Connect with us

BB Recruiting

John Calipari Isn’t Ruling Out No. 1 Recruit, Shaedon Sharpe, Playing This Season

Published

on

Earliest this month, Shaedon Sharpe, the consensus no. 1 recruit in the class of 2022, made the decision to enroll at Kentucky early and join the team in January.

There was worry that he may leave for the NBA after the 2022 Spring Semester, however, since Sharpe did not graduate high school prior to the start of the NBA season he will not be eligible for next year’s NBA Draft.

With that being said, barring any rule changes, he will definitely be playing on next year’s Kentucky team, but could he play this season?

Advertisement

When asked about the topic in a press conference on Thursday, Calipari said, “I don’t think so. But you know, when he gets here, he may not be in any kind of shape to really do it. But, we’ll see.”

It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no. Looking at this from an outside perspective, I believe when Sharpe gets into practice and starts to show why he is worthy of his no. 1 ranking, it’s going to be hard for the coaching staff to keep him from playing.

Oscar Tshiebwe did the same last season and joined last year’s team for the 2021 spring semester (Lord, he could have helped), and it looks to have paid off for him and the team to start this season.

However, unless an unforeseen backcourt injury or team struggle occurs, I believe that it is unlikely that Sharpe will play this season and I say this for two reasons.

Advertisement

First, this team already has depth with Tyty, Wheeler, Mintz, and Allen in the backcourt and all of them have shown they are capable of contributing at some point in their time at Kentucky. Secondly, I don’t see Calipari risking Sharpe getting injured.

Whether Sharpe plays or not, just his presence in practice will help this year’s team and his development for next season.

Advertisement

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Earns Commitment From European Big Andrija Jelavic

Published

on

ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Earlier today, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats received the commitment from Andrija Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 big from Croatia.

As first reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Jelavic is one of the most highly regarded European prospects that is taking his talent to the NCAA.

Soon to be 21 years old, Jelavic averaged 10.8 points per game on 60% shooting from the field to go along with 7.4 rebounds per game for Mega Superbet, the same club that NBA Champion and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic played for.

Advertisement

As a shock to most, who were expecting Pope’s next commit to be a guard of some sorts, international players can now sign lucrative NIL deals. Kentucky, along with several of the elite colleges, are now in the European market. 

Jelavic, with shades of current European big men, can do just about everything on the court. He can shoot, dribble, pass, finish at the rim, etc. With a very relevant comparison, Jelavic plays almost perfectly in the replacement role of Andrew Carr. 

His commitment now makes him the fifth member of Pope’s additions this offseason, joining Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Mouhamed Dioubate and Jayden Quaintance. 

With a 7’2” wingspan, joining an already impressive Kentucky frontcourt, it’s safe to say for certain that this new team will not lack in that department. 

Advertisement

Next year’s roster was loaded with talent already, but now with the addition of Jelavic, lots of questions are arising: Who will start? How many more players is Pope going to add? What will happen with the walk-ons? 

There’s plenty to think about for Pope and his staff before the season starts, but like he said back when he introduced himself to Big Blue Nation, “We’re here to win banners.” He’s going to make the moves he thinks will do just that for the Wildcats. 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

BB Recruiting

Four-Star Guard Acaden Lewis Suddenly Decommits from Kentucky

Amidst a recent wave of positive recruiting news for Kentucky, the surprising decommitment of Acaden Lewis is an unfortunate wrench.

Published

on

2025 four-star point guard prospect Acaden Lewis has decommited from Kentucky.
UK Athletics

In a shocking, late at night turn of events, four-star freshman Acaden Lewis has decommitted from Kentucky.

Lewis, a 6’3” point guard out of Washington, D.C. first committed to the blue and white in November of last year, following an in-person visit with Mark Pope in his hometown.

Since then, he’s made multiple appearances in Rupp Arena, been featured in photo shoots with his fellow incoming recruits, and spoken on multiple occasions about his excitement to join the team for the 2025-26’ season.

Advertisement

To say this development is surprising would be a serious understatement.

Lewis released a statement following the announcement, “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but I have to do what’s best for my future,” he said. “Thank you to Coach Pope and the whole Kentucky staff for all they’ve done for me so far.”

While the loss of Lewis is certainly disappointing, there is still much to look forward to next season for Kentucky, who maintain one of the highest rated transfer classes in the nation – and it likely isn’t finished.

To that point, if any reason can be derived immediately for Lewis’ decommitment, it may be found in the same place that Mark Pope and staff will be going to look for answers: the transfer portal.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

BB Recruiting

Top 10 Transfer Prospect, Former Wildcat Recruit Jayden Quaintance Commits to Kentucky

Published

on

2024 five-star big man Jayden Quaintance has commmitted to play basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats
UK Athletics

Two days into the week and two booms for the Kentucky Wildcats as Jayden Quaintance announced his commitment to Kentucky on Tuesday morning.

If the Quaintance name sounds familiar, it should. He was originally committed to play for the Cats out of high school last season as a five-star recruit. While he was interested in staying at Kentucky following John Calipari’s departure, even meeting with Mark Pope, he elected to play for Arizona State.

In his one season with the Sun Devils, Quaintance averaged 9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 2.6 BPG, and earned Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive honors.

Advertisement

The one concern for Quaintance is that he had surgery to repair a torn ACL, which could keep him out for the entire offseason and potentially into the season. That said, the expectation for a return is September, and at just 17 years old, there is so much untapped potential.

Get to know the newest Wildcat commit!

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending