BB Recruiting

Kentucky Hosts No. 1 2024 Tre Johnson for Official Visit, Makes an Impression

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2023

UK Athletics

At the end of January, the Kentucky Wildcats hosted the Kansas Jayhawks for one of the biggest matchups of the college basketball season. Kentucky took full advantage of the anticipation of that weekend, as they played host to the top prospect in the 2024 class, Tre Johnson.

In addition to Johnson, future Wildcats Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard were in attendance as well as 2025 recruits, Jasper Johnson and R.J. Greer. However, Johnson was undeniably the recruit of the highest priority.

Tre is the consensus No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2024 class. He is a 6-foot-5 versatile wing player that possesses the skills that the Kentucky staff was looking for previously in Ian Jackson.

The Johnson family arrived in Lexington Thursday night and began the official visit Friday morning, carrying into the game. The visit consisted of touring the campus, facilities, and spending time with the team to see how they prepared going into the game against Kansas. It should also be noted, that UK assistant K.T. Turner helped lead the tour as he is a “family friend” of the Johnson family.

In an interview with Cats Illustrated, Tre’s father, Richard Johnson, recapped the visit.

In the interview, Tre’s father was asked about what he and Tre were looking for at the schools they were visiting. “The coaching, the relationships, freedom, style of play, and then the crowd, player development, who is working the guys out in practice, the strength and conditioning, the nutritionist. Most of the colleges are providing those.”

Johnson confirmed that Kentucky is a place that meets these needs, “they’ve got top-of-the-line stuff. I don’t know the name of all of the machines, but they’ve got equipment that tells different areas of your body that’s weak, and you need to work more on.”

When asked about Coach Cal, his coaching style, and the team’s preparation for the game, Johnson commented, “Those coaches did their homework in the scouting reports, and breaking down film. I began learning some of the plays just watching them go over and rep them so many times. So the preparation was very good, because that’s what they’re going to do in the NBA and at the next level.”

Johnson also appreciated the atmosphere that Big Blue Nation brought not just to Rupp Arena, but to the city of Lexington. “The crowd was loud and very supportive. The game was at eight o’clock at night, and that morning they were already starting to line up. The crowds were coming. It was cold outside, and people were still lined up outside with their Kentucky apparel on ready for the game.”

Kentucky did end up losing Kansas, in part thanks to a poor shooting night from the three-point line. Richard took note that that is an area where Tre could contribute,“The shooting just wasn’t there for Kentucky that night. You could definitely see some areas where I feel Tre could have contributed, and will be able to play and to be able to shine in those moments.”

In conclusion, Johnson states that they enjoyed their experience at Kentucky. They were impressed by the campus and facilities, and had their questions answered. Including information about NIL opportunities.

“They talk about the opportunities to get NIL, and the different ways they help their players. Of course, your top players will get NIL. Most programs have NIL deals for everybody. Everybody is going to be able to get something. That’s big right now with college, so of course that’s something everybody is talking about, the NIL that they have.”

Tre Johnson has taken three official visits so far – Kentucky, Texas, and Baylor – and has two visits remaining – Kansas and Arkansas. The G-League and Overtime Elite are also routes that he and his family will consider.

Tre’s father states that the hope is to have a decision before the start of Tre’s senior year, “Hopefully by some time in the summer we probably will be able to make a decision before his senior year, so we won’t have those concerns. All of that is behind us so we can just work and get better.”

Related Topics:John Calipari Tre Johnson

BB Recruiting

Five-Star Class of 2027 Recruit Paul Osaruyi Set to Visit UK This Weekend

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2026

Kaitlyn Webb

Image via Canada Basketball

Paul Osaruyi, a top 25 recruit in the 2027 class, is set to visit Mark Pope and his program this weekend. This will be Osaruyi’s first official visit, presenting as a huge opportunity for Pope and his staff to showcase what the Wildcats are all about.

The 6-foot-10, 225-lb center currently attends CIA Bella Vista Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona holding many offers from major programs such as Houston, BYU, UCLA, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, North Carolina and many more. He’s currently a five-star recruit with recruiting sites such as On3, ESPN and 247 Sports ranking him in the top 25 players in the class.

🚨 Class of 2027 5⭐️ C Paul Osaruyi will be visiting Kentucky this weekend, according to Joe Tipton of Rivals. 😼

Osaruyi is 6-foot-10, 225 pounds and plays for Bella Vista Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona.

