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BB Recruiting

Recapping Nike EYBL Session 3 In Dallas

Published

3 years ago

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via Twitter

Over the weekend, Nike EYBL was in effect as Session 3 took place in Dallas. Many players took the floor looking to further prove themselves as a player. With that, a number of Kentucky targets had an impressive weekend. Let’s take a look:

(Note: Rankings via 247Sports)

Class of 2024

Tre Johnson (2024, No. 1 SG, No. 1 Overall)

Kentucky’s top overall target, Johnson had a good weekend showcasing his range and pure scoring ability. His best game over the weekend included 19 points and 5 rebounds against Georgia Stars. Through three sessions, he is averaging 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, while shooting 40% from the field.

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Kentucky is all-in on the No. 1 overall prospect in 2024. Johnson is expected to make his decision before Peach Jam, which starts on July 3rd. Kentucky is in a battle with Texas and Baylor, Johnson’s home-state schools.

Baylor and Kentucky are seen to be in a close race for Johnson, with Texas behind the two schools.

He recently released his Top 6 schools which included Kentucky, Baylor, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kansas.

Karter Knox (2024, No. 5 SF, No. 15 Overall)

One of the more impressive top targets for Kentucky, Karter Knox has been making noise at Nike EYBL. He really filled it up this weekend, proving why he’s one of the top scorers in all of EYBL.

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His best game this weekend included 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists against ProSkills. Through three sessions, Knox is averaging 21.2 points, which ranks 1st in 17U, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, shooting 53.5% from the field.

Knox has been proving himself as a top scorer in 2024, with Kentucky very interested in the Top-15 prospect, who has ties with both Kentucky and Louisville, who are the clear front-runners in his recruitment.

Boogie Fland (2024, No. 2 CG, No. 13 Overall)

As Kentucky’s top priority at Point Guard, Fland is proving why he is an elite guard. Showcasing his deep range as well as his pull-up ability, with a knack for scoring. He had a really good weekend, with his best performance being 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists against AZ Unity.

Through three sessions, Fland is averaging 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, and is shooting 46.3% from the field.

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Fland has a number of suitors including Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama, UCONN, St. John’s, and others. Kentucky is making a strong push for him, which is where he wants to take one of his visits to.

Fresh off a visit to Michigan, he is looking to ramp up his visits soon.

Billy Richmond (2024, No. 18 SG, No. 91 Overall)

Over the weekend, Richmond made his case to receive a huge jump in the next rankings update. His best performance this weekend included 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Through three sessions, Richmond is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, shooting a very efficient 54.6% from the field.

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As far as his recruitment, he mentioned Kentucky, Memphis, and Louisville as schools he is wanting to visit among others. He is looking to make a decision during Peach Jam or “right after, he recently told 247 Sports’ Travis Branham.

Ahmad Nowell (2024, No. 6 CG, No. 50 Overall)

Another player who made a lot of noise this weekend, Nowell is due for a big jump in the rankings.

His numbers have jumped significantly since the first two sessions, which is why his recruitment has really picked up recently.

His best game this weekend included 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Through three sessions, he is averaging 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, and shooting 54.9% overall.

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He most recently received an offer from Kentucky, where he told KY Insider “it feels amazing.” He also holds offers from the likes of Tennessee, Memphis, Auburn, and Kansas among others.

Class of 2025

Meleek Thomas (2025, No. 1 PG, No. 7 Overall)

Proving himself as an elite guard, Thomas is showing off his scoring ability on a loaded New Heights Lightning squad in EYBL.

He had an impressive weekend. His best game included 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Through the first three sessions, he is averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, and shooting 51% overall.

His recruitment has taken off since session 2 of EYBL, picking up offers from UCONN, Duke, Tennessee, and Louisville.

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Darius Acuff (2025, NR)

Out of players who have proven to be a stock-riser, Acuff was the most impressive. As one of the top scorers in the 17U division, he was very impressive, especially alongside another stock-riser, in teammate Trey McKenney, who recently told KY Insider that Kentucky has “high interest” in him, and that he is expecting an offer soon.

An impressive duo, they are proving themselves as one of the top backcourts in EYBL. Acuff has been on a scoring tear. His best game this weekend included 30 points, 6 assists, and 1 rebound.

Through three sessions, he is averaging, 20.5 points, which is 2nd among 17U in EYBL, 4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, and shooting 47.7% overall.

He has recently received offers from Kentucky, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Kansas, and Indiana, and it’s not hard to see why.

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Class of 2026

Tyran Stokes (2026 F, NR)

One of the most impressive prospects in the class of 2026, Stokes is playing up two levels in 17U and is dominating. He is one that Kentucky really likes, and it’s not hard to see why after watching him.

Although his best game over the weekend was 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, the stats shouldn’t fool you. Whenever he is on the floor, he has the elite ability to take over.

Through three sessions, he is averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Kentucky has not extended an offer to the top-prospect, but they will be keeping tabs on him in the future. Stokes currently holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Arizona State, Louisville, and Xavier.

As one of the top prospects in the rising sophomore class, Stokes will only see his recruitment keep growing.

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AJ Dybantsa (2026 SF, NR)

Along with Tyran Stokes, Dybantsa is a top-ranked player in the class of 2026, and is a superstar in the making. Playing up in 17U, he put on a scoring clinic this weekend.

His best game this weekend included 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. He is currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, shooting 52.7% overall.

Dybantsa is a future superstar, and he and Tyran Stokes lead the promising class of 2026.

There was plenty to be excited about from the weekend in Dallas at Nike EYBL. Here are some of my biggest stock risers from Session 3:

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BB Recruiting

Malachi Moreno Played a Major Role in Recruiting Kentucky Basketball’s 2026-27 Roster

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 16, 2026

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Photo via Chet White | UK Athletics

At Kentucky’s annual media day, seven-foot sophomore center Malachi Moreno discussed his part in this year’s recruiting process and helping assemble what we now know as the 2026-27 roster. Over the summer, Moreno met new recruits during visits on multiple occasions, even helping bring in transfer pickups Milan Momcilovic, Justin McBride and Ousmane N’Diaye.

“Being around the guys when they come on their visits actually helped us become connected quicker,” Moreno said. “They had already seen a familiar face.”

The sophomore’s decision to take the initiative in recruiting demonstrates his leadership and value to the program as a whole. Having had a familiar face for the new players was huge for Kentucky, making the team-bonding period go by quick and easy.

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Moreno also stated how the recruits “saw the guys they were gonna be teammates with,” and “that once we all got here, it was like we were best friends starting day one.”

When he was later asked about what is going to be special about this year’s basketball team, Moreno complimented that same bond he helped create.

“I would say connectivity,” Moreno said. “I haven’t been a part of a team thats this connected in a long time…I think thats a big difference maker from teams that don’t.”

After a disappointing finish last season, Moreno is determined to help lead Mark Pope and the Wildcats to a meaningful chapter. Early recruitment could address last season’s lack of chemistry and give Kentucky an edge as they prepare for the fast-approaching year.

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However, Kentucky fans wonder, how does this affect the Wildcats’ success this season? Moreno had an answer, for those curios.

“I think on the court it helps us a lot because on the court you have to trust each other…I think all of us know in the back of our minds that we have each other’s backs.”

Pope’s preseason culture-building can make the difference in intense games, with the Big Blue Nation hopeful that they can see the Wildcats back in blue-blood talks.

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

Published

1 month ago

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September 24, 2026

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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.

“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

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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?




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Kentucky Basketball Conducts Zoom Call With Fifth Year Transfer Keyshawn Hall

Published

3 months ago

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August 4, 2026

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

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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.

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Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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