:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69370553/reed_sheppard_3.0.jpg)
The future looks bright in Lexington for the Kentucky Wildcats looking to put the 2020-21 season in the rearview mirror.
Since the arrival of the new staff, recruiting has picked up as John Calipari and his staff are going after some of the top talent in the country.
Brandon Jenkins of 247 Sports spent the weekend in Texas covering the Memorial Day GASO and IMO Memorial Day Classic. Following the events, Jenkins noted the top performers of the weekend.
One of the targets for Kentucky is 2022 shooting guard Keyonte George, who is currently ranked as the No. 6 overall player in the country and No. 1 at his position.
George has been getting a lot of attention this spring, and he was the MVP of the weekend, events according to Jenkins.
“There is not much that needs to be stated that has not already been said about Keyonte George this spring. A poised three-level bucket getter with feel as a passer, George continues to put together performances that only display why he is arguably the best scorer in the class.”
George has officially cut his list down to five schools including Kentucky, Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas.
Another name that Kentucky fans know well is 2023 guard Reed Sheppard, who put the state in a frenzy when he burst onto the scene this past high school season.
Sheppard also participated in this weekend’s events and put on an offensive show. Jenkins named him the best offensive player from the event.
“Reed Sheppard put on a show playing up against one of the top grassroots teams on the Adidas Circuit. He scored 18 points, forced five turnovers, and handed out four assists on Sunday afternoon. Playing in an offense that values ball movement, Sheppard was economical with his shot selection as he never forced the action. Defenders paid when they left him open, and he proved that he was bouncier than the eye test would lead you to believe.”
As for his recruitment, he is scheduled to visit Louisville on June 3rd and Virginia on June 14th. He currently has offers from Iowa, High Point, Iona, South Alabama, and Texas A&M but I would expect that to change sooner rather than later.
Overall, it was a successful weekend for Kentucky targets, and you can check out other awards that Jenkins handed out after his weekend in Texas here.