/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66040413/1148482735.jpg.0.jpg)
The Kentucky Wildcats have wasted to no time with Class of 2021 five-star combo guard Jaden Hardy.
One of the nation’s most prestigious basketball programs has already offered Hardy although not even a high school senior. They make it a point to beat out other schools in recruiting the 6-foot-4 Nevada native.
Until now, it was relatively unknown the level of interest Hardy had in Kentucky. However, according to Rivals.com’s national analyst Corey Evans via Ben Roberts of Kentucky.com, Hardy may have a strong interest in joining Cal’s Cats.
“I think he really likes Kentucky, and I think Kentucky offering him so early in the process (was important). That ‘2’ guard class is not a great one in 2021, and Cal and those guys have prioritized him and pinpointed him as the guy. And it’s always difficult to beat Cal when he pinpoints that guy early on in the process. Unless it’s like a James Wiseman situation, which I don’t see unfolding here,” Evans told the Herald-Leader.
According to Rivals.com, Hardy is the top-ranked shooting guard, the No. 9 overall prospect. 247 Sports also has Hardy ranked as a top-ten prospect in the class and the No. 1 overall combo guard.
Here’s a tidbit of the evaluation that 247 Sports wrote on the highly sought after recruit.
“Very good size for combo guard with long arms and plus athleticism. Impressive projectable frame with plenty of room to gain strength. Extremely versatile playmaker who can create for teammates or himself. Relatively efficient scorer from all three levels. Impressive ball skills and vision. Has size, length and lateral quickness to guard both one and two.”
Hardy has the entire package.
With BJ Boston coming to Lexington this coming season, the Wildcats will likely be looking for their next great shooting guard with Boston potentially leaving after just one season. Both Boston and Terence Clarke may leave after just one season, already a few of the 2021 draft’s top prospects.
“But I think it’s Kentucky and then everyone else for him right now,” Evans said as well.
This is what we like to hear, and as of now, it seems Kentucky is the favorite for Hardy, music to the ears of Kentucky’s diehard fanbase.
Follow our Twitter page and then go ‘like’ our Facebook page for the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views.