Bryce Hopkins announces new list

A big name on Kentucky’s class of 2021 radar has cut his list of schools down to nine.

Former Louisville commit and four-star prospect Bryce Hopkins has narrowed down his potential landing spots with UK remaining on the list as a frontrunner. Other notable programs to make the list were the Oregon Ducks, Michigan Wolverines, Indiana Hoosiers and Texas Longhorns among others.

Hopkins is a 6-7, 220-pound power-forward who has some versatility to go along with his size. He can play out on the perimeter, with his back to the basket and might be best when facing up defenders. The make-up of his game should allow Hopkins to fit into most systems without much effort because he can do a little bit of everything on the court.

At this point he is right on the cusp of getting a five-star nod by the major recruiting services. 247 has him ranked as the 33rd best player in the nation and the eighth best power forward in their composite rankings. He plays for Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL. Like everywhere else in America, it is unsure what high school hoops will look like this winter in Illinois — so it remains to be determined just how much he will be able to impact his final rankings.

As previously mentioned, Hopkins was committed to the University of Louisville before backing out and reopening his recruitment on August 9th. Immediately after that, rumors began to swirl that not only was Hopkins no longer going to be a Cardinal, but that John Calipari was going to swoop in and bring him to Lexington instead.

After a few virtual visits with the coaching staff, the Cats offered him on August 21st and continue to have all of the momentum in his recruitment.

Currently, 100% of Hopkins’ of 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball predictions point towards UK, while 80% of the Rivals FutureCast predictions are for the Cats.

Right after he decommitted from Louisville, I began to hear the chatter that Kentucky was going to get involved right away and they did. Everything I’m hearing continues to paint UK in a positive light and that the Cats are in the driver’s seat. It’s understandable that after a player reopens their commitment they want to do their due diligence and hear from multiple coaches, so it’s hard to say how long before he’s ready to pick a school.

That being said, John Calipari is in a terrific position whenever Bryce Hopkins’ final decision is made.

Could he be piece No. 2 to add with Nolan Hickman?

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