Isaiah Todd

Calipari prerecorded his call-in show as he flew to North Carolina Wednesday evening to see a top-10 recruit, 2020 five-star power forward Isaiah Todd. Corey Evans of Rivals.com reported that Todd received an offer from Calipari and the Kentucky coaching staff at the conclusion of the visit.

The Cats missed out on Vernon Carey and James Wiseman in the fall and options are running thin. Kentucky is looking at Todd is a reclassification candidate and to join this year’s class. More news about this possibility should come in the spring or early summer as more recruits make their commitments.

Todd’s NBA comparison is Chris Bosh and he has the potential, physical tools, and skill-set to be an elite modern NBA Big. Todd has length and excellent quickness in the open court. Todd’s size and athleticism allow him to guard at the rim and with his quickness make him an above average perimeter defender for his position. He has a promising offensive game and is capable of running the pick and pop. However, he needs to work on his body and add strength.

North Carolina is currently leading in the Crystal Ball predictions. However, recruiting guru, Evan Daniels of 24/7 Sports made his Crystal Ball pick and chose Kentucky to land Todd and his services.

Keion Brooks Jr.

All signs are pointing at Kentucky as Keion Brooks’ recruitment seems to be nearing its end, as the momentum Kentucky is riding is stronger than ever.

The five-star forward is set to make his college decision as soon as this week but expected before the end of February and will choose between Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan State, and North Carolina.

For a long time, the recruitment has been between Kentucky and the Indiana dumpster fire. After visiting Kentucky this past Saturday it’s Kentucky who appears to be in front, and it is reported that the visit could not have gone better.

The 24/7 Sports Crystal Ball favored Indiana for the majority of Brooks’ recruitment but after Saturday’s visit, the tides have turned towards the Cats. The Cats gained the lead with 24/7 Sports recruiting director Jerry Meyer choosing the Wildcats.

Brooks’ 6-7 200-pound frame will pose matchup problems at the college level and will allow him to rebound at a high level for his position. Brooks is a slasher that is able to create his own shot and is most effective from the mid-range area. Brooks has a high basketball IQ and is able to consistently make the right play. Brooks will need to improve his finishing and passing at the college level.

Other Frontcourt Options

There are two remaining UK targets in the 2019 class, Jaden McDaniels and Matthew Hurt and both have been very quiet in terms of their recruitment. McDaniels a west coast kid is favored to choose Washington and Kansas is said to have been Hurt’s top school but Hurt and his family are being very precautious about the school’s involvement with the major FBI/NCAA scandals.

Both McDaniels and Hurt are extremely offensively talented big men, but need to improve defensively. Hurt is a crafty scorer with a great shot some passing ability and is compared to former Kentucky player Kyle Wiltjer. McDaniels seems like the best prospect between the two and is predicted in the top 3 of most 2021 NBA draft boards. McDaniels is a super long and talented wing who can play either forward position. He’s got a sweet shooting stroke, can handle the ball and knows how to get his own shot.

If all options fall through Kentucky is interested in one more potential reclassification with N’Faly Dante, the #2 ranked center in the 2020 class. Dante is an elite prospect and is considered to be one of the best shot blockers to come through the high school ranks in years. Dante is very raw but has a huge upside, especially on the defensive end. However, Dante is not a consistent threat on the offensive end but Has decent handles and has shown some touch from mid-range with a decent looking stroke.

Looking Ahead

All signs are pointing towards a Keion Brooks commitment coming soon. The Cats are still the mix for Matthew Hurt or Jaden McDaniels along with Isaiah Todd as a reclassification option, not even to mention a potential graduate transfer. Trust in Cal and this could set up Kentucky to land yet another class ranked No. 1 or 2 in the final rankings.