Since SEC Network analyst/show host Paul Finebaum says it is time for Kentucky football fans to turn their attention to basketball, why not at least catch up on some of the latest basketball recruiting rumblings. Texas five-star power forward Daimion Collins as expected has Kentucky on his list of five potential college choices when he trimmed his list down from 10 this week. Also on the list are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Tech.
Bringing Jai Lucas on as an assistant coach elevated UK’s chances with Collins since Lucas had also been recruiting him for Texas. Oklahoma is still the perceived favorite for the 6-9 Collins but don’t count out the Lucas connection here for the explosive, athletic power forward. He’s also the kind of shot blocker John Calipari likes on his roster.
Now Hunter Sallis of Omaha is the type of point guard Calipari likes. Eric Bossi, who just moved from Rivals.com to 247 Sports, made his first recruiting pick in his new job. It was Sallis to Kentucky. Sallis a top 10 player in the 2021 recruiting class.
Bossi would not consider him a UK lock but has no doubts Kentucky will make the final cut.
Then there is former Louisville commit Bryce Hopkins, who has been seen as a huge UK lean. But Hopkins’ father, Clyde, recently told The Daily Hoosier said speculation about him being set on UK is not true.
He also indicated Indiana had a realistic chance with his son and praised the tradition of Indiana basketball.
Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Providence, Iowa State, Texas, Illinois, California and Oregon are on Hopkins’ final college list.
