DJ Wagner is "#1 by a large margin."

[Smashcat]

“He is No. 1 by a large margin,” Rivals.com national analyst Rob Cassidy told the Herald-Leader. “He does everything so well. He’s got the length. He defends. He scores. Truly at all three levels. You have people that you call three-level scorers, but this guy can really do it all, and he finishes with both hands. He’s extremely polished for a kid that’s so young. He has upside to him, too, but you can tell he’s been coached. You can tell he knows what he’s doing. He’s a facilitator. In my mind right now … I just think he’s probably No. 1 regardless of class. That’s how far ahead of his peers he is.”

Read more here: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...ecruiting/article252142843.html#storylink=cpy

 

[KYJamm]

I've watched him play a few times. He is... exceptional. If I were Calipari, I would be on him like stink on a skunk.

 

[STL_Cat]

No reason we shouldn’t get this guy, if he chooses to go to college

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If he's as good as advertised, then it really makes no sense for him to not go to the G-League for a year. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Cal is calling a favor in to Dajuan Wagner.

I also think that if DJ Wagner doesn't come to Kentucky, then I never want to hear about Cal cheating again. Name me a top-tier D1 coach who WOULDN'T land the top recruit whose dad was a former player of his. You better believe Coach K and Roy would have had this kid locked up 2 years ago..

 

[jmw23712]

If he's as good as advertised, then it really makes no sense for him to not go to the G-League for a year. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Cal is calling a favor in to Dajuan Wagner.

I also think that if DJ Wagner doesn't come to Kentucky, then I never want to hear about Cal cheating again. Name me a top-tier D1 coach who WOULDN'T land the top recruit whose dad was a former player of his. You better believe Coach K and Roy would have had this kid locked up 2 years ago..

Maybe the new changes with players making money off their likeness and all that will help entice him.

 

[ABlockalypseBrow]

If he's as good as advertised, then it really makes no sense for him to not go to the G-League for a year. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Cal is calling a favor in to Dajuan Wagner.

I also think that if DJ Wagner doesn't come to Kentucky, then I never want to hear about Cal cheating again. Name me a top-tier D1 coach who WOULDN'T land the top recruit whose dad was a former player of his. You better believe Coach K and Roy would have had this kid locked up 2 years ago..

Isn’t cheaters = recruiting winners, and the good guys = recruiting losers the exact bad logic we were fighting the first 6 years Cal was here?

And no, I don’t believe cheating was invented 2015-18, or whenever the FBI investigation began.

The truth is a lot of programs/brands cheat because they’re bad at the legal grey area of recruiting in the first place. Louisville sure weren’t recruiting titans and they were cheating through their eyeballs.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

G League or UK. Zero chance he goes anywhere other than UK if college is the route.

 

[420grover]

I've watched him play a few times. He is... exceptional. If I were Calipari, I would be on him like stink on a skunk.

I'm pretty sure that Cal has been in contact since he was born.

 

[Lempface]

I think he is a watershed recruit. If we can land him, he's as good as advertised, we have a great season, is a star when he goes pro, and we nail the NIL with him, then it'll set a stage that will make it hard for UK to miss on too many top players that they want. It'll also take away the allure of the Gleague and overtime or whatever that league is called.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

If he's as good as advertised, then it really makes no sense for him to not go to the G-League for a year. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Cal is calling a favor in to Dajuan Wagner.

I also think that if DJ Wagner doesn't come to Kentucky, then I never want to hear about Cal cheating again. Name me a top-tier D1 coach who WOULDN'T land the top recruit whose dad was a former player of his. You better believe Coach K and Roy would have had this kid locked up 2 years ago..

What is the argument for the G-League over Kentucky for a wealthy kid with extensive connections to the NBA? This is an honest question, not a snide one. Maybe there is an argument to be made for the G League, but it seems like the kid could have everything he wants and needs, plus stardom, at the U of K.

 

[Cawood86]

His dad was Cal's first OAD I believe. I'd say the family completely trusts Cal.

 

[hamidousvertical]

If he's as good as advertised, then it really makes no sense for him to not go to the G-League for a year. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Cal is calling a favor in to Dajuan Wagner.

I also think that if DJ Wagner doesn't come to Kentucky, then I never want to hear about Cal cheating again. Name me a top-tier D1 coach who WOULDN'T land the top recruit whose dad was a former player of his. You better believe Coach K and Roy would have had this kid locked up 2 years ago..

