Former Kentucky target Jaron Pierre Jr. commits to SMU

Jax State's Jaron Pierre Jr. drives to the basket during college basketball action against New Mexico State in Jacksonville, Alabama February 20, 2025. Jax State fell to New Mexico State 61-52. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC - USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Kentucky first expressed interest in Conference USA’s Player of the Year, Jaron Pierre Jr. of Jacksonville State, when he first entered the transfer portal in early April. The Wildcats then flew to Dallas before the Final Four to meet with him in person, a sign the standout guard was a real target for Mark Pope rather than one of dozens to simply take a phone call or FaceTime with the staff.

Then, silence — no follow-up reports regarding visit plans or further contact. You had to keep him on the list of targets because of prior interest, but it certainly wasn’t because of any current traction with the redshirt senior, who averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 37.6 minutes per outing last season on shooting splits of 42.4 FG%, 38.2 3PT%, and 81 FT%.

Kentucky first turned toward Wesley Yates III, then quickly pivoted toward Lamar Wilkerson — where things are going extremely well with a decision coming soon, the Wildcats one of two finalists. What does that mean for Pierre? You heard rumblings of Ole Miss, Arkansas and Auburn at various points — the other finalists — after initially hearing from others such as Louisville, NC State, Alabama, Kansas and Texas.

Tonight, he officially committed to SMU, leaving all three of Kentucky’s SEC foes out to dry as the CUSA POTY turned down Chris Beard, John Calipari and Bruce Pearl to play for Andy Enfield.

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On3’s Billy Embody confirmed the news late Monday evening.

BREAKING: Conference USA Player of the Year Jaron Pierre commits to SMU.

Massive addition for Andy Enfield & Co.https://t.co/mM9Vbcykfb pic.twitter.com/nKaqw5QLkB
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) April 15, 2025

Another option off the board for the Cats as Pope and his staff look to put the finishing touches on Wilkerson.

Come on down?

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