Kentucky basketball's 2024 contact period begins at midnight

The direct contact period for rising juniors is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 15, meaning we are just hours away from finding out the first wave of Kentucky’s top recruiting priorities in the class of 2024. Contact made through parents or coaches has resulted in some early names of interest — Ian Jackson and Tre Johnson are two five-star guards to pay close attention to — but what about the rest of the class? Who are some new names to keep an eye on as the Wildcats look to lay the foundation in the junior class?

KSR has compiled a list of names with confirmed interest, along with some other fresh faces who could hear from Kentucky on Wednesday.

*All player rankings are courtesy of the On3 Consensus*

Naas Cunningham (SF) – Gill St. Bernards (NJ) No. 1 overall

Measurables: 6-7, 180 pounds

Bio: A long, athletic wing known for his versatility and scoring presence has earned early offers from Creighton, DePaul, Duke, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Maryland, Rutgers, St.John’s, TCU and UCLA.

In his own words: “I have interest from Kentucky, don’t have a scholarship,” Cunningham told KSR. “I’m sure they’ve been in contact with my parents. We’re just going to keep working. … That is definitely a school I do want to visit.”

Ian Jackson (SG) – Cardinal Hayes (NY) No. 3 overall

Measurables: 6-4, 170 pounds

Bio: Arguably the top two-way threat in the class, Jackson is a major early Kentucky target with high interest in the program. He’s a versatile scorer and a terror on defense, making him a clear top-three prospect in 2024. Oregon, UCLA, Syracuse, Tennessee and Texas Tech are other schools involved.

In his own words: “It would mean a lot,” Jackson told KSR. “It would definitely mean a lot, knowing they were one of my dream schools growing up. That’s a school I’ve been looking forward to going to, hopefully going to. That would mean a lot to me. … I would be able to play for John Calipari. There’s a lot that he knows about making a pro and he would help me do what it takes to become a pro.”

Tre Johnson (SG) – Lake Highlands (TX) No. 2 overall

Measurables: 6-5, 180 pounds

Bio: Playing for Griffin Elite on the EYBL circuit — Daimion Collins’ former grassroots program — the Texas native has deep ties to Kentucky, making the Wildcats an early top contender in his recruitment. The three-level score has earned offers from Baylor — another top option — Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas A&M and UNLV.

In his own words: “(When I think about Kentucky), I think about Tyrese Maxey, because he’s a guard from Garland where I’m from,” he said. “We went to the same middle school. He like paved the way from middle school to the NBA, so I’m just trying to follow that path. … I’ve been knowing him since I was real young, since he was in third grade. I’ve been knowing him since then. He’s a family friend.”

As for a Texas-to-Kentucky pipeline, he tells KSR “that’s something that can appeal to me.”

Isaiah Elohim (SG) – Sierra Canyon (CA) No. 5 overall

Measurables: 6-5, 190 pounds

Bio: A strong guard who plays a physical brand of basketball, Elohim is expected to earn five-star status as a top-10 prospect in the class.

In his own words: Elohim told KSR at Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas he’s currently hearing from Texas, USC, UCLA, Kentucky, and Louisville. He said he remembers closely following former Wildcats such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist while they were in Lexington. The standout guard also told On3 he expected to hear from Kentucky when the contact period opens on June 15.

Derik Queen (C) – Montverde Academy (FL) No. 7 overall

Measurables: 6-9, 220 pounds

Bio: Queen — a native of Baltimore, MD — has soft touch and solid footwork in the post, separating him as an early top-10 prospect in the class. He’s still a bit raw and figuring out his body, but the long-term potential is clear. He holds early offers from Maryland, Arizona State, Auburn, DePaul, Georgetown, Indiana, LSU, Texas, Virginia Tech and Xavier.

In his own words: “Coach Cal, he recruits the best players,” Queen said told KSR. “They come from the one-and-done system and he makes them play together.”

Elliot Cadeau (PG) – Bergen Catholic (NJ) No. 8 overall

Measurables: 6-1, 175 pounds

Bio: Explosive and athletic, the New Jersey native is ranked as the top point guard in the junior class. Texas Tech is seen as a potential early leader, with Cadeau also earning offers from Howard, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oklahoma State, Providence, Seton Hall, Syracuse and Tennessee.

In his own words: “I know that they produce pros,” Cadeau told KSR. “That it’s a one-and-done school. I know that.” He added he “definitely” wants to hear more from Kentucky.

