The University of Kentucky basketball program has once again placed itself in a position to recruit and gain commitments from some of the most talented recruits in the nation. Three prospects in particular have recently put some thought into the possibility of committing to Kentucky.
The first of those being Ray Smith. Smith is a 6’8″ small forward from Las Vegas, Nevada and is rated by ESPN as a four-star recruit. ESPN also ranks him as the No. 8 small forward and as the No. 36 overall player in the Class of 2015. Smith recently cut his list of schools he’s considering down 10. His list includes Arizona, Arizona State, California, Georgetown, Louisville, Oregon, Southern California, Texas, UCLA, and Wake Forest. Kentucky most likely didn’t make the list because their recruitment of Smith only started very recently. However, there is still hope for Kentucky as Smith has said, “My 10 is not a hard 10. Someone can slide in at any time.”
Smith is already setting up official visits to schools and wants to be committed and signed by the time his senior season begins. Although there is still a chance for Kentucky, the window of opportunity is closing and they must act quickly.
There are more promising opportunities for Kentucky though, as they appear to be in a good position with Carlton Bragg. Bragg is a 6’9″ power forward from Cleveland, Ohio and is rated by ESPN as a five-star recruit. ESPN also ranks him as the No. 4 power forward and as the No. 11 overall player in the Class of 2015. It appears that Bragg’s recruitment will last much longer than Smith’s. Bragg has narrowed his list of school choices down to 11, however, he doesn’t plan to reveal that list until September. Kentucky will certainly be on it though.
Kentucky has recruited Bragg hard after finally offering him a scholarship in January, and Bragg seems to enjoy it. On the night of the national championship game, he tweeted a photo of himself wearing a UK hooded sweatshirt and has said that he was rooting for the Cats to win the title. Bragg is also friends with Charles Matthews, Kentucky’s only commitment thus far for the Class of 2015. Matthews will surely try to sway Bragg towards Kentucky.
Feb 23, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; A row of banners hang in Rupp Arena before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats and the Missouri Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The third recruit that Kentucky is eyeing is Jayson Tatum. Tatum is a 6’7″ small forward from Saint Louis, Missouri and is rated by ESPN as a five-star recruit. ESPN also ranks him as the No. 2 small forward and as the No. 4 overall player in the Class of 2015. Although all the major programs are after him, Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and St. Louis are the most recent to contact him.
Tatum’s recruiting process will most likely be a long one. He is remaining open to any and all schools, as he doesn’t have a specified list of schools that he’s seriously considering. Tatum has said, ““Any school, anywhere around the country is a possibility. It’s just where I feel most comfortable at with the coaching staff.”