2025 5-star Darryn Peterson includes Kentucky in list cut

One of the top players in all of high school basketball, regardless of class, is still considering the Kentucky Wildcats. 2025 five-star guard Darryn Peterson, a native of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, has released the first official list of his recruitment.

Admittedly, it’s long — 16 schools long, in fact. But it’s a list including Kentucky nonetheless.

Peterson will consider the following programs moving forward: Auburn, South Carolina, Baylor, Oregon, Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, North Carolina, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas, Texas, UCLA, Arkansas, Kansas State and Indiana.

Noticeably absent from the list that includes essentially a quarter of the entire Power Five? The Duke Blue Devils, who spent time recruiting the five-star guard early and were seen as a potential contender to land his services. But after failing to extend a scholarship ahead of his junior campaign at Huntington Prep, they’re no longer being considered at all.

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Kentucky makes a push for Darryn Peterson

As for Kentucky, John Calipari made a statement with his offer back in August 2022, Peterson becoming the first recruit to receive a scholarship as a rising sophomore. Calipari has historically avoided offers before prospects’ junior seasons, waiting to see physical development and maturity with his own two eyes before pulling the trigger.

Then he saw the 6-5, 195-pound shooting guard play.

Peterson is considered the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 shooting guard in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, a dynamic scorer capable of dominating the game at all three levels. He’s long with an NBA-ready frame, built for success at the collegiate level now. It’s part of the reason why a reclassification to 2024 is under consideration. Physically, he’s ready.

And Kentucky is happy to take his commitment whenever he’s willing to give it, whenever he’s ready to come.

Calipari and his staff will get the chance to pick up some momentum with the five-star guard when he takes an unofficial visit to Lexington for Big Blue Madness the weekend of Oct. 13. He’ll be there alongside fellow ’25 standouts Caleb Wilson and Darius Acuff Jr., among other blue-chip talent.

“My dad talks with them a good bit, so a relationship is there for sure,” Peterson said of Kentucky. “They let their guards go to work and give them freedom. Wherever I go, I want to fit in. I feel like I fit in with how they play.”

What is he looking for in a school?

“I’m going to look at wherever I fit in best,” Peterson added. “I want to go somewhere I can play my game and for a coach that is going to hold me accountable. Whichever school puts me in the best place to win.”

John Calipari hopes that school is the University of Kentucky.