Jayden Quaintance schedules official visit to Kentucky

One of the nation’s top seniors has scheduled an official visit to Kentucky — and it’s an important one for the Wildcats. Jayden Quaintance, the No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 center in 2024, will make the trip to Lexington during the weekend of October 20, his father tells KSR.

Travis Graf of MADE Hoops and Cats Illustrated was the first to break the news.

NEW: '24 five-star Jayden Quaintance will take an official visit to Kentucky starting October 20, his father tells KSR

First by @TravisGrafHoops
https://t.co/DpcpYZNAvB

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 23, 2023

The 6-foot-10, 225-pound prospect out of Cleveland is considered the most versatile big in his class, fluid and quick with powerful and vicious finishing abilities. Quaintance is comfortable putting the ball on the floor and attacking the basket, but continues to expand his range and consistency as a jump shooter. And he’s got the length and athleticism to be a terror as a rim protector.

Making the jump to 2024

Reclassifying to 2024 this summer, he’s got a chance to finish ranked No. 1 overall in his class when it’s all said and done. And maybe the most exciting part of it all? He just turned 16 in July, meaning he must stay in college two years before entering the 2026 NBA Draft if that’s the path he decides to take.

“I’ve been playing up my whole life. Since forever, I’ve been playing older kids so it just seems like the right decision,” he told KSR last month. “And if you get to college sooner, why not?”

Quaintance previously told KSR he would be scheduling official visits to the five schools prioritizing him the most: Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Missouri and Washington. He’ll see the Buckeyes on Sept. 15, followed by the Tigers on Sept. 22.

Now he’s got a third official on the schedule.

Visits and previewing a decision

What will he be looking for during his upcoming trips?

“Being with the team, seeing what the team thinks about the program, why they stay there and what they like about it. What the coaches are talking about,” he said. “And another main thing is education, I want to see what the academics are like. Those are the main things.”

As for his decision, he’ll be prioritizing role, roster makeup and locker room chemistry when it comes time to take the next step.

“What the team looks like and who they already have, what role I’m going to have on the team,” Quaintance told KSR. “Am I going to be able to show off what I have? Will I have a green light? And what are the coaches like? How are they interacting with the players? Those things.”

And what will the program of his choosing be getting for those two years?

“A hard worker, someone who will give it his all no matter where I go,” he said. “I’m just trying to be the best that I can, give everything I have. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win games.”