According to 247Sports Composite, Osaruyi is ranked No. 20 nationally, the… pic.twitter.com/iLotUGWBa3— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) September 23, 2026

“Kentucky is the other school that I have heard recently with the big man,” he told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “They are a ‘newer’ program in the mix, but seem to have made a relatively quick connection.” A Sea of Blue

In current connection, Kentucky commit Ryan Hampton previously told KSR that Osaruyi is one of his favorite teammates in this senior class and that he is trying to personally recruit him to join him in Lexington next season.

“He’s one of the guys that can really fit in the system,” Hampton told KSR’s Jack Pilgrim. “I just told him it’ll be a great fit for next year. Obviously, he’s a five-star; we’re rated really high, so that would be a good pick-up, for sure, for Kentucky basketball.”

Kentucky is pursuing Osaruyi hard, with Pope and his staff ready for the center’s arrival this weekend. Could the big eventually become a Wildcat?

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Basketball Conducts Zoom Call With Fifth Year Transfer Keyshawn Hall

Published

2 months ago

August 4, 2026

Tristan Pharis

The Kentucky basketball staff is looking to fill their final roster spot, and conducted a Zoom call with fifth year Auburn transfer Keyshawn Hall.

IMAGN

On Friday afternoon, a preliminary injunction granted by a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado gave athletes from the 2022 high school class a fifth season of eligibility, potentially creating another transfer portal opportunity late into the offseason.

This is something the Kentucky basketball staff has been monitoring through the offseason, potentially using it as an avenue to add the 15th and final player to the roster. One name that the staff has communicated with is fifth-year Auburn transfer Keyshawn Hall. According to a source, Kentucky conducted a Zoom call with Hall on Monday.

Hall is a well-traveled athlete, playing for four schools in four seasons. Starting his career at UNLV, he has since played for George Mason, UCF, and Auburn last season.

While at Auburn, Hall averaged 19.3 PPG and 7.1 RPG on 45/38/86 shooting clips, with a 60.6 true shooting percentage. The 6-7 wing could bring versatility and shot creation at the four spot, potentially playing the three in big lineups. However, there are some concerns. On the court, Hall struggles with defensive consistency. Off the court, Hall was suspended for a game last season, with Auburn coach Steven Pearl citing that he “did not live up to the standards of our program this week.”

Mark Pope said that the last piece of the roster would be one that fit. Hall is certainly talented, and if Pope and Co. are pursuing him, they are confident that he is a good fit and that they can handle the concerns.

It is worth noting that the NCAA filed an emergency motion in hopes that a federal judge will stay a nationwide injunction, stating that in the injuction is sustained it would destabilize program rosters and impair the NCAA’s ability to self-governwould destabilize rosters and impair the NCAA’s ability to self-govern.

The speed at which the appeal will be reviewed will be seen, but as it stands, Hall is eligible for another season of college basketball, and Kentucky is interested.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Is in Daily Contact with Five-Star Big Man Darius Wabbington, “Kentucky’s legacy is no joke”

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Five-star big man Darius Wabbington lists Kentucky among six finalists, praising Mark Pope's coaching, Kentucky's program prestige, and Mo Williams' recruiting energy.

Team USA

As the high school basketball circuits conclude later this month, college basketball coaches are starting to key in on their primary targets for the 2027 class. For Kentucky, one such player is five-star big man Darius Wabbington.

Kentucky assistants Cody Fueger and Mo Williams have been in contact with Wabbington on a daily basis, trying to convince him that Kentucky is the place for him. When asked about Williams, the newest coach on the UK staff, “Great energy,” Wabbington exclaimed. “Another extremely smart coach who knows what it takes to get to the next level.”

Since joining the staff in April, Williams has really made a difference for the Wildcats on the recruiting trail, with multiple prospects having positive things to say about him and his recruiting approach.

As for what Wabbington is looking for in his future school, he is prioritizing fit and his relationship with the coaching staff, and he has a positive view of Mark Pope and the prestige of Kentucky basketball.

“I think Mark Pope is one of the best coaches in the country, and Kentucky’s legacy is no joke. I’d love to be a part of both”

The two sides are working on setting up a visit, as Kentucky was announced as one of six finalists earlier this week, along with Arizona, Texas, Louisville, Indiana, and North Carolina.

In June, Mark Pope got a commitment from top-ten prospect, Ryan Hampton, who Wabbington calls “my guy,” and could begin recruiting him to join him in Lexington.