BB Recruiting

Recapping Nike EYBL Session 3 In Dallas

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

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.

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.

NEWS: Tre Johnson, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, tells me he’s down to six schools.

Story: https://t.co/lvU26HylHz pic.twitter.com/J8WO2afJ3i— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 15, 2023

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.

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.

Session 3 @NikeEYB Notes

‘24 F Karter Knox has displayed his two-way game late tonight in Dallas. Strong frame & physicality have allowed him to bully opponents and attack in straight-line drives. Has also knocked down a couple of 3’s & has pulled down a few crucial boards. pic.twitter.com/WvZFhwoMDM— Alex Walulik (@alex_walulik) May 14, 2023

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.

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.

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.

@NikeEYB Session 3 – Dallas, TX. Update: Scholars (8-2) defeat @TeamThadNation (9-2) 75-72 behind Memphis native Billy Richmond 20 pts. TTN @35Derrion led all scorers with 21 pts.@ColinzCody @MemphoNewsLady @Leontaylor1983 @leroywatsonjr @GoTigers247 @memphispreps @johnvarlas pic.twitter.com/PEoSbvFMh3— Harold Rivera (@memphishoopers) May 13, 2023

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.

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.

Ahmad Nowell can GO 💨💥 19/5/5 on 4/6 from 3 in Team Final’s win over PG Elite @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/SZeazF1Gri— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) May 14, 2023

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.

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.

2025 PG 6-foot-2 Darius Acuff Jr. has had a stock-boosting spring playing up 17U and one of the top scorers in the @NikeEYB at 20.5 PPG.

An elite 3PT shot maker, plays at his own pace with a mature game, and has displayed his ability to get to the rim @TheFamily_bball. pic.twitter.com/79NkIk9dSM— Samad Hines (@Samad_Hines) May 15, 2023

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.

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.

#1 player in 2026 for a reason. AJ Dybantsa was making it look easy this morning.

🥶 20 PTS
🥶 7-10 FG
🥶 5 AST@ADybantsa @ExpressionsBall @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/2x18sTBG5H— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) May 13, 2023

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:

Great weekend for Session 3 of EYBL!

My stockrisers:

Darius Acuff (@DariusAcuff)
Trey McKenney (@mckenneytrey1)
Ahmad Nowell (@AhmadNowell0)
Billy Richmond (@BillyRichmondI)

Also, Tyran Stokes playing up and dominating 17U is something that shouldn't go unnoticed.— Wyatt Huff (@Wildcat_wave) May 14, 2023

BB Recruiting

Washington State Transfer Jerone Morton Set to Visit Kentucky

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Kai McClelland

Photo via USA Today

As the Donnie Freeman sweepstakes is becoming even more intense and the Wildcats are hosting a plethora of bigs this week, Mark Pope may be looking to add another guard under the radar to boost the team’s depth.

Jerone Morton, a 6-foot-4 transfer out of Washington State, is set to visit Kentucky on Friday, April 24, as first reported by Travis Branham (247Sports). Morton is a Lexington, KY native, attending George Rogers Clark during his high school days and playing just down the road for the Morehead State Eagles from 2023-2025 to start his college career.

Making the switch to the Cougars for his junior year, he started in 29 out of 32 games, the most of his career, and averaged 7.8 points per game on 43.8% shooting from the field. He also averaged 2.6 assists per game and shot 38.7% from deep.

A steady development in Morton’s game during his collegiate career thus far has been the shooting percentages. His freshman season, his splits only read 31.1% FG /16.7% 3PT/ 67.6% FT. Now, two seasons later, every category has increased by double-digit margins.

Will Pope close in on a hometown kid to add depth to the roster?

BB Recruiting

James Madison Transfer Justin McBride to Visit Kentucky on Tuesday

Published

6 days ago

April 17, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Kentucky will host James Madison transfer James McBride for a visit on Tuesday, after communicating with Mark Pope and the staff via Zoom video call.

James Madison Athletics

While much of the attention in the transfer portal goes to the top targets, you need to build a full roster. Still with starting spots to be claimed, Kentucky also looking at depth pieces. The most recent, James Madison transfer Justin McBride.

After talking to the staff this week via Zoom video call, McBride is scheduled to take a visit to Lexington on Tuesday.

A three-star transfer, ranked 201st overall according to 247Sports, McBride is being recruited by multiple power conference teams including Baylor and Cal, as well as SEC foes Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Out of high school, McBride was a four-star recruit, ranked in the top 150 nationally.

“He is a versatile player who has that IT factor about him. You can tell by the passion he plays with that there is a huge chip on his shoulder,” 247Sports asked program director Vonzell Thomas said as he evaluated McBride out of high school. “What I like about his game is his will to win. He does whatever it takes to win and not every kid has that mentality.”

From Texas, McBride committed to Oklahoma State over the likes of Kansas and Arkansas, where he played alongside former Wildcat Bandon Garrison. There, he appeared in just 24 games, averaging just over five minutes per game.

Seeking a larger role, McBride entered the transfer portal and dropped to the mid-major level, committing to Nevada. With the Wolfpack he nearly tripled both his minutes and production, averaging 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. His most recent stop, James Madison this past season, McBride had a breakout year, averaging 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds on 40 percent shooting from deep.

Entering his senior season, the 6-7, 240 pound McBride is eyeing a jump back to the power conference level, prioritizing fit at his next stop.

Will that be Kentucky?

McBride has good size and athleticism, and has an inside-out style of game. Meaning he can work his away around the paint, but can also space the floor with his shooting, grading fairly well as a catch and shoot guy. Overall, he ranks in the 97th percentile in scoring volume. That said, there is come consistency to be lacked on the defensive side.

BB Recruiting

Top 10 Transfer Guard Cruz Davis Set to Visit Kentucky

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2026

Kai McClelland

Photo via Associated Press

Mark Pope has added Hofstra transfer guard Cruz Davis to the long list of players visiting campus this week, looking to smartly add depth at the guard position.

The 6-foot-3 junior averaged 20.1 points per game in the 2025-26 season, ranking as the 29th highest scorer in college basketball. He also dished out 4.7 assists per game for the Pride, leading their offense in both categories.

A former three-star recruit out of Huntington, West Virginia, he now hails as the 28th overall prospect in the portal and as the No. 8 point guard available. He made stops in Iona for the 2022-23 season, where Davis averaged 6.5 points per game as a freshman.

Transferring to St. John’s for his sophomore stint, the Plano, Texas native only played in four games for the Red Storm, receiving an extra year of eligibility. His past two seasons were spent with head coach Speedy Claxton in New York, now leading to a potential chapter in Lexington.

Davis is an isolation scorer who drops buckets primarily off of pull-up jumpers. Although that may not sound efficient or pretty to the Big Blue Nation at first, it can be noted that he shot 44% from the field and 40% from deep last year, proving he isn’t just an inconsistent, shot-chucking guard.

Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik and Furman guard Alex Wilkins, who are both currently on campus, will just miss Davis as he will take an in-person visit sometime later this week according to On3’s Joe Tipton. He will likely clash with Utah guard Terrence Brown, who will visit Kentucky on Friday, April 17 per Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman.

As the portal season is in full swing, these players’ decisions will be crucially watched in the coming days for Pope and his staff.