Kentucky recruit Malik Monk (Photo : Twitter)
The Big Blue Nation has been used to welcoming the most coveted high school players in the nation. That may not happen in 2016.
Since John Calipari moved to Kentucky, he has always had a top three ranked recruit. John Wall, Brandon Knight, Anthony Davis, Nerlens Noel, Julius Randle and Karl Anthony-Towns were ranked at the top 3 of their classes and his streak continues in 2015 with Skal Labissiere.
However, the outlook is different in 2016. The consensus top three (rankings change but essentially, it's the three of them) are Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson and Harry Giles.
Tatum has already committed to Duke. While Harry Giles and Josh Jackson are still uncommitted and while both have Kentucky on their final lists, the outlook is not as optimistic.
On 24/7 Crystal ball predictions, Duke is the favorite for Harry Giles with UNC and Wake Forest lagging far behind. It is expected that Giles will stay in-state and play in the ACC.
Josh Jackson also has three major programs in his list. Arizona is the frontrunner, with Kansas and Maryland following although Michigan State also has a solid claim on him.
It is unwise to bet against Calipari but even Kentucky locals are looking at other, "realistic" targets. The Courier-Journal listed the "best bets" to rock the hoops at Lexington.
De'Aaron Fox was the second best point guard in the class but an ACL injury to Dennis Smith Jr. propelled him to the top spot. Calipari initially targeted Smith, but since the young playmaker had the ACC as the priority(eventually signed with NC State), he shifted his sights to Fox. Recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer told the Courier-Journal: "My read on Fox is that Kansas was the favorite, but he always had his eye open for Kentucky or Duke, and Kentucky stepped up. So Kentucky's in great shape."
Malik Monk is hailed as "the next Vince Carter" for his athleticism and prolific scoring. His native Arkansas wants to keep him in-state, but Kentucky's allure of national prominence beckons. Meyer thinks this is a tighter race, a classic "hometown hero vs. fame" choice.
"I think Kentucky's got a great shot," Meyer said. "I feel good about it (for the Cats), but man, those are deep ties to Arkansas, obviously. That will be interesting to watch, but right now, if I'm pressed to make a prediction, I'd go with Kentucky."
Two top 10 prospects may be a dream for most coaches, but Cal has given the Wildcats a high standard. Even if the Wildcats would only get Monk and Fox from the top 10, there are other recruits and holdovers from the 2015 class to form a competitive team.
