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We now have a more clear picture of what led to Kahlil Whitney’s surprising decision to leave Kentucky and what’s next.
Evan Daniels of 247 Sports reports that Whitney’s first option is to transfer to another school, but the family is “taking in all information” before deciding exactly what’s next.
Source: Former Kentucky forward Kahlil Whitney's first option is to transfer to a college, but "the family is taking in all the information." Am told a lot of schools have called, but he hasn't put together a list yet.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) January 26, 2020
Daniels also reports that schools have called, but the former McDonald's All-American has yet to compile a list of schools he may be interested in.
Apparently, Whitney’s decision to transfer was something discussed in the weeks leading up to his shocking announcement, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, who also spoke of two schools who could be in the running for the former top-15 recruit’s services.
His potential transfer has been rumored for several weeks among industry sources. If Whitney transfers to another Division I school, expect Georgetown to be in the mix. Illinois, which was among his final four schools before choosing Kentucky, could be another destination.
After Whitney announced he was leaving, lots of speculation linked him to his home state school of Illinois, who is enjoying a breakout season. With the program trending upwards, the Illini may be a potentially perfect fit for the Chicago native.
While Whitney’s decision to leave Kentucky came as a surprise to many, Kyle Tucker of The Athletic reports that Whitney’s disgruntled father may have had something to do with it.
After coach John Calipari reportedly “pleaded” with Whitney to accept being a role player, former Seton Hall star and father of Kahlil, Kelly Whitney, was said not to be happy with this.
According to Tucker’s report, it’s unclear whether or not Whitney’s dad pushed his son to leave or if he made the decision on his own, but seemingly both agreed that a role player role wasn’t for the former five-star recruit.
Tucker added that his sources close to UK believe Whitney’s preference is to go ahead and begin his pro career, whether it be in the G-League or overseas.
While Whitney’s career with the Kentucky Wildcats has come to an end, here’s to hoping he lands on his feet at his next stop and has a joyful basketball career.