If he is that good, and has a very wealthy family, why not go to Kentucky for a year to make sure you build your brand in an established way? What’s the rush? So far the GL is no comparison as far as building a brand and becoming a household name…. Unless you watch a lot of ESPN ocho.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

What is the argument for the G-League over Kentucky for a wealthy kid with extensive connections to the NBA? This is an honest question, not a snide one. Maybe there is an argument to be made for the G League, but it seems like the kid could have everything he wants and needs, plus stardom, at the U of K.

The one caveat is the wealth. So you're right. If money really doesn't matter, then that plays into our favor. But its not just about money. The G-league is specifically there to get the elite recruits ready for the NBA. That's it. That's their mission. The rules are the same as the NBA (mostly, at least) and the style is the same. Think about it.. the G-league was created because there was a belief that College wasn't worth it for the top5 type players. It was created out of a need and a market, not just happenstance.

If he is that good, and has a very wealthy family, why not go to Kentucky for a year to make sure you build your brand in an established way? What’s the rush? So far the GL is no comparison as far as building a brand and becoming a household name…. Unless you watch a lot of ESPN ocho.

Are they "very wealthy"? I have no idea. It's not like Wagner had some lengthy career.

The G-league is no comparison as far as building a brand? Lol, you sure about that? For starters, is this whole "brand" thing even important? Or is it overblown? Pretty sure guys like Kuminga aren't missing out on whatever brand they would have had at Duke or MSU. Guys like Kuminga didn't go to the G-league because they care about someone watching their pre-professional games.

 

[YardCat]

Cal better pull his Trump card on him and tell him he will take care of him like he did his father. He can repay Cal with 1 year at UK.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Side stepping into this "Brand" thing I keep hearing about. What exactly did John Wall and KAT get in some way of branding, by coming here? Sure, they got a ton of fans (most of which refuse to watch them in the NBA, as we hear about every single day), maybe some opportunities to come get money for signings.. but what is that worth? Did AD and KAT get something from going to Kentucky that Damian Lilliard or Luka Doncic didnt?

What brand do thes guys have when half of this forum literally says "I don't care what they do in professional ball"?

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

The one caveat is the wealth. So you're right. If money really doesn't matter, then that plays into our favor. But its not just about money. The G-league is specifically there to get the elite recruits ready for the NBA. That's it. That's their mission. The rules are the same as the NBA (mostly, at least) and the style is the same. Think about it.. the G-league was created because there was a belief that College wasn't worth it for the top5 type players. It was created out of a need and a market, not just happenstance.



Are they "very wealthy"? I have no idea. It's not like Wagner had some lengthy career.

My counter argument, FWIW, is that UK can do a better job preparing a young player for the hot spotlight on an enormous stage.

Also, the internet says DE earned $8M in salary, presumably more in endorsements.

I honestly have no idea what Wagner will or should do and I’m not trying to be argumentative. I’m just curious about the perception that the G League is a better option for a top player. For me, that argument rests chiefly on salary and unlimited coaching/facilities, but for a player in Wagner’s unique circumstances, I hope UK offers an equally or more appealing option.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

My counter argument, FWIW, is that UK can do a better job preparing a young player for the hot spotlight on an enormous stage.

Also, the internet says DE earned $8M in salary, presumably more in endorsements.

I honestly have no idea what Wagner will or should do and I’m not trying to be argumentative. I’m just curious about the perception that the G League is a better option for a top player. For me, that argument rests chiefly on salary and unlimited coaching/facilities, but for a player in Wagner’s unique circumstances, I hope UK offers an equally or more appealing option.

That's surprising.. I knew Wagner had a short career.. but he legit only played 4-5 years. That's it. Kind of crazy. Surprised he even got 8 millions out of that.

Well, everyone who went to the Gleague this year enjoyed it. It worked for all of them.. and they each made $300,000 or more. It was an immense success. A place like UK might have the edge on the spotlight they offer.. but idk if that matters to them. What is a player like DJ thinking? "Man, Kentucky has a wild arena and that will help me get ready for the Pros".. or.. "I'm 18 and I'm going to get $500,000 to play in a farm league that's designed for the pros"? Just think were overstating the importance of a single year in college.

Bro, your the second person who apologized today for having a debate. You're fine lol. This place doesn't need to be the cesspool that some try and turn it into. I love debating this stuff.

 

[drew_ukfan]

I'm pretty sure that Cal has been in contact since he was born.

I’m pretty sure Cal delivered him

 

[bucsrule8872]

If it’s college, it’s to play for Cal. DJ’s dad considers Cal like a father. They are very tight.

