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Johnny “Bucket” Juzang Commits to Kentucky

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After a hot and heavy month of Kentucky recruiting four-star scoring wing, Johnny Juzang, Juzang finally made the decision to become a Kentucky Wildcat via instagram.

This is far from a surprise if you look at the timing of events, as he has received a visit from Coach Cal and Joel Justus, received an offer from Kentucky, reclassified to the 2019 class, and took an official visit all within a three week window.

Juzang is Kentucky’s fifth commitment thus far for the 2019 class joining Tyrese Maxey, Khalil Whitney, Keion Brooks Jr., and Dontaie Allen.

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As a junior, Juzang averaged 22.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 43% FG and 35% from three. Juzang’s shooting and offensive production will be a welcome sight to next year’s Wildcat team, which currently lacks shooting.

Juzang’s commitment jumped Kentucky’s recruiting class ranking to No. 2, and could improve even more as two top-10 recruits, RJ Hampton and Jaden McDaniels, and graduate transfer, Kerry Blackshear Jr, are nearing their decisions.

Scouting Report: Just like Tyler Herro, Juzang is a natural born “bucket”. Juzang can score inside and out and everywhere in between using quick release jumpers, floaters, and scoop shots to score in the lane. Juzang also plays well off the ball and excels in catch and shoot situations. Juzang does lack athleticism and handling.

NBA Comparison: Dillon Brooks

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BB Recruiting

Kentucky Earns Commitment From No. 6 Prospect in 2027 Class Ryan Hampton

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Photo via UK Athletics


How about a Sunday boom in the recruiting world for you BBN? 

Ryan Hampton, the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky! This is Mark Pope’s first top-10 prospect that he’s earned a commitment from.

Hailing from Rockwall, Texas, Hampton recently took an official visit to campus with his family, which began on Friday, June 5 and spilled into Sunday, June 7, his commitment day. 

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The five-star wing averaged 21.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the most recent EYBL Circuit, playing for LivOn and Nightrydas.

Hampton was the first recruit in the 2027 to officially visit with the Wildcats, and now he’s the first to call their shot early and choose the blue and white. 

Pope has signed Milan Momcilovic, the No. 2 ranked transfer, and Hampton, his first top-10 high school prospect just in the past week.

It’s been a crazy week for recruiting, with the narrative around Pope’s ability slowing fading as the top guys continue to be attracted to the Kentucky brand. 

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Fast Riser Big Man Yann Kamagate Receives Scholarship Offer From Kentucky

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Fresh off the first live recruiting period of the offseason, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have extended their first scholarship offer of the 2028 class.

Yann Kamagate, a prospect who went from unranked to the top five in 247Sports’ most recent recruiting rankings, received an offer from the Wildcats, he confirmed to KY Insider on Monday.

“Not everyone gets the chance to be seen by greatness,” Kamagate told KY Insider. “I’m grateful for the offer from Kentucky.”

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Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean, who works with the Wildcats’ big men and their development, watched Kamagate first-hand this past weekend in the Adidas 3SSB circuit in Mishawaka, Indiana.

The 7-foot big man was the talk of the weekend, displaying a high motor, extreme athleticism — a reported 7-9 winspam — and great feel for the game. On the circuit, he is averaging 13.9 points, a circuit-leading 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game.

Originally from the West African country of Burkina Faso, Kamagate moved to the United States just a year ago and has only been playing basketball for three years. Now, he is challenging for the top spot in the 2028 class.

He is currently represented by former NBA player and UCLA star Luc Mbah a Moute. Which is relevant as he is currently playing for the California Adidas team, Compton Magic, and attends La Cañada Flintridge (Calif.) St. Francis.

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The offer is the latest signal that Mark Pope’s staff is casting a wide and aggressive net this offseason, and targeting players whose trajectories are trending sharply upward. Kamagate fits that profile exactly.

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Mark Pope and Staff on the Road for First Live Summer Recruitment Period

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Photo via UK Athletics

Mark Pope and his coaching staff are hitting the road for the first live recruitment period of the summer, starting first with the Nike EYBL games in Memphis, Tennessee.

With the first game tipping off at noon on Friday, May 15, Kentucky will be keeping its eye on several of the top targets in the 2027 class.

Participants include CJ Rosser, Ryan Hampton, Reese Alston and Chase Lumpkin, the most recent offer. All have been contacted by the Wildcats and heavily pursued up to this point.

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Although no offers for the 2028 class have been set in stone, Kam Mercer is a name of value to watch this weekend as he has visited Kentucky already.

With a pit stop over at the Adidas 3SSB games likely in play this weekend too, these next three days serve as an important opportunity to garnish interest for incoming classes.

With Mo Williams and others making their first trips as members of the staff, the Big Blue Nation can anticipate some life in the freshman recruitment process.

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