Charles Matthews picks KENTUCKY!

Photo @ESPNChiPowers

The Cats reeled in their first commitment in the 2015 class this morning when 5-star shooting guard Charles Matthews announced he would be attending the University of Kentucky in front of his friends and family at St. Rita’s High School in Chicago. Let’s get to know the newest member of La Familia…

CHARLES MATTHEWS
Shooting Guard
Chicago, Illinois (St. Rita)
6’6″ 172 lbs.

    
247Sports Composite: No. 12 overall, No. 1 shooting guard
Rivals: No. 11 overall
Scout: No. 15 overall, No. 4 shooting guard
ESPN: No. 12 overall, No. 4 shooting guard

Picked Kentucky over…

Illinois, Kansas, Michigan State, and Marquette

Scouting Report

Although hampered slightly by an ankle injury in his junior season, Matthews is still an impressive slasher that could flourish in the dribble drive offense. Here’s what the big guys have to say about his game:

ESPN: “Matthews is a long and lean athletic wing that can get to the rim and finish on the break. In the halfcourt he is an excellent slasher from especially along the baseline where he finishes with great touch and body control and uses his length to complete plays over smaller defenders. Mathews has an excellent first step and does a great job coming off curl screens and moving without the ball. His catch and attack moves into the lane really exposes the defense and creates help situations. He is a very capable on ball defender and has a pretty good defensive feel especially in help and recover situations. Matthews also displayed the ability to be a decent perimeter shot blocker.”

Rivals’ Eric Bossi: “An explosive guard, he’s particularly good working along either baseline. Gets out in transition and is an above the rim finisher when he wants. Doesn’t fully trust his jumper just yet and will be a load with more confidence in that and his handle. Very alert passer and potential to be a big time defender.”

Scout: “His game starts with his jump shot. Matthews has a very smooth release and an excellent follow through, and he doesn’t need much space to get a clean look. He loves to dribble into his shot and is very comfortable both from behind the three-point line and medium-range. Matthews is a fine dribbler who drives to the bucket on occasion as well, but he isn’t truly an explosive athlete. That said, additional strength should help.”

Video Evidence

Kentucky connection

Matthews played on the same AAU team (Meanstreets) as his friend and UK signee Tyler Ulis. Even more, Orlando Antigua played for Matthews’ high school coach, Gary DeCesare.

Welcome to the fam, Charles.