The kid can start and be the hero of a number of other teams. Unless Cal promises him minutes, a starting role and NIL money to match whatever others value him at he should transfer . You would and would advise your kid to under the same circumstances.
Cal has a history of playing his freshman even when they don’t pan out other than more qualified backups. Think Skal, BJ Boston etc.
if he comes back to UK he will be the best player on the team ( not potential, next year) and should be the centerpiece of our offense and PR.
Failing that commitment he should leave .
TEAM FIRST . NOT PRO TRAINING GROUND.