Door remains open for Kentucky with former signee after eliminating Arkansas from list

The top-rated Kentucky signee will not be following John Calipari to Arkansas -- in a major development.

On Tuesday afternoon, 247Sports national basketball director Eric Bossi reported that Jaydn Quaintance has eliminated Arkansas from his list and will no longer be considering a reunion with Calipari.

That is on the heels of the reports that Kentucky head coach mark Pope would be meeting with Quaintance on Tuesday.

Up to this point, Quaintance has visited Louisville and has another visit set up with Memphis. But, the door remains open for Kentucky to keep a signature prospect.

Quaintance is just 16 years old and will not be eligible for the NBA Draft until 2026, meaning he would need to stay two years in college. That would certainly be a significant piece to the beginning of Pope's tenure.

In the NBPA Top 100 Camp this past summer, one of the standout non AAU events, Quaintance was a major standout, averaging 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.

"Quaintance is one of the most naturally talented prospects in the country," 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein wrote. "He's 6-foot-9 with massively long arms (7-foot-3-plus wingspan), vertical athleticism, a strong frame, good hands, soft touch, shooting potential, natural face-up skill, and signs of a passing instinct. He also runs the floor well and is a solid rebounder when he commits himself."

While Kentucky still has some work to do, still being in the fight at this point is a significant step for Pope. Now, let's see if he can seemingly come from behind for a last minute massive win.