Per JP:
Have a pretty solid feel for Kentucky's plan for the 13th scholarship spot, along with some other notes that should provide clarity for their big-picture efforts.
Several players they've talked to (including those publicly reported as possibilities) wanted to play a ton as the focal point of the offense. They can't offer that right now unless they have no choice but to offer it to a game-changing talent. They'd rather not add anyone and keep it at 12 than bring in a solid player with big demands.
Kentucky is also trying to make up ground quickly with Caleb Wilson, who will take an official visit to Lexington this fall. Continue to hear the Cats are in phenomenal shape for Braylon Mullins and Malachi Moreno. Was also told Tounde Yessoufou is gettable for Kentucky, just may be one they have to spend a bit more on. Same can be said for AJ Dybantsa on a much grander scale, who will demand undoubtedly the largest NIL commitment in history --$3M-plus is the rumored number. They both like Kentucky, but will both like Kentucky more if the price is right.
Have a pretty solid feel for Kentucky's plan for the 13th scholarship spot, along with some other notes that should provide clarity for their big-picture efforts.
- Julius Halaifonua is an option for the Cats, but one of several. Have heard from a few different individuals there may be some academic hurdles to complicate his plan to reclass. Another school that had been in contact with him doesn't believe he'd get in as a '24 for their program. Do not get the sense anything is imminent with the 7-footer out of New Zealand. Think the transcripts will impact how things move forward there.
- Apparently that's been an issue with a few different guys they've pursued for the 13th spot. Had one player they pursued privately as a reclass option who had to turn Kentucky down recently because they couldn't get there academically.
- Another issue: role. Kentucky's ideal situation is bringing in a multi-year guy they can develop and turn into a big-time piece down the road. It's not set in stone (a superstar reclass or international piece would change that, I believe) but that's what makes the most sense.
Several players they've talked to (including those publicly reported as possibilities) wanted to play a ton as the focal point of the offense. They can't offer that right now unless they have no choice but to offer it to a game-changing talent. They'd rather not add anyone and keep it at 12 than bring in a solid player with big demands.
- Allocation of funds has come up often. I get the sense that Kentucky is a little frustrated by the asking price of some of these high school players and/or their representation. Good players with superstar price tags may push them to make some polarizing recruiting decisions. Some fringe five-stars are asking for more than actual college All-Americans this cycle. What are you choosing if you're a coach looking to build a championship roster?
- Chris Cenac is a top priority from the Puma Circuit, which is why Pope made the effort to be there Friday and why Alvin Brooks Ill immediately filled in when he left.
Kentucky is also trying to make up ground quickly with Caleb Wilson, who will take an official visit to Lexington this fall. Continue to hear the Cats are in phenomenal shape for Braylon Mullins and Malachi Moreno. Was also told Tounde Yessoufou is gettable for Kentucky, just may be one they have to spend a bit more on. Same can be said for AJ Dybantsa on a much grander scale, who will demand undoubtedly the largest NIL commitment in history --$3M-plus is the rumored number. They both like Kentucky, but will both like Kentucky more if the price is right.
