Gabe Weis emerging as Kentucky's next major talent -- and the Wildcats have noticed

Washington County’s own Gabe Weis is only 15 years old, doesn’t turn 16 until March. He’s barely got a national recruiting profile at this point, not currently ranked by any of the major services. Mostly an unknown in the sophomore class, big-picture at least.

Those who know, though, know. If you’re not aware of the 6-7, 180-pound wing out of Springfield, KY, you will. Because he’s very likely going to finish as the state’s No. 1 prospect in 2026.

And his recruitment is already starting to reflect that.

It started with scholarships from Tennessee Tech and Bethel College. Then Ohio, followed by LSU — his first high-major. Lindenwood University, Illinois, College of Charleston and Cincinnati are the latest to extend offers. All from January to September, the last five coming from August on.

Needless to say, it’s been a whirlwind.

“It’s been crazy because I’m from a town of like 2,000 people. So it’s crazy that it’s all happening this way, I never thought I’d be in this position. It’s been really fun,” Weis told KSR. “My recruitment, we’ve been getting a bunch of phone calls and it’s been really overwhelming. But it’s been awesome at the same time, too.”

Weis averaged 11.5 points on 53.9% shooting and 27.8% from three while adding 7.0 rebounds per contest as a freshman at Washington County. He then followed it up with a standout grassroots season suiting up for Team Phenom United on the 16U 3SSB circuit. That’s where his athleticism and versatility shined on the national stage.

Simply put, he’s got raw physical tools others just don’t.

“I’m still developing, but I really don’t think there are a lot of 6-7, 6-8 kids who are athletic and can jump out of the gym,” he said. “Most of the time you see those kids at the high school level and they’re fours and fives. That’s what separates me, I think.”

And that’s where things get interesting. Weis started as a pure athlete with minimal offensive firepower beyond dunks and layups. He was good for backdoor lob catches and the occasional one- or two-dribble pull-up, but he was limited.

But by the end of the grassroots season and into the early fall, the touch and feel have come along to match the other gifts. Weis is initiating as a playmaking wing with growing comfort and confidence as a shot-maker. He’s putting the ball on the floor and finding different ways to score away from the basket.

“My jump shot has come a long way,” the 6-7 wing said. “Ball handling is growing, but we’re working on it. And my three-ball, for sure.”

Again, he’s young. Really young. But the tools and vision are there, upside firmly in high-major contributor territory. You could argue he’s already a top-100 player, flirting with the top 50. His offer sheet already reflects that.

And the big dogs are noticing, including the home-state Kentucky Wildcats. Associate head coach Orlando Antigua has been in recent contact with Weis’ trainer and the staff is planning to attend a workout in the near future. An unofficial to Lexington for Big Blue Madness would be ideal for both sides.

It’s early, but there’s understandable mutual interest. What would it mean to Weis to see things ramp up with the Wildcats?

“My whole town would go crazy. It would be a great opportunity, great experience to have that offer under my belt and keep in the back of my head,” he told KSR. “I don’t really expect them to right now, they wait until (recruits’) junior and senior years to start really recruiting people. I’m just going to be patient with it.”

The proof is in the pudding. If Coach Cal wants you, it means there’s a belief you’re capable of playing at the highest level of college basketball and potentially a pro talent.

“John Calipari gets players to the NBA,” Weis added. “That’s a pretty huge thing to have and be known for.”

And that’s the goal, whether that’s at Kentucky or elsewhere. He just wants the opportunity to play the game he loves in college and hopefully beyond.

“I would love to have a great career as a college basketball player and hopefully go on to play pro basketball somewhere,” he said. “Hopefully the NBA. I really want to be (an NBA player). I don’t know where my game will be or how good I can be yet. But I really want to get to that level.”

What will it take to get there?

“Work. I have to work, work and work even more. Just keep working.”

One to keep a very close eye on.