Kentucky's 18-Year-old phenom Jayden Quaintance is still growing, literally

Kentucky basketball's Jayden Quaintance, who just turned 18, has grown to nearly 6'11" and 255 pounds, signaling massive potential as he recovers from his ACL injury.
Jan 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) controls the ball against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) controls the ball against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Updated measurements show the freshman big man has added height and weight, fueling excitement for his eventual debut

It’s easy to forget that many of the athletes we watch in college sports are still just kids, with bodies that are still developing. That’s certainly the case for Kentucky basketball’s prized sophomore, Jayden Quaintance, who is showing significant physical growth before ever playing a minute in a Wildcat uniform.

According to the latest official measurements from UK Athletics, Quaintance is now listed at an imposing 6-foot-10.5 and 255 pounds. This represents a significant jump from his high school measurements, and from last year. A near 2 inch height add, and 40 more pounds of muscle are showing he's still growing at such a young age, and he is committed to getting stronger, added pounds of muscle to his frame.

What makes this development even more remarkable is Quaintance's age. He just turned 18 years old in July, making him one of the youngest players in all of college basketball. The fact that he is still growing physically while possessing an elite skill set is a terrifying prospect for future opponents and a source of major excitement for Big Blue Nation.

Quaintance is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. However, reports indicate he has been progressing well in recent workouts. The Kentucky staff is hopeful he can return to the court as the team gets closer to the start of SEC play.

With a freshman season where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, the sky was already the limit. Now, with a bigger, stronger frame and potentially more growth on the horizon, his ceiling has been raised even higher.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Micah 7:7. #UpTheAlbion