Recruiting expert ranks top contenders for Jaden Hardy

The Kentucky Wildcats are currently in a very good position when it comes to the 2021 recruiting class, as well as some 2022 players that could make the move to 2021.

One of Coach Cal’s top targets in the class is Jaden Hardy, who is ranked as the No. 6 overall player in 2021 and is the No. 1 shooting guard. He has separated himself from the other top backcourt recruits and has a decent chance of finishing as a top-five recruit.

Hardy is an outstanding scorer with a beautiful jump shot, consistent deep-range shooting, can create his own shots, and does damage from mid-range as well.

Officially, Hardy is down to 12 remaining schools, including Arizona, Arizona State, Georgetown, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan, Oregon, Texas Tech, and UCLA.

But who are the real contenders in this recruitment?

Eric Bossi of Rivals broke down the remaining schools on Hardy’s list and created a ranking of the top 5 contenders.

Not surprisingly, Bossi views Kentucky as the top contender in this recruitment although college might not be the only option on the board.

“Kentucky is Kentucky and John Calipari is John Calipari, they have the luxury of sitting back, waiting, and choosing their moment to make a move.

With Hardy, they have made their move early and often. The Wildcats have been having a steady presence with Hardy and word is that their history with one and done prospects has gotten through to Hardy. B.J. Boston and Terrence Clarke are both likely to be gone to the NBA during the 2021-22 season, so the playing time and need are there.

Though the Wildcats appear to be in good shape, alternatives to college are showing up and some think Hardy could be one to explore those routes”

As for the rest of the top five, Bossi believes that the Oregon Ducks are right behind the Cats followed by the UCLA Bruins, Arizona Wildcats, and Michigan Wolverines. Oregon has Hardy’s brother, Amauri Hardy, who will be a senior next season.

Kentucky has been viewed as the favorite in this recruitment for a while and currently hold 100% of the Future Cast predictions. Hopefully, this recruitment stays that way and Hardy decides to go to college and play for coach Cal in Lexington.

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