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Kentucky basketball: Top transfer Arthur Kaluma to visit next week

By Mat Mlodzinski

Mar 24, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Arthur Kaluma (24) comes out of the game to attend to a cut on his arm during the second half of the NCAA tournament round of sixteen against the Princeton Tigers at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Arthur Kaluma (24) comes out of the game to attend to a cut on his arm during the second half of the NCAA tournament round of sixteen against the Princeton Tigers at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the best remaining transfers is taking a visit to Lexington next week. Former Creighton Bluejay Arthur Kaluma could make Kentucky basketball his next home.

A report on Friday afternoon from 247 Sports’ Travis Branham says the forward will be on a visit next week to Kentucky.

Kaluma, who was an NBA Draft prospect, decided to return to college for a third season. However, the 6-foot-7 forward is moving on from Creighton and on to greener pastures.

Or in this case, maybe just a better shade of blue.

Kentucky basketball is not alone in the pursuit of Kaluma. Other top programs across the country are looking to land arguably the best or second-best player left in the portal. Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas State, and Texas Tech have all expressed interest in Kaluma, among other teams.

Kaluma is the type of transfer that could change a program. He rose onto the scene as a freshman, averaging 10.4 points per game and 5.4 rebounds for the Bluejays. Kaluma put the country on notice after a 24-point, 12-rebound showing against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament round of 32 in 2022.

Last season, Kaluma’s averages went up slightly to 11.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG, also improving his efficiency from deep. The rising junior likely wants a bigger role, and could certainly get that on a Kentucky basketball team missing any sort of experienced, veteran piece.

Arthur Kaluma could be the heart and soul of Kentucky basketball

With such a talented freshman class coming to UK, it’s tough to confidently say Kaluma would be the number one option for the ‘Cats. But, if he does choose Kentucky, Kaluma’s role would certainly be a big one. He would likely start alongside three or four freshmen, serving as the leader in the locker room and on the floor.

Kaluma could also add rebounding and strong forward play to a Kentucky basketball team set to lose Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin, and Chris Livingston.

But the biggest need for Kentucky basketball right now (besides extra depth) is a veteran. Unless Antonio Reeves suddenly reverses course, the Wildcats will only have freshmen and sophomores on next year’s roster. It’s looking like that young of a team, so adding a player of Kaluma’s experience would help tremendously, let alone his skillsets.

A date for Kaluma’s visit to Lexington is not set, but we will update you on any additional information in his recruitment to Kentucky.

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