Kentucky Basketball is on the board in the 2020 recruiting class, landing five-star wing BJ Boston Saturday afternoon
John Calipari has landed his first big punch in the 2020 recruiting class by securing a Saturday afternoon commitment from five-star and top-ten prospect BJ Boston. Boston, whose official first-name is Brandon, has confirmed his intentions to suit up for Kentucky Basketball following his official visit this past weekend, according to Tipton Edits:
2020 five-star Brandon Boston has committed to Kentucky. @bboston_ pic.twitter.com/HJewtJF4iD
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 27, 2019
Boston is the 10th ranked prospect in the nation per 247 Sports and comes in slightly higher in ESPN‘s rankings at 7th. Since essentially 2015, this has been Calipari’s most lucrative recruiting range. He hasn’t quite landed the top-five players recently but Cal is still bringing in lower-end top-ten talent. I’m not complaining. We have been on the brink of a Final Four in two of the past four seasons and have secured a top-five seed in each season since 2015.
I’m uncertain what Boston’s final role will be on next season’s 2021 team but he’ll definitely earn minutes. With great size for a two/three moldable wing at 6-6, encouraging defensive competitiveness, and a strong three-point stroke, BJ Boston will wiggle his way onto the court for a variety of purposes.
But pinpointing a particular stand-out skill is difficult at this point in his career. For what it’s worth, my buddy Kenny texted me right after Boston committed, commenting that BJ “reminds me of Brandon Ingram.” I don’t know if that’s because they share a first-name or because Boston actually resembles Ingram on the basketball court. But after reading a few tidbits regarding his game, the Ingram comparisons seem reasonable.
He’s a rather raw player but can shoot and oozes elite scoring potential at all three phases; plus, he’s a praised defender. Expect Boston to be someone who improves immensely from day one until the end of the season, a la Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Astounding start to the recruiting class and let’s hope Boston sits with the popular kids at lunch. Keep the train rolling. (Who got next, Jalen Green)?
Here are some Boston/Peach Jam highlights to tide you over until the 6-6 wing dawns the Kentucky Blue.