 

[hamidousvertical]

The one caveat is the wealth. So you're right. If money really doesn't matter, then that plays into our favor. But its not just about money. The G-league is specifically there to get the elite recruits ready for the NBA. That's it. That's their mission. The rules are the same as the NBA (mostly, at least) and the style is the same. Think about it.. the G-league was created because there was a belief that College wasn't worth it for the top5 type players. It was created out of a need and a market, not just happenstance.



Are they "very wealthy"? I have no idea. It's not like Wagner had some lengthy career.

The G-league is no comparison as far as building a brand? Lol, you sure about that? For starters, is this whole "brand" thing even important? Or is it overblown? Pretty sure guys like Kuminga aren't missing out on whatever brand they would have had at Duke or MSU. Guys like Kuminga didn't go to the G-league because they care about someone watching their pre-professional games.

Considering Kuminga, Green, Nix, Todd were were seen as must have prospects by prominent colleges one would imagine they would have a considerable following by now. But, alas, I don’t know many that are following GL IgNitE and drooling over every box score and/or packing the house to see them. Matter of fact they aren’t even catching half the following they would if they had attended the lowly colleges that had nothing to offer them minus free education, housing, and many more prime time games that would far exceed the viewers they would get on ESPN ocho. Not to mention the superior coaching, culture, and exposure. This would, naturally, create a much more lavish following and generate a much bigger “brand” considering they went all John Wall or, more recently, Suggs all over their opponents.

Moral of the story- go to GL and, sure you’ll get paid while you watch some college athlete take your #1 pick and buzz considering they back it up.

 

[BlueBloodKyFan]

I've watched him play a few times. He is... exceptional. If I were Calipari, I would be on him like stink on a skunk.

He has been it just depends if he goes G Or over seas

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Considering Kuminga, Green, Nix, Todd were were seen as must have prospects by prominent colleges one would imagine they would have a considerable following by now. But, alas, I don’t know many that are following GL IgNitE and drooling over every box score and/or packing the house to see them. Matter of fact they aren’t even catching half the following they would if they had attended the lowly colleges that had nothing to offer them minus free education, housing, and many more prime time games that would far exceed the viewers they would get on ESPN ocho. Not to mention the superior coaching, culture, and exposure. This would, naturally, create a much more lavish following and generate a much bigger “brand” considering they went all John Wall or, more recently, Suggs all over their opponents.

Moral of the story- go to GL and, sure you’ll get paid while you watch some college athlete take your #1 pick and buzz considering they back it up.

What does a following get you? What is Kuminga missing out on by not coming to Kentucky? Some more Instagram followers? More autograph sessions? Sure.. but I still don't know what that's really worth.

Our own fans claim they don't support or follow these guys after they leave Kentucky.. so what good is this Kentucky brand? What exactly did Wall or KAT get by playing a year of college here that they can't get else where? The free education for a 1AD or 2AD athlete is mostly meaningless, they aren't coming back to finish their degrees. And is John wall getting any of this TV revenue? no, hes not. We all know that. I dont think these things you mention really matter to the elite players.

I'll always say that Kentucky is the best of the best for this "brand", but I just don't think it's worth what you assume it to be. At least not for the top5-10 guys. They will continue to go to the G-League, so long as the NBA keeps shelling out half million dollar salaries and working, specifically, to get these guys to their big NBA contract.

 

[JonathanW]

Side stepping into this "Brand" thing I keep hearing about. What exactly did John Wall and KAT get in some way of branding, by coming here? Sure, they got a ton of fans (most of which refuse to watch them in the NBA, as we hear about every single day), maybe some opportunities to come get money for signings.. but what is that worth? Did AD and KAT get something from going to Kentucky that Damian Lilliard or Luka Doncic didnt?

What brand do thes guys have when half of this forum literally says "I don't care what they do in professional ball"?

I think the thought is they were more well known Nationally and bigger marketing targets right out of the gate of being pro’s than non-UK/Duke top picks

 

[Sparky285]

Maybe the new changes with players making money off their likeness and all that will help entice him.

He also doesn’t “need” the money.

It’s fun to start making your own money, but his family isn’t in dire straights that $500,000 would help fix immediately.

But as someone said above, if he really is that good he doesn’t need to play college ball if he doesn’t want to.

Would love to have him.

 

[Sparky285]

What does a following get you? What is Kuminga missing out on by not coming to Kentucky? Some more Instagram followers? More autograph sessions? Sure.. but I still don't know what that's really worth.

