joining:
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) January 24, 2020
Darnell Dodson
Stacey Poole
Ryan Harrow
Kyle Wiltjer
Marcus Lee
Charles Matthews
Sacha Killeya-Jones
Tai Wynyard
Jemarl Baker
Quade Green
Brad Calipari
Clearly we don’t know all the factors in this decision, so I can’t judge one way or another. I just can’t fathom any other situation that could yield better long-term results than remaining with this team and having an excellent sophomore year. https://t.co/OMA8WxrdT7
— Jarrod Brooks (@jarrodbrooks) January 24, 2020
“You picked a fine to leave me, Kahlil” Kenny Rogers, probably
— Travis Mofield (@travism33) January 24, 2020
All love my brotha https://t.co/8FSltzDyhP
— Brennan Canada (@brennanc14) January 24, 2020
luv bro do ya thing ! https://t.co/Q5vMh1XwiP
— Dontaie A11en (@dontaieallen11) January 24, 2020
John Calipari has had more McDonald's All-Americans transfer than most programs have ever landed in total:
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) January 24, 2020
Kahlil Whitney (Class of 2019)
Quade Green (Class of 2017)
Sacha Killeya-Jones (Class of 2016)
Marcus Lee (Class of 2013)
Kyle Witljer (Class of 2011)
As I told @KahlilWhitney today, I hope he goes on and does his thing and makes us all proud. I know he will stay in touch with us and I know our fans will continue to support him as he takes this next step.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) January 24, 2020
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