Recruiting expert says Jon Kuminga is not going to Kentucky

As Jonathan Kuminga inches closer toward a college/pro decision, it’s becoming more and more clear that Kentucky isn’t even a real option.

The Wildcats’ roster for next season is already set on the wing with Terrence Clarke and Brandon Boston coming in, and that’s exactly where Kuminga is going to play as the nation’s top-ranked small forward.

While Kentucky was hoping to get Kuminga in 2021 when both Boston and Clarke are almost certainly in the NBA, it’s more likely that Kuminga is actually the one playing pro ball first.

Assuming Kuminga officially reclassifies into 2020 later this summer (he already took part in The Patrick School’s virtual graduation ceremony), most experts believe he’ll join the NBA’s G-League.

Today in his Wednesday recruiting roundup, Rivals expert Corey Evans made it clear that in the unlikely event Kuminga does go to college, it won’t be Kentucky or Duke, two schools were strong contenders had he remained in the 2021 class.

“He is not going to Duke or Kentucky,” Evans said. “Auburn could work its way into contention, but Texas Tech looks like the only school that could convince him to go the college route. However, that is going to take a lot of work. For now, the G League is the best bet.”

Kuminga is down to a final five of the G-League, Kentucky Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils, Auburn Tigers, and Texas Tech Red Raiders. The two biggest contenders are the G-League and Texas Tech, where his brother plays.

Both Rivals and 247 Sports had previously predicted Kuminga to the G-League. If he goes there, Kuminga will join former UK recruits Jalen Green, Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, and Kai Sotto.

With Kuminga set to come off the board, look for 2021 small forward Peyton Watson to be the next man up in terms of the next wing-type player Kentucky pursues in that class.