Comparing Kentucky's 2024 recruiting class to current NBA stars
The 2024 recruiting class for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats may not be done yet, but already the crew of players coming to Lexington next year is cause for celebration.
While this group will have to replace a ton of expected departures, including Antonio Reeves, Tre Mitchell, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, and DJ Wagner, there is a ton to like in the five players currently committed for next year.
Below is a look at the five members of the class of 2024, with a comparison to a modern NBA player included as we imagine what these prospects might look like not only in the Blue and White but at the next level as well.
Jayden Quaintance
Position: C
247 Rank: 7
Comparison: Bam Adebayo
Quaintance has tremendous length and athleticism for his age, and his ability to score around the rim and overall fluidity is reminiscent of another Kentucky star, Bam Adebayo. If Quaintance can develop more consistency as a shooter and ball handler, his physical traits could make him an incredibly special player both in Lexington and at the next level.
Billy Richmond
Position: SG
247 Rank: 20
Comparison: Stanley Johnson
Richmond is a 6'6 wing with a projectable frame, a high level of fluidity and explosiveness, and a prospect who can put pressure on the rim and distribute the basketball. His jump shot is the big issue right now, which is what separates him from being a truly special prospect and a Demar Derozan type. If Richmond can find more consistency as a shooter, look out. If not, he could end up looking a lot like Stanley Johnson, who was a solid role player for many years in the NBA.
Boogie Fland
Position: PG
247 Rank: 24
Comparison: Kemba Walker
Fland is a bit undersized but has long arms. He is an excellent shooter although he loves to take tough shots, hails from New York, and has improved as a facilitator and ball handler. That sounds an awful lot like former UConn legend and NBA All-Star Kemba Walker, who has had a prolific basketball career and one Kentucky fans would absolutely love to see Fland replicate - especially the part where he leads his team to a national title.
Somto Cyril
Position: C
247 Rank: 44
Comparison: Clint Capela
Cyril is nearly identical to Capela in height and weight, and Capela's tenacious rebounding skills and shot blocking ability are exactly what Cyril projects to bring to Lexington. Neither are particularly big offensive threats outside of rim running, but there is a ton to like about what Cyril is capable of bringing to coach Calipari's team, especially in light of this year's defensive struggles.
Travis Perry
Position: PG
247 Rank: 71
Comparison: T.J McConnell
Perry might well be a better shooter than McConnell, who has a career 33.5% mark from three in the NBA, but his abilities as a facilitator and defender are what Perry will hope to bring to Kentucky in 2024.
