Kentucky basketball 'not expected' to land 2024 center

Kentucky basketball had its sights set on another potential member of its 2024 class -- a big man who actually reclassified from 2025.

Julius Halaifonua -- a 7-foot center from New Zealand -- was getting interest from Kentucky in addition to North Carolina, Gonzaga, Xavier, Georgetown and others.

After announcing last week that he would be joining the 2024 class, there were some questions about how he would fit with the current makeup of the Kentucky roster.

Now, it appears the Wildcats will be looking elsewhere for that final scholarship spot. According to KSR.com reporter Jacob Polacheck, Kentucky is 'not expected' to be the team that lands Halaifonua. It appears it will come down to North Carolina and Georgetown.

Halaifonua's name started to pop up after a terrific showing at the NBA Academy games in Atlanta earlier this month. It is an event where former international players like Josh Giddy and Johnny Furphy made a name for themsevles. 

Halaifonua is ranked No. 60 overall by On3 and the No. 11 center. 

Kentucky's front court is already pretty crowded with Amari Williams, Andrew Carr and Brandon Garrison as more traditional forwards, while Carr is the only one of the three that can step out on be a threat from three. 

Mark Pope has been adament that his final scholarship is extremely important but also isn't a spot he's just going to use, to use.

Now with the start of the fall semester set to begin in just about a month, it'll be interesting if another name makes its way on the Kentucky basketball recruiting board.