Karter Knox (SF) – Tampa Catholic (FL) No. 10 overall

Measurables: 6-5, 180 pounds

Bio: The brother of former Kentucky wing Kevin Knox, there’s a clear connection here to the Wildcats. He’s a three-level scorer with athleticism and handles, projecting as a two at the next level. Louisville is seen as an early top contender with Kenny Payne on the sidelines, with Arizona State, Boise State and Illinois also extending early offers.

In his own words: “Growing up before Kevin committed to Kentucky, I was not really watching Kentucky at all,” Knox told KSR. “But when Kevin went there — Coach Cal treats everyone like family, he treated me like family. And coach KP, Kenny Payne. It was kind of a blessing that (Kevin) went there because obviously he got better.”

Trentyn Flowers (SF) – Sierra Canyon (CA) No. 11 overall

Measurables: 6-8, 180 pounds

Bio: It’s been an early battle between the Blue Bloods for Trentyn Flowers, who told KSR earlier this spring he’s being recruited the most by Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina. Kansas, Michigan, Tennessee, Memphis, Auburn, and plenty others have reached out with offers. The versatile wing already possesses a college-ready frame and can score from most areas of the floor.

In his own words: “I talk to Coach Orlando (Antigua) sometimes,” Flowers told KSR. “Coach Orlando, he just loves the way I play, he says he loves my length and how I affect the game. So it’s just keeping that good relationship with them and when it comes down to it, just giving them a heavy look.”

Jamari Phillips (SG) – Modesto Christian (CA) No. 17 overall

Measurables: 6-3, 170 pounds

Bio: A top-20 prospect in the class, Phillips holds early scholarship offers from the likes of Louisville, Oregon, UCLA, LSU, Illinois, Kansas, Texas Tech and USC, among others. A score-first standout, he’s also emerging as a solid passer and playmaker.

In his own words: “It started with my dad,” Phillips told KSR of his Kentucky interest. “They contacted my dad a little bit. Coach (Antigua) and Coach (John Calipari) have talked to my dad. Coach O I think has talked to my dad pretty heavily. I talk to Coach O a little bit, just trying to get to know him, just trying to ease into the conversation and stuff. I think they’re looking pretty hard on me because they saw me play out in Indiana with the EYBL.”

Phillips is also close with former Kentucky guard TyTy Washington: “We talk about recruitment with Kentucky and Kentucky in general. How it is over there and the environment and stuff. He gave me all good pointers on it, he didn’t really give me any cons at all. He said he had no cons so that’s good to know.”

Jarin Stevenson (PF) – Seaforth (NC) No. 21 overall

Measurables: 6-10, 200 pounds

Bio: A versatile forward standing 6-10, Stevenson is long and smooth, showing off a unique offensive skillset that includes a smooth jumper. North Carolina and Virginia are seen as two top contenders, with NC State and Wake Forest also extending offers.

In his own words: “I’m interested in Kentucky,” Stevenson told KSR. “They’re a very big powerhouse basketball school and I really like what Coach Cal has been doing over there. I’m interested, for sure. Hopefully I’ll be able to get over there soon (for a visit). My dad said they’re interested in me and I’m really excited about that.”

Somtochukwu Cyril (C) – Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN) No. 19 overall

Measurables: 6-11, 240 pounds

Bio: Cyril’s interest in Kentucky is known at this point, with the physical center visiting Lexington back in October of 2021, followed by an in-person visit from John Calipari in November. Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, Memphis, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss and Tennessee have extended early offers.

In his own words: “I love the fans. The atmosphere is really, really nice down there,” Cyril told KSR. “The fans, whether they lose or when they win, it doesn’t matter. They treat you like family. You really feel at home when you’re down there on a visit. Everything was really nice, it was cool down there. … This season I watched the games, saw the way they used Oscar (Tshiebwe), the big dude,” he said. “He worked out really well. That’s a place I can match that energy and play like him. When I went down there on my visit, I met with him and we had a great conversation. We play similar games.”

Jason Asemota (SF) – Hillcrest Prep (AZ) No. 12 overall

Measurables: 6-8, 190 pounds

Bio: Asemota is a versatile wing capable of knocking down shots, putting the ball on the floor and finding his teammates for clean looks. Oregon, Baylor and UNC are the schools recruiting him the hardest, he tells KSR, with Kentucky also looming as a new option.

In his own words: “My late friend Terrence Clarke, he was from up my way in Boston,” Asemota told KSR. “It was really tragic what happened to him, but him being where I’