Tyrese Maxey was widely suspected to reclassify to this year’s incoming class. However, Maxey will remain in the class of 2019, and that’s a good thing for Kentucky basketball.
Tyrese Maxey committed to the Kentucky basketball program earlier this week. Maxey is a 5-star point guard from South Garland High School in Texas. He toyed with reclassifying to be in the UK backcourt this coming season. Maxey, via his blog, says that he’s staying the class of 2019.
Maxey’s decision to remain in the class of 2019 bodes well for the Wildcats. Not only does this keep next year’s backcourt from becoming overcrowded, but the Cats now have a solid addition to their backcourt for 2019.
Quade Green’s decision to return for his sophomore season is incredibly helpful for John Calipari going into next season. Green will be a leader for the incoming freshmen. Tyler Herro, Immanuel Quickley and Jermal Baker will join Green in the UK backcourt next season.
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Though not yet decided, it’s assumed that class of 2019 commit, Ashton Hagans, will reclassify to the class of 2018 and be eligible for next year’s Kentucky basketball squad. If Maxey reclassified, Big Blue Nation would’ve seen a gluttony of guards in UK’s lineup.
Hagans is a one-and-done player, and Maxey is waiting in the wings to take Hagans’ starting spot in 2019. D.J. Jeffries, a 5-star power forward, has already committed to the Cats for the 2019 season.
Calipari has his eye on other top level talent. Bryan Antoine, Scottie Lewis, Vernon Carey , Jalen Leque and James Wiseman are all considering playing for UK. All five are 5-star recruits in the class of 2019. Lewis, out of Eatontown, New Jersey, is thought to be the most likely of those five players to join the Kentucky basketball team.
There’s no telling how many more elite players can land for the class of 2019, but one thing is for sure. Maxey not reclassifying lessens the guards in UK’s backcourt next season, and gives the Cats a star when the season tips off in 2019.