Kentucky Basketball: How coaching the USA U19 team helps John Calipari
Although his roster for this season is set, John Calipari and his Kentucky Basketball staff already have their eyes on the future.
We all know the great recruiter that Kentucky Basketball head man John Calipari is, but coaching the USA U19 team gives him an even bigger advantage. Many players on the U19 roster have made their college decision but there five who still haven’t decided. That is music to Calipari’s ears because the relationships he builds now can help him in the long run. Of the guys still in high school only Brandon McCoy has committed to a school. This leaves four guys in Calipari’s sights for the next few weeks.
Louis King
King is a 6-foot-8 small forward out of New Jersey who can do it all. He has the ability to play on the wing and make jumpers, but he can also drive to the paint and take contact. The versatility that he would bring to Kentucky would be great for the program. King’s length is also something that makes him very special. He has the ability to run and even guard the 1-4 positions on the floor. What he can offer to a team is something special. Hopefully he takes a liking to the way Calipari runs things and this won’t be the last time we see him. He currently doesn’t have an offer from Kentucky, but that may change based on is performance in Egypt this week.
Romeo Langford
Langford who is regarded as one of the best shooting guards in the class is also on Calipari’s radar. The 6-foot-5 prospect from Indiana can score in a plethora of ways. He can get to the rim with ease and also has a nice touch from outside. Being from Indiana it’s assumed he knows a little bit about the Kentucky basketball history. If everything goes well for Calipari he will be able to work his magic and reign in Langford. If Hamidou Diallo leaves after this season like many expect, Langford could come in and make an immediate impact for the Cats. We’ll see if Coach Cal can work his magic while they are out in Egypt.
Immanuel Quickley
The 6-foot-3 point guard from Maryland is one of Kentucky’s top targets for the class of 2018. Immanuel Quickley has showed a lot of interest in Kentucky and Kentucky has shown a lot of interest in him. “Kentucky is definitely the favorite.” Quickley said last week. This is music to Calipari’s ears, because if they land him, he will lure in other recruits. The time that they are spending together overseas will hopefully help Calipari close out Quickely’s recruitment. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kentucky players on that team are influencing him as well.
Cameron Reddish
Reddish is a player whose size and skill could compliment the NBA style of play the best out of all of these players. At 6-foot-8 Reddish is a small forward who has skills of a point guard. His ability to score as well as grab rebounds and dish out assists is something special. When his time comes he will likely be a top player on NBA scouting boards. Calipari would love to bring a player of his caliber in. If he and Calipari can build a strong relationship now, that will help months from now when Reddish chooses where he will attend school.
Next: Building the perfect 2018 recruiting class
Calipari isn’t the only recruiter for Kentucky in Egypt. Also playing on this U19 team in Egypt is shooting guard Hamidou Diallo and forward PJ Washington. These two can also help recruit and convince players that joining Big Blue Nation is the right choice for them. We’ll see what impression Calipari and his players leave on these recruits. Kentucky is in good hands with these three.