Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 2020 targets for the Wildcats

Joshua Christopher – Mayfair HS (CA)

SG | 6-foot-4 | 200 lbs | No. 9 overall

EYBL Stats: 21.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.2 apg

Joshua Christopher is a bucket-getter. With a strong build and plenty of confidence, he can fill it up a hurry at all three levels – that is something that every team needs. Additionally, though, he is extremely competitive on the defensive end of the floor. With his size and athleticism, Christopher can defend either backcourt slot when needed and more than holds his own. His two-way potential is extremely high and it should come as no surprise that he is a top-10 prospect in the class. With that said, though, there is room for improvement with his 3-point shot. He shot just 17-for-76 from distance on the EYBL circuit.

At this point in time, Kentucky seems to be one of the favorites to land Christopher. The ‘Cats hold both crystal ball picks for the young shooting guard and he has mentioned UK as one of the programs recruiting him hardest at this moment. Some of the other schools to watch out for include Arizona State (his brother plays there) and Missouri (his cousin coaches there).

Brandon Boston Jr. – Sierra Canyon (CA)

SG | 6-foot-6 | 175 lbs | No. 10 overall

EYBL Stats: 22.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.2 apg

The grassroots teammate of previously mentioned Sharife Cooper, BJ Boston is a star in his own right. He is coming off an EYBL season in which he averaged over 20 points per game and now resides in the nation’s top-10 for the 2020 class. With a ton of size and length for a shooting guard, he is a tantalizing prospect with endless potential. He will need to add some strength to reach his ceiling on both ends of the floor, but he is a solid defender and an elite scorer both inside and out. There might not be a player with more potential than Boston in this class.

With regards to his recruitment, Kentucky seems to be in pretty good shape. The Wildcats hold five of the seven crystal ball predictions for his commitment and Boston will be on campus in late July as well. That will be a major opportunity for Coach Cal to make an on-campus pitch to the star wing before he heads to Sierra Canyon (CA) for this coming season.

Scottie Barnes – University School (FL)

SF | 6-foot-8 | 210 lbs | No. 6 overall

EYBL Stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.9 apg

Scottie Barnes is an incredibly intriguing prospect as a result of his athleticism and motor. He is seemingly always giving maximum effort when on the court and he does all of the little things. Additionally, though, he is a top-level athlete, elite passer, and is outrageously skilled around the basket. As a result, you would be hard-pressed to find a better fast-break leader in this entire class. His ability to grab a rebound and run an efficient transition opportunity is simply second-to-none.

The Wildcats are one of the eight schools in Barnes’ current list and they seem to be serious contenders. In an interview with Rivals, he stated that he could take a trip to Lexington in the near future. That visit could really help push Kentucky to the top of his list as he has only seen the campus once (never toured). With that said, though, he is not planning to make a final college decision until the late signing period.

Cam’Ron Fletcher – Vashon HS (MO)

SF | 6-foot-6 | 180 lbs | No. 36 overall

EYBL Stats: 11.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 apg

One of the more physical finishers in the 2020 class, Cam’Ron Fletcher brings plenty of size and length to the wing. He is a strong ball-handler and is always extremely aggressive when attacking the basket. Additionally, his versatility is quite enticing. Fletcher is an impressive defender with the ability to switch between multiple positions and he is also developing his offensive game with added passing and shooting skills.

With regards to his recruitment, Fletcher is down to five schools: Michigan State, Missouri, North Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky. At this moment, there does not seem to be a major favorite as three different schools hold crystal ball predictions. Kentucky looks to be near the top of his list but Missouri’s hometown pitch could be difficult to beat.