Recruiting Updates for ’13 & ’14

Starting off in 2013:

Four-star forward from New Jersey, Tyler Roberson was visited by John Calipari last Tuesday. The 6’8” star is one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2013 class. In a recent interview, Roberson’s AAU coach said that his player could eventually become the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. Since Roberson plays with the same coach as former #1 pick Kyrie Irving, he should know what he’s talking about. When asked to compare Roberson to an NBA player, he immediate said Kevin Durant. With Roberson’s 7’1” wingspan, and runs the floor like a deer. Roberson holds offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, Alabama, Kansas, Rutgers, Seton Hall, and SMU.

Recently named #1 player in the 2013 class by Rivals, Julius Randle may have a shorter list in the coming days. After a few in-home visits, Randle’s coach believes he will trim his official list very soon. It seems that the ‘Cats have always been high on Randle, and vice-versa. I expect Kentucky to stay in the hunt for his services until the very end.

As much buzz as the Class of ’13 is getting, 2014 looks to be another top recruiting haul for Calipari and UK.

Here’s some updates:

The #12 player in the class is set for a visit from John Calipari. Coach will be spending his Friday in Minnesota checking out the player who is called the most lethal offensive two-guard in the nation. Rashad Vaughn is 6’6”, has serious handles, and can shoot the ball from deep with ease. He is a slasher to the rim, and is the most lethal in catch and shoot situations. The combination of those skills sounds like a perfect fit for the dribble drive motion offense. Vaughn currently does not hold a UK offer.

John Calipari and assistant coach Orlando Antigua was in Indiana today to check out 6’8” power forward Trey Lyles. Lyles was recently in the news for supposedly being on UK’s campus during a dead period and while he was still committed to the Indiana Hoosiers. Lyles’ dad as strongly denied the claims. Lyles loves to put the ball on the floor and score in the post. If he becomes a ‘Cat, he should greatly prosper in the up-and-down style of offense Kentucky runs.

The newest offer extended from Kentucky to a ’14 recruit belongs to Jahlil Okafor. Okafor is from Chicago and until recently, coaches were not allowed to contact Chicago area recruits until the teacher’s strike had been resolved. Cliff Alexander, another Chicago native already holds an offer from the ‘Cats. Okafor’s offer is interesting, because during the summer it seemed Calipari and Co. would focus mainly on Alexander. Due to the fact that Okafor already has established relationships with other powerhouse programs, Kentucky seemed to keep it’s distance until now. While it is very unclear whether Okafor will consider becoming a ‘Cat, the offer is now there.

Even more interestingly, Okafor is reportedly best buds with another UK recruit. Point guard prospect Tyus Jones had heard nothing from Kentucky until a breakout summer on the AAU circuit. Jones and Okafor have been reported to be a packaged deal to whichever school they decide to call home. Definitely something to keep your eye on for the future. Despite his relationships, Okafor and his high school coach are very insistent that the Kentucky staff will get every opportunity to impress the up and coming star.