Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Looking at the 2015 Class, Part V
By Paul Jordan
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few weeks, we have taken a look at Kentucky Basketball recruiting and the players that have gotten Kentucky offers and others that may get an offer soon. Today we close the book on the 2015 class and look a three more players that have not gotten offers from UK but UK has shown some interest in. It is probably unlikely that any of these player get offers, but who knows what can happen over the course of the year. It’s a long ways before this class is finalized, so who knows who can blow up.
Photo from Brandon Ingram’s Twitter: @B_Ingram13
BRANDON INGRAM
SF – 6’8, 180
Kinston – Kinston, OH
RIVALS: **** (24)
SCOUT: **** (26)
24/7: ***** (13)
ESPN: ***** (12)
NOTABLE OFFERS: Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Florida, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Louisville
As you can tell in the picture, Ingram is being heavily recruited by North Carolina and Duke and they are widely thought to be his leaders. Kentucky and Calipari have been late to get involved and are keeping an eye on Ingram and a strong summer on the AAU trail could get more attention. And it appears that he is open to any late overtures from any school, but it may have to happen soon.
"“I’m at an open point, but I plan to narrow down at the end of June and take a couple of visits,” Ingram said. “I think it’s kind of open right now. [I’m] just researching and doing my homework on every school that reaches out to me.” Ingram said Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Duke, Clemson, Wake Forest, Florida and Kansas are recruiting him the hardest."
Ingram has good size for a wing and he is a strong defender and rebounder. He has long arms and that allows him to block perimeter shots. He is an effective scorer inside but has a streaky outside shot, but can connect from up to 22 feet out. Ingram is definitely a player on the verge of becoming a five-star by all the major service and should continue to draw interest from other major programs.
Here is how ESPN evaluates Ingram:
"Strengths: Ingram is an extra long wing with a sweet stroke and deep range. He knocks down open threes on the break, spacing to the open area on the side of dribble penetration and springs off screens. He has a quick trigger and shoots over smaller defenders with ease. He is an excellent passer as he uses his length to see over the defense where he delivers the ball right on target. Ingram is a good straight line driver with a one or two dribble attack, elevate and finish. Weaknesses: Ingram must add strength and work on his ball handling when under intense pressure. He must also learn to stay aggressive and in attack mode throughout the game because he can score and pass with great efficiency. Bottom Line: Ingram is a wing with great size and skill. He has all the physical gifts to be a special player. He upside is off the charts with continued work and building of his game."