Our own fans claim they don't support or follow these guys after they leave Kentucky.. so what good is this Kentucky brand? What exactly did Wall or KAT get by playing a year of college here that they can't get else where? The free education for a 1AD or 2AD athlete is mostly meaningless, they aren't coming back to finish their degrees. And is John wall getting any of this TV revenue? no, hes not. We all know that. I dont think these things you mention really matter to the elite players.

I'll always say that Kentucky is the best of the best for this "brand", but I just don't think it's worth what you assume it to be. At least not for the top5-10 guys. They will continue to go to the G-League, so long as the NBA keeps shelling out half million dollar salaries and working, specifically, to get these guys to their big NBA contract.

If Zion quietly plays in the G-League he doesn’t get $80 million from Jordan the day he declares for the draft.

He’d get a much smaller deal, and after a year or two he’d be a star and demand a big deal anyways, but he wouldn’t have been set for life at 19 had he not played college and been a sensation.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If Zion quietly plays in the G-League he doesn’t get $80 million from Jordan the day he declares for the draft.

He’d get a much smaller deal, and after a year or two he’d be a star and demand a big deal anyways, but he wouldn’t have been set for life at 19 had he not played college and been a sensation.

Well, that IS Zion. He was going to get the deal because he was a player who turned heads, which to shoe companies, is more important than being the actual best player on the floor. Morant and RJ got theirs, but didn't see for how much. But it's not like G-League players aren't going to get their deals in due time.

Let's wait and see who gets what shoe deal as the draft gets closer. I don't see why Kuminga and Green wouldn;t get the same type of deals that Suggs and Cade get. But these companies might also be waiting to see if the G-League really IS helping these guys prep better for the NBA.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

@Sparky285

Looks like Jalen Green got a 7-figure shoe deal, a year ago. It doesn't seem to be on the level of Zion's, but what's interesting is that Jalen Green got his shoe deal before ever playing a single post-highschool game


I bet most shoe companies are waiting to see if its worth investing in players from the G-League. But I don't see any difference offering a shoe deal to a college freshman or a rookie G-League guy.

 

[Dablueman]

What does a following get you? What is Kuminga missing out on by not coming to Kentucky? Some more Instagram followers? More autograph sessions? Sure.. but I still don't know what that's really worth.

Our own fans claim they don't support or follow these guys after they leave Kentucky.. so what good is this Kentucky brand? What exactly did Wall or KAT get by playing a year of college here that they can't get else where? The free education for a 1AD or 2AD athlete is mostly meaningless, they aren't coming back to finish their degrees. And is John wall getting any of this TV revenue? no, hes not. We all know that. I dont think these things you mention really matter to the elite players.

I'll always say that Kentucky is the best of the best for this "brand", but I just don't think it's worth what you assume it to be. At least not for the top5-10 guys. They will continue to go to the G-League, so long as the NBA keeps shelling out half million dollar salaries and working, specifically, to get these guys to their big NBA contract.

I don't see the g-league guys getting drafted any higher than the college kids. And since their first contract is capped. It's all about performance during that first contract that helps to max out their second. Until the g-league rookies start to outshine the college kids it really doesn't help their NBA money.

As for the branding benefits. It may not make much difference in their NBA contract but let's be honest for the type of players we are talking about top 5 HS kids making a name for themselves in college does help with their first big time endorsement contracts. Their first shoe contract usually is worth more than their first NBA contract.

With NIL they could start to see some of that money early. The kid were talking about already has a step brother here and parents who trust Cal will do what's best for their son. I would have to say based on those two things alone we have an advantage over the g league.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

That's surprising.. I knew Wagner had a short career.. but he legit only played 4-5 years. That's it. Kind of crazy. Surprised he even got 8 millions out of that.

Well, everyone who went to the Gleague this year enjoyed it. It worked for all of them.. and they each made $300,000 or more. It was an immense success. A place like UK might have the edge on the spotlight they offer.. but idk if that matters to them. What is a player like DJ thinking? "Man, Kentucky has a wild arena and that will help me get ready for the Pros".. or.. "I'm 18 and I'm going to get $500,000 to play in a farm league that's designed for the pros"? Just think were overstating the importance of a single year in college.

Bro, your the second person who apologized today for having a debate. You're fine lol. This place doesn't need to be the cesspool that some try and turn it into. I love debating this stuff.

