Thus far in the class of 2023, Kentucky currently has received only one commitment, in-state five-star legacy recruit, Reed Sheppard.

As of recent, Kentucky has missed on several top recruits due to unfortunate circumstances, such as a family member being hired by another school (cough. James Wiseman. Cough. Cade Cunningham), or just not being a top choice. While the college basketball landscape has drastically with NIL and the transfer portal, it is no excuse and Kentucky has to adapt.

Kentucky has targeted several top guys in the class, so let’s learn about them and see where the Wildcats stand.

DJ Wagner

The prized No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, DJ Wagner, has long been presumed to be a Kentucky Wildcat. This is due to the connection between his father Dajuan Wagner, and John Calipari, who Dajuan has said multiple times that he owes his professional basketball career to.

However, recent momentum has been going towards the Louisville Cardinals, and if you are one to put stock into the 247 Crystal Ball predictions, Kentucky and Louisville are now even at 50%. With that said, Kentucky is helped by the fact that Kenny Payne did not hire DJ’s grandfather, Milt Wagner, to the UofL staff, despite rumors that he would.

It looks like it will come down to a rivalry battle to land Wagner’s services, and while he has yet to give any hint on where he is leaning, DJ says neither his father nor grandfather is pushing either way.

“They’re just telling me to go wherever I feel is best, do what’s best for me, what I want to do. Do what makes me happy. It definitely feels great that they’re hands-off and letting me make my own decision,” DJ said to The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker.

Justin Edwards

“It’s Kentucky. I don’t know what else to say. It’s Kentucky,” Justin Edwards recently said when asked about the program.

The 6-foot-7 product from Philadelphia is a top-10 player in the class and has become one of Kentucky’s top targets, and for good reason. The wing has become one of the top playmakers on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 19 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from three.

While a decision is not expected until this fall it is looking to be a battle of the checkerboards, between Kentucky and Tennessee. Both schools were listed in his final seven options, which he just released last week, and are considered to be the favorites amongst recruiting insiders.

Robert Dillingham

Forty-eight hours before his original commitment, Robert Dillingham had seven 247 Sports Crystal Ball predictions to Kentucky, however, he ultimately chose NC State. Yet, the recruitment is not over, as Dillingham decommitted from NC State back in March after they received NCAA violations.

Currently ranked as the top point guard in the 2023 class, Dillingham is the perfect modern point guard. While being a confident scorer from all three levels, Dillingham is also willing to make the extra pass and put his teammates in position to succeed.

Kentucky is expected to make Dilligham’s upcoming top five, and there is confidence among the coaching staff expecting Dillingham to ultimately commit to the Wildcats, as UK assistant Chin Coleman recently told Dillingham, “I’m not gonna lose this time”.

Aaron Bradshaw

One of Kentucky’s most recent offers and the teammate of DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw is a 7-footer that is ranked as one of the best centers in the class. Known for his shot-blocking ability, Bradshaw ranks second in the Nike EYBL circuit with 3.2 blocks per game.

Bradshaw and Wagner could come as a package deal, but could also go their separate ways, but either way, Kentucky is high on Bradshaw’s list. “If DJ goes or he doesn’t go, it doesn’t matter. Kentucky is top five for me, for sure,” Bradshaw told Kyle Tucker.

Matas Buzelis

Picture a long and lanky 6-foot-10 wing that can handle like a guard and shoot lights out from three. Are you thinking of Kevin Durant? Jabari Smith? Try, Matas Buzelis.

Currently averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, while shooting 60 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, Buzelis is a type of player that has never played at Kentucky, and would be a big piece to motivate Calipari to play a more modern brand basketball.

Buzelis does a have a good connection with UK assistant Chin Coleman, as Buzelis formerly played for Mac Irvin Fire, a program from Chicago that Coleman used to coach and direct. With that said, Kentucky looks to be competing with Duke and most recently, North Carolina, for the Lithuanian’s services.

Andrej Stojakovic

The “Stojakovic” name may sound familiar to many, as Andrej is the son of three-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion, Peja Stojakovic, one of the best shooters in NBA history. The shooting genes must run strong in the family, as Andrej is considered one of the best, if not the best, shooters in the class of 2023.

Stojakovic’s stock is rising as fast as any other recruit in the country, and Kentucky is not the only school taking notice. In just the last month, Stojakovic has received over a dozen other offers from power five schools including Kansas, Oregon, UCLA, and Texas among others.

With that said, the Kentucky offer seemed to carry a little more weight with Stojakovic telling 247 Sports, “it meant the world to me.”

As seen, Kentucky is in good position with many of the top recruits in the 2023 class, but they must capitalize and receive commitments.