Cancer Research Classic Recap: Dakari Johnson picks Kentucky and other recruits impress in front of John Calipari

The 6th annual Cancer Research Classic was loaded with Kentucky recruits, and by the end of the classic it would feature a Kentucky commitment. Dakari Johnson a 6-10 center from Montverde Academy(FL) picked Kentucky over Syracuse and Georgetown on Saturday night. Dakari is the #1 center in 2013, and #13 overall-he is the 6th member of the 2013 recruiting class John Calipari and staff are putting together. After his announcement Johnson told reporters that he “Just wanted to win a national title in high school and in college“. Kentucky’s quest for the “greatest recruiting class in history” just got a lot more likely with Dakari Johnson now apart of it.

Johnson’s high school squad Montverde took on Simeon(IL) who has Duke signee Jabari Parker. Montverde who is ranked #1 in the nation didn’t have any problem with Simeon as they won 82-53. Johnson ended the game with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Montverde will take on Huntington Prep who features Andrew Wiggins in early March at Freedom Hall, and that’s a must see for everybody.

Andrew Wiggins didn’t have his best outing as his team got upset by Prime Prep on Friday night. Wiggins still ended up with 18 points and 9 rebounds, but was not his dominating self that he usually is. I have to give credit to the Prime Prep(TX) squad as they came in wanting to prove a point that they deserve to be in the top 25, and they did just that. Emmanuel Mudiay took Wiggins out of the game early and Huntington Prep could never find their rhythm without their star. After the game Huntington Prep Coach Rob Fulford told reporters that “Nothing in Andrew’s recruitment has changed, and nobody knows anything including Andrew himself”. Fulford also added that Wiggins will take official visits in March after the high school season is over.

Emmanuel Mudiay was a amazing in my first time seeing him. Mudiay is ranked top 5 in the 2014 class, and is the #2 ranked point guard only behind Tyus Jones who also has an offer from Kentucky. Mudiay is an amazing athlete with a lot of hop to his game, but what I never knew was his leadership qualities that he provides as point guard. Kentucky fans know that Calipari wants more vocal leadership from Ryan Harrow-which he is getting now, but with Mudiay he won’t have to worry about that as he talks to his team from beginning to the end of the game. Mudiay was defending Wiggins who is 5 inches taller, but shut him down most of the game. Mudiay finished the game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. After the game Mudiay told reporters that “Everybody thinks Kentucky is my leader, but I have no leader at this point. SMU, Baylor, and Kentucky are recruiting him the hardest Mudiay said.

2015 Huntington Prep star Montaque Gill-Ceaser struggled as well with the Prime Prep defense as he only had 7 points. That won’t scare away John Calipari and staff as he loves Gill-Ceaser’s game. Kentucky hasn’t offered MGC, but I fully expect them to once they feel comfortable. Baylor and Ohio State have already offered him, and many other schools have shown interest including Kentucky.

Jahlil Okafor was the best player in the Classic this weekend. He was a BEAST as he dropped 30 and 14 to lead his Whitney Young team to an easy victory. I can see why everybody has him as the #1 player in the 2014 class, because nobody in high school can guard the big guy. Most 6-10 250 pounds guys can’t move like him, actually nobody can move like him as he is so quick from end to end. Jared Sullinger is the best comparison, but he is already better than Sullinger ever was in high school. After the game Jahlil told reporters “Some coaches have told me to move classes and go to 2013, but I will stay in 2014“. He also said “While he has no visits lined up at this point, Kentucky will get a visit from me“. Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor are best freinds and have talke about the possiblity of being a package deal in college. Both have offers from Kentucky.

Some other names that came onto Kentucky’s radar over the weekend were……..

Elijah Thomas-2014

D’angelo Russell-2014

Tyus Battle-2016- who I thought was the most impressive player the whole weekend. Coach Cal and Coach O were already talking about this superstar freshman.