2023 3-star SG Joey Hart commits to Kentucky

Kentucky’s freshman class just got even bigger. Three-star shooting guard Joey Hart committed to the Wildcats, bringing the number of rookies on the roster to seven, with another potentially to come. The Linton, Indiana native took an official visit to Kentucky earlier this month and chose the Cats over his home state Hoosiers and Rutgers.

Hart initially committed to Central Florida and signed with the Knights in November but was given a release in May. He is rated as a three-star by On3, 247 Sports, and Rivals and is the No. 268 prospect in the 2023 class in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Hart as the No. 51 shooting guard in his class and the No. 7 overall player from Indiana.

Hart led Linton-Stockton to a 29-2 record and Class 2A state runner-up finish as a senior, averaging 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest while shooting 41% from three. He was named SISN Indiana Highschool Boys Player of the Year. Hart finished his high school career with 1,901 points, 424 rebounds, and 224 assists.

Hart is the second player to become a Wildcat this week. On Monday morning, three-star small forward Jordan Burks signed with the program and has since joined the team in Lexington. Neither Hart nor Burks are expected to be starters, but add depth — and in Hart’s case, shooting — to a team that desperately needs it.

John Calipari may not be done adding to his roster just yet. 2024 four-star center Somto Cyril also visited Kentucky last week and could reclassify to join this year’s team. A decision is expected in the coming weeks as he works towards getting his academic credits in order.

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Kentucky Basketball’s 2023-24 Roster

With the addition of Hart, Kentucky now has nine players on scholarship, ten counting super-senior and former walk-on Brennan Canada. As mentioned, seven of those are freshmen. A decision from Antonio Reeves, last season’s second-leading scorer, is still pending.

• Freshmen: DJ Wagner (CG), Justin Edwards (SF), Aaron Bradshaw (C), Robert Dillingham (SG), Reed Sheppard (CG), Jordan Burks (SF), Joey Hart (SG)
• Sophomores: Adou Thiero (CG), Ugonna Onyenso (C)
• Super-senior: Brennan Canada (PF)
• Walk-ons: Kareem Watkins (PG), Walker Horn (G), Grant Darbyshire (G)

In one month, Kentucky will represent the United States in the GLOBL Jam in Toronto, an Under-23 tournament that also includes teams from Canada, Germany, and Africa. Kentucky’s first game is vs. Germany on Wednesday, July 12.

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