Checking in on the transfer portal. And the top Kentucky basketball recruiting links.
With the college basketball transfer portal now packed with more than 1,000 names, what is Kentucky up to as the program tries to fill out its 2022-23 roster?
The Wildcats are largely in wait-and-see mode, keeping an eye on the names hitting the portal and the behind-the-scenes buzz regarding each possible player of interest. UK has been largely cautious so far, with John Calipari’s primary focus still on guiding his current players though this offseason (and getting a better idea of who’s staying and who’s going). Still, there are some names for Kentucky fans to watch.
The Cats are almost certainly going to need perimeter help next season. Texas Tech’s Terrence Shannon Jr. and Illinois State’s Antonio Reeves are two to keep an eye on there. Shannon was a key component to the Red Raiders’ No. 1-ranked defense this past season. Reeves averaged 20.1 points per game and shot 39.0 percent from three-point range, a skill UK will be looking for this offseason.
If Oscar Tshiebwe leaves this offseason, the Cats are already positioning themselves as major players for Utah Valley’s Fardaws Aimaq and Morehead State’s Johni Broome, though neither transfer is expected to choose Kentucky if Tshiebwe stays, and there’s no timetable for his decision.
Beyond that, UK’s interests could change based on the departures of current Cats and/or intriguing new names to hit the portal. Stay tuned.
Top Kentucky basketball recruiting links
10 recruits to watch: Latest on UK’s top targets as AAU heats up
2023 star Mackenzie Mgbako has a final four and will decide soon
Star transfer Antonio Reeves plans to visit Nebraska this weekend
ESPN Plus: Shaedon Sharpe is No. 6, Oscar 44th in new mock draft
SB Nation mock draft has Shaedon Sharpe in the No. 7 spot
UK is No. 1 in the Washington Post rankings for the 2022-23 season
CBS ranks Terrence Shannon Jr. as the No. 2 transfer in the portal
Fox Sports’ NBA mock draft: Shaedon Sharpe at No. 10; TyTy 12th
National analyst: Turns out Duke, UNC aren’t going away after all
Yahoo betting: UK might be the one future bet worth making now
NY Post: What to watch for in a wild college basketball offseason
Ex-Duke star thinks there’s a ‘legit chance’ Mike Krzyzewski returns
With NCAA ruling looming, future uncertain for Bill Self and Kansas
Tennessee’s Kennedy Chandler entering NBA Draft, hiring an agent
Duke looking at transfer point guard Nijel Pack of Kansas State
More Next Cats links: North Carolina about to land No. 1 recruit?
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
