UK unlikely for Adam Kunkel with decision expected soon

Belmont transfer Adam Kunkel will reportedly be making a decision soon for his next college, but the Kentucky Wildcats are unlikely to be the pick.

According to KSR, UK simply isn’t that high on Kunkel, who hasn’t even spoken with head coach John Calipari. The report also states Kunkel is expected to make a decision soon, possibly even this weekend.

Other schools that have reached out include Cincinnati, Xavier, Louisville and Kansas among others. It’s still unclear who has offered a scholarship, but it’s safe to say UK isn’t one of them.

Kunkel led the Belmont Bruins in scoring as a sophomore last season with 16.5 points per game. He shot 39% from behind the three-point line and 82.1% from the free throw line, making him a tough player to defend all the way around.

Kunkel is originally from Hebron, KY and played at Cooper High School before choosing Belmont over Wofford, Lipscomb, Northern Kentucky, Chattanooga and Indiana State. He made a huge jump from his freshman to sophomore year at Belmont, and seems to believe that he has what it takes to succeed on a bigger stage.

“Belmont will always have a special place in my heart, but I’ve been faced with a difficult decision to make,” Kunkel wrote on Twitter on his decision to transfer. “After lots of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal. Knowing my goals and aspirations, this feels like the best decision for me and I am excited about this new chapter in my life.”

The 6-3 guard can absolutely score the basketball, but can his defense keep up with the opponents on UK’s schedule? That is certainly something to consider. There is no doubt that the UK coaching staff has watched film on Kunkel and have an idea of what he can do.

It is still unclear where Kunkel will end up, though it seems that he is likely to sit out the 2020-2021 season (if there is one), and would then still have two years of eligibility remaining.

If he stays close to home, schools like Louisville, Xavier and Cincinnati are probably in the best shape for Kunkel. If he lands with the Cardinals, UK would obviously have to face him multiple times in the coming years.