Felix Okpara and Anthony Black being recruited by Kentucky

The new Kentucky staff is off to a fast start recruiting in the 2022 class, as they’re trying to put this program back on top as the premier destination for high school prospects.

Tipton Edits reported a few weeks back a new recruit for Kentucky fans to keep an eye on, and that is Felix Okpara. According to the report, Kentucky is among the schools recruiting him the hardest.

Okpara, originally from Nigeria, currently plays his high school ball in Chattanooga (TN) for Hamilton Heights Christian Academy. He is currently ranked as the 37th-ranked player in the class by 247 Sports Composite. He is also considered the fifth-best center.

At 6-11, Okpara is known for his elite athleticism. He’s a long, bouncy, center who consistently shows elite shot-blocking skills while also showing the potential to develop into a solid perimeter defender.

Offensively, Okpara is still a little raw, but with his athleticism, he is able to run the floor well in transition for lobs or put-back dunks. He has developed a decent outside shot over the last few seasons, which we all know coaches are looking for in their big men in today’s game.

Okpara currently doesn't hold a Kentucky offer, but it sounds as if the staff is incredibly interested in the skill set he brings to the table. He currently holds offers from Florida, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Texas and Oklahoma State among others.

There is also another name for fans to keep an eye on, and he’s seen as one of the hottest prospects in the country after the early part of this summer circuit and recruiting period.

That player is Anthony Black.

Eric Bossi and Brandon Jenkins of 247 Sports report that Kentucky is starting to show some interest in the four-star combo guard out of Texas.

Black is a dual-sport athlete, and he’s actually considered a three-star wide receiver by Rivals.

When it comes to basketball, Black is a four-star prospect, according to 247 Sports Composite, and is considered the 59th-best player in the country.

Here is Brandon Jenkins’ scouting report for Black.

“A former dual-sport athlete (three-star wide receiver), Black is a big playmaking guard who is excellent in transition and can play and guard all three perimeter positions. He is smart with his decision-making and has a great understanding of how to play. He can play with the ball in his hands is a very reliable decision-maker. Black is very disruptive on the defensive end with quick and active hands and alert instincts. He provides length, elite athletic ability, and the game comes naturally to him on the offensive end of the floor. An average shooter, Black could use some improvement on the consistency of his deep ball. But he is a versatile talent with great long-term tools who is only just beginning to tap into his upside.”

Up to this point in terms of basketball recruiting, Iowa State, Texas and Oklahoma State are seen as the favorites, but it appears alongside Kentucky that Duke and Gonzaga have also gotten into the mix.

It is expected that Black will pursue his athletic career in basketball instead of football, so fans should expect him to be a name to keep a close eye on throughout this recurring period.

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