Kentucky Basketball: What to expect from the 2017 recruiting class

By Stuart Gill | Jun 2, 2017

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald's High School All-American players Nicholas Richards (4) and Jarred Vanderbilt and Quade Green (0) and PJ Washington Jr. who will all be attending the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2017 pose for a group photo before the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American guard Quade Green (0) dribbles the ball against McDonalds High School All-American center Brandon McCoy (44) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Quade Green

Coming in at No. 23 on ESPN’s Top 100, Quade Green looks more than capable of teaming up with Diallo to comprise one of the nation’s top backcourts. His dribble penetration, crafty passes, and confidence when pulling up for mid-range jumpers or deep threes make it hard not to think of De’Aaron Fox when you watch his tape.

While Diallo spent time going against Fox last spring and is more than capable of handling the basketball, it would make sense for Green to run the point while Diallo plays shooting guard. Green is 6’1 while Diallo is 6’5, and Green’s offensive game is more centered around his ability to get by his defender, draw help, and kick to the open man. With Diallo roaming the perimeter or making back-door cuts like Malik Monk was able to do all of last year, the Wildcats’ guards are going to be very hard to defend.

Green can do more than pass to teammates, though. He has a quick release and a diverse layup package that allows him to finish over larger defenders.

Furthermore, he is a terrific one-on-one defender. His well-rounded skill set will land him the role of the Wildcats’ next starting point guard, and he will be selected in the 2018 NBA Draft.

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