Kentucky is getting into an early groove for the 2019 recruiting class. The Wildcats received a pledge from five-star wing Kahlil Whitney on Wednesday. Whitney is 6-foot-6 and ranked in the top 20 of his class by 247Sports. Kentucky was the choice over finalists such as Georgetown, Oregon, and Illinois.
For Kentucky, this pledge is a major sigh of relief, as highly recruited DJ Jeffries recently de-committed from the Wildcats. In a class heavy on wing talent, Kentucky secures one of the top five players at the position in the class as they position themselves to have one of the best recruiting classes in the country yet again.
The relationship between Whitney and the Wildcats only blossomed recently, but it seemed to be a strong connection immediately. Coach Calipari offered Whitney in late-July and hosted the star wing for a visit soon after. Subsequently, Whitney narrowed his list and pledged his allegiances to Kentucky.
Whitney referenced other Kentucky greats when asked why he chose Kentucky. “Growing up in Chicago I remember watching John Wall, Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Tyler Ulis. Coach Cal is a great person and great coach.”
I am committed to The University Of Kentucky!!? pic.twitter.com/WkjfKR3XO1
— THE DRAGON? (@KahlilWhitney) August 8, 2018
Whitney joins fellow five-star Tyrese Maxey and four-star Dontaie Allen in Kentucky’s 2019 recruiting class. The Wildcats’ class now ranks 2nd in the country, behind only USC. If history is anything to go off of, look for Kentucky to make a home there at the top for this recruiting cycle.
