Kentucky HC Mark Pope to visit Five-Star Plus+ center, former Wildcats signee Jayden Quaintance

Raleigh (N.C.) Word Of God Christian Academy Five-Star Plus+ center Jayden Quaintance requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with Kentucky earlier this month, but the Wildcats aren’t giving up on the touted prospect just yet.

Quaintance tells On3’s Jamie Shaw that new Wildcats head coach Mark Pope will go in-home with the five-star for a visit tomorrow. The McDonald’s All-American has already visited Louisville, is scheduled to visit Memphis this Friday and is also working to finalize a visit date with 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.

He was the top-ranked member of UK’s 2024 class — which ranked No. 2 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings — but was the first signee to opt out of his NLI following the departure of head coach John Calipari, who left Lexington to become the new skipper at Arkansas.

Pope has been busy on the recruiting trail and working the transfer portal for the Wildcats since he arrived in the Bluegrass. He’ll now make his pitch to try and help Kentucky land Quaintance’s pledge for a second time.

UK’s 2024 class now features two prospects. Eddyville (Ky.) Lyon County four-star point guard Travis Perry was the lone recruit to stay signed with the Cats amidst the coaching change. Since Pope took over, he landed Farmington (Utah) four-star combo guard Collin Chandler — who flipped from BYU to follow the head coach. Chandler was a Class of 2022 product, but is just now arriving to college after serving a two-year mission.

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.”