Two of the Kentucky Wildcats’ top 2021 targets may be nearing their decisions.
Corey Evans of Rivals included two four-star prospects linked to the Wildcats — Bryce Hopkins and Daimion Collins — in a list of seven players who “who could be on the verge of committing.”
Hopkins decommitted from Chris Mack and the Louisville Cardinals earlier this month, and Kentucky quickly swooped in to emerge as the favorite.
“Just a week ago, Kentucky handed out an offer to Bryce Hopkins, Evans wrote” The consensus then was that he would not wait around too long before ultimately taking John Calipari up on the offer. Seven days have now passed and Hopkins has shown little willingness to end his recruitment, though that shouldn’t be taken as a sign that Kentucky isn’t the team to beat for the top 35 forward.”
Hopkins is the 32nd-ranked prospect for 2021 by Rivals. Other suitors for the Illinois native include DePaul, Michigan, Oregon and Providence.
As for Collins, Texas and Oklahoma have long been considered the favorites, but with Longhorns assistant Jai Lucas expected to join John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky, Evans believes UK’s odds at landing the 6-foot-9 power forward should increase.
“The hiring of Texas assistant coach Jai Lucas has not been made official just yet by the folks at Kentucky, but Lucas’ hiring seems to be a lock. That hiring could be what the Wildcats need in order to make the leap in the recruitment of Daimion Collins.”
Evans noted that Collins might opt to stay near his home of Atlanta, Texas, however saying, “Staying in his region and being around comfortable confines was a major selling point, something that UK cannot offer, even with the hiring of Lucas.”
So far, four-star point guard Nolan Hickman is Kentucky’s only commitment for 2021.
Daimion Collins murdered a man at the basket ☠️ @CollinsDaimion pic.twitter.com/FAMlL7G6vg
— BallerTV (@BallerTV) November 13, 2019
44 points AND the game winner @BryceHopkins @LouisvilleMBB @FenwickHoops pic.twitter.com/UpPK9B07Rg
— Jer (@SpectacularJer) December 30, 2019
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