I agree with you and I'll go a step further. Universities exist to educate people. They don't exist for athletics. There are two points with respect to that. First, if a person isn't interested in going to class and getting an education, why go to college for a year if you have other professional options? I'm not sure going to college just to meet the year requirement is in the best interest of the player. Second, enrolling students that are just serving the one year out of high school requirement doesn't really serve the purpose of the university. Personally, I think all parties are better off if college is for athletes who want an education and professional leagues are for athletes who prefer to make money as soon as possible.

 

[Sparky285]

I’ll add that I’m pretty sure you get a lifetime scholarship to UK if you play one year at Kentucky, you never know what could happen and access to $250,000 worth of education with 0 debt doesn’t grow on trees.

 

[ABlockalypseBrow]

I agree with you and I'll go a step further. Universities exist to educate people. They don't exist for athletics. There are two points with respect to that. First, if a person isn't interested in going to class and getting an education, why go to college for a year if you have other professional options? I'm not sure going to college just to meet the year requirement is in the best interest of the player. Second, enrolling students that are just serving the one year out of high school requirement doesn't really serve the purpose of the university. Personally, I think all parties are better off if college is for athletes who want an education and professional leagues are for athletes who prefer to make money as soon as possible.

I agree with you in principle that colleges and league-hopeful players going their separate ways could be best. However, there’s way more league hopeful players than the GL will ever be able to support imo. The GL will never take off and replace the NCAA, it has pretty much nothing going for it and probably never will.

So the actuality is there will always be players in college who’d rather not be there but it’s their best option. In that reality, I hope we get some elite players who can appreciate what we offer.

 

[jrpross]

It’s UK or pro, and add time goes on, I’m thinking more and more that Kentucky will win out. He may end up in a category that contains just him, Wall, & AD after all is said & done.

 

[UK90]

I’ll add that I’m pretty sure you get a lifetime scholarship to UK if you play one year at Kentucky, you never know what could happen and access to $250,000 worth of education with 0 debt doesn’t grow on trees.

Honestly, this is such a laughably outdated argument in light of how things actually work these days.

Saying it’s worth 250K means nothing if they don’t actually get the degree or see that money, and none of Cal’s big time recruits ever do. Hell, you could claim it’s worth a billion dollars and it will still be equally meaningless to them.

Top recruits choose us only for our basketball program and its value as a springboard to the pros. None are thinking about the value of a degree they have no intention of ever getting.

 

[bigblue1971]

Is there any chance Wagner reclassifies to 2022 or is he too young? If he could move up along with the guys we're in on, my goodness what possibilities.

 

[Sparky285]

Honestly, this is such a laughably outdated argument in light of how things actually work these days.

Saying it’s worth 250K means nothing if they don’t actually get the degree or see that money, and none of Cal’s big time recruits ever do. Hell, you could claim it’s worth a billion dollars and it will still be equally meaningless to them.

Top recruits choose us only for our basketball program and its value as a springboard to the pros. None are thinking about the value of a degree they have no intention of ever getting.

I’m saying that in the event of unfortunate circumstances, it is a nice little insurance policy.

You really need convincing after the tragedy this program just had that anything can happen?

Look I wish medical emergencies, injuries and accidents never happened, but your career can end while you’re sitting on the couch, look at Chris Oats, seemingly NFL bound linebacker, fighting for his life, he did nothing wrong and nothing to deserve that. I hope he gets to pursue whatever degree he’d like to at this university at no cost and lives a great life.

So no, I don’t think a lifetime scholarship is anything to scoff at. I don’t find it to be laughable like you do. I didn’t say it was the premier reason to come, I said anything can happen and it’s nice to have.

 

[Sparky285]

And if you go to school as an out of state student at UK without a scholarship you could EASILY rack up hundreds of thousands in debt. So I don’t really know why you’re acting like my number is hyperbolic, I didn’t say the education was priceless or worth x million more over not having it, though it is, I’m just not going to put an arbitrary number on it.

I was literally talking about the direct costs the lifetime scholarship would cover should he need to use it.

 

[blueshark]

Is there any chance Wagner reclassifies to 2022 or is he too young? If he could move up along with the guys we're in on, my goodness what possibilities.

Pretty sure he’s young even for the ‘23 class. Without looking it up again, I think he wouldn’t turn 17 until his freshman year if he reclassified.

 

[GonzoCat90]

DJ just turned 16 in May.

He's not a held-back guy who developed early and is dominating smaller guys that will eventually pass him. He's just a stud that will only get better.

 

[MyCatsWin]

He is a lock to come here, only question is does he deliver number 9 or number 10.

 

[Smashcat]