Jalen Duren talks about upcoming decision

Jalen Duren might be the most popular name among Big Blue Nation over the last several months.

Well the 5-star player will finally be announcing this Friday where he will be playing next season, as well as announcing a much-anticipated reclassification to the class of 2021.

A few days before the big announcement, Duren took some time to talk to Joe Tipton of On3Sports, to break down each of his five remaining options, as well as key factors that are going into his decision.

Duren will be choosing between a final five of Kentucky, Miami, Memphis, the NBA G-League, and the Australian NBL.

It has been thought for several months now that once the NIL rules passed, college might be the most likely destination over professional options. That rings true with what he said in this interview.

“It eliminated the money factor. Because now a decision can’t be made strictly off of finances. The NIL leveled the playing field. It made it where some athletes are going to be fortunate to make more in college than they would in the professional route.”

Alongside the NIL factors Duren mentioned the connections and development opportunities playing a key role in where his destination will be.

In regards to Kentucky, this is what he had to say:

“It’s a great program, honestly. A legendary program. It’s a lot of love there, too. They have a new coaching staff who I had the pleasure to meet. They have a lot of great guys, and they’re going to be a good team next year. I talk to coach (John) Calipari a lot and the vision he has for me is definitely great. They’re very proven in what they’ve done.”

The Kentucky staff has remained optimistic throughout this recruitment that their pitch would win out in the end. We will find out shortly just have true that optimism is.

Duren will be making his decision at the Team Final headquarters starting at 6 pm EST.

Sea of Blue is loaded with Kentucky Wildcats articles, so be sure to go ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Go Cats!