Kentucky basketball needs a big man so they are looking north to Canada.
It’s no secret how much Kentucky basketball has struggled in the paint this season and in need of some bulk so when Enoch Boakye announced he was de-committing from Michigan State the Wildcat coaches quickly took notice.
Boakye, the No. 20 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports Top150, had committed to the Spartans back in July along with the No. 1 recruit in the class, small forward Emoni Bates.
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound center out of George Harris Prep in Mississauga (Ontario) just outside of Detroit previously shunned offers from Arizona, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Wake Forest to name a few and signed back in July 2020.
Boakye is still a potential re-class prospect who still could move up to the 2021 recruiting class has made it clear to many along with SI’s Jason Jordan that he wants to go somewhere to be the face of the program.
Michigan State is also having a tumultuous year just as Kentucky is, but the returning players including a plethora of bigs played an impact on rethinking his decision.
"“Just doing a lot of research with my people and watching a lot of games, it looks like they will have a lot of guys staying, I want to go to a place where I have the opportunity to make an impact right away. That’s the No. 1 goal of mine.”"
Well everyone wants to be the face of the program at Kentucky but coach John Calipari makes it clear to all of the recruits that they have to earn that pedestal.
Interest in the big man has skyrocketed so Calipari and his coaches need to make fast inroads.
"“I don’t really have a timeline for deciding now. At the same time, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. I think things will move fast. I think eventually I’ll get to a top three and then I’ll announce.”"
According to multiple sites schools jumping into the pool include Arizona, Arizona State, Duke, Baylor, Gonzaga, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, USC, and Washington State.
One thing in Kentucky’s favor is just before the pandemic hit he managed to take an unofficial visit to Lexington in February so he knows just what to expect to find in the Wildcats and Lexington.
Just what would he bring across the boarder and to the Bluegrass?
According to 247Sports’ Evaluation:
"“Talented center with an extremely high upside. Impressive frame with wide shoulders and long arms to go with pretty good hands for a young post. Has legitimate body control and ball skills for the position; can grab rebound and start break. Plus athlete and force around the basket due to sheer size and motor. Could improve his post moves and touch. Has upside as rim protector. Floor is college starter but has easy NBA upside.”"
The difficult part also has been his inability to play this past year. A year ago he averaged 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks a game, but Candian athletics have been suspended across most of Canada this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He will turn 18 this March so can Calipari work some magic if he does choose to reclassify? That is right up Cal’s ally and I am sure Boakye is well aware too.