Five-Star Plus+ center Jayden Quaintance requests NLI release from Kentucky

Raleigh (N.C.) Word Of God Christian Academy Five-Star Plus+ center Jayden Quaintance has requested his release from his National Letter of Intent with Kentucky, On3’s Joe Tipton confirms.

The news comes following the departure of Kentucky head coach John Calipari, who resigned from his longtime post with the Wildcats to become the head coach of Arkansas.

Quaintance is the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the top center in the 2024 On3 Top 150.

Quaintance, a McDonald’s All-American, chose Kentucky over Missouri on Nov. 14. He also held offers from Ohio State, Florida, the G-League Ignite, and others. His relationship with Calipari was part of what put the Cats over the top when he announced his pledge.

He was the top-ranked member of UK’s 2024 class, which ranked No. 2 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Earlier this week, Riverview (Fla.) Overtime Elite four-star small forward Karter Knox backed off his decommitment to the Cats.

Three signees and a commit remain in Kentucky’s class: Harlem (N.Y.) Archbishop Stepinac four-star point guard Boogie Fland, Overtime Elite four-star center Somto Cyril, Eddyville (Ky.) Lyon County four-star point guard Travis Perry and Memphis Camden four-star small forward Billy Richmond (commit).

Jayden Quaintance Scouting Summary

The physical nature of Jayden Quaintance’s presence is what pops immediately. Listed at 6-foot-10, he has long arms and a very strong frame. He moves very well for a player his size. He can open his hips and has no problem sliding his feet. A good rebounder, in and out of his area. He plays tough, and he plays with confidence. He tries to dunk everything within 10 feet. Establishes good position. Very explosive.

“Can put the ball on the floor, like to see him tighten the handle. Can knock down a jump shot, but would like to see him tighten up the mechanics and the footwork. He is very young for his grade, will graduate at 16. Started for USA Basketball 16U. Quaintance’s dad, Hamin Quaintance graduated from Kent State. He scored over 1,350 career points and 904 rebounds.