Well, this isn't a fun write-up. Per Joe Tipton, scrappy transfer guard De'Shayne Montgomery has officially committed to Louisville. The news comes not only in the wake of the guard's visit to the 502, and subsequently, his contact with Kentucky. Even if he didn't end up visiting Lexington, he heard from Mark Pope and his staff and decided he's opt for the red and black.
Don't panic just yet, BBN, but you're certainly allowed to be aggravated with this one. Pat Kelsey and Louisville just nabbed a sneaky strong depth option and, once again, Kentucky will be forced to pivot.
Kentucky Forced to Pivot From De'Shayne Montgomery
Even if he hadn't started at Kentucky, Montgomery - a former Dayton Flyer and Georgie Bulldog - exhibitied the sort of steely defensive and downhill sensibilities that make a mainstay in the SEC. The fit-giving guard averaged north of two steals in his junior campaign.
When taken with 13 points, four boards and two assists per night, it isn't hard to see how Montgomery could've commanded major minutes at either of these schools. Unfortunately for Kentucky, he'll do it at the Yum Center.
Although, it isn't all doom and gloom for the blue and white. Kentucky has alternative options on the known board and, given the nature of the staff moving behind the scenes, likely beyond it as well.
Justin McBride and Jerone Morton currently define the former section, each visiting Lexington this week and offering specific need-fits with their respective, unique skillsets. At this point, Kentucky may be better off in taking what's available as the staff waits for Tyran Stokes' decision.
Either way, with Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins already in tow, the team has yet to come off the rails completely. Kam Williams and (expectedly) Malachi Moreno will bring experienced value back to the roster, too.
Mark Pope Must Find Fits
Finding fits alongside those surefire guys, if nothing else, should be the priority for Kentucky moving forward. Because again, regardless of Stokes' eventual choice, the blue and white will need a power forward who can stretch the floor aside from Moreno, as well as a scorer off the bench to relieve the aforementioned Diallo and Wilkins.
Again (again), see McBride and Morton.
It'll never feel good to come out on the wrong side of a mutual interest with the Cardinals, but for the BBN, the primary task remains firmly footed in Lexington. Let's focus on our squad until we run head-to-head with the guys down the road in the fall.
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