Busting Brackets
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Kentucky Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

G Tyler Herro – Milwaukee, WI

Although originally committed to Wisconsin, Tyler Herro reopened his recruitment on Oct. 17, 2017. At this point, he became one of the most heavily sought-after recruits in the country, receiving visits from Kansas, Butler, Oregon, Villanova, and Kentucky in quick succession. During Herro’s second recruiting period, the No. 37 ranked recruit in the nation seemed to be heavily leaning towards joining UK and that is exactly what happened, committing to the school on Nov. 14.

One of the most polished offensive players in the class, Herro is remarkably skilled. At 6-foot-5, he has plenty of size to play the off-guard position and be a premier scorer. During his high school days, Herro was one of the best scorers in the state of Wisconsin. He was often able to get to his spots with ease and used his size advantage to rise up for jumpers from anywhere on the floor. In addition, his crisp handle allowed him to get more than enough separation for shots. As a senior for Whitnall High School, Herro averaged 32.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game on 49.0% shooting from the field, including a 40.2% clip from distance (on 184 total 3PA).

The primary skill that Herro will bring to Kentucky is his shooting. He excels from distance in both catch-and-shoot situations as well as pulling up off of the pick-and-roll. Because of his excellent ability to run off screens and get his shots off in a hurry, Herro does not need to have the ball in his hands for long in order to succeed. In fact, he doesn’t even need to score to help his team. Just the threat of Herro’s deep range on the court spreads the floor for his teammates to operate.

Kentucky shot just 35.7% (136th in the country) last season from deep so Herro joining the team adds a new dimension to the offense for Coach Cal.

According to The Cats’ Pause, Calipari had this to say about Herro:

"“I’m really excited about him. It’s like Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], nobody really knows. He’s truly an off guard who can score the ball. He’s got a great mid-range game, good in pick-and-rolls. He has a swagger about him that I like. But now, the greatest thing about Kentucky is that you’re going to get knocked around a little while. OK, where’s that swagger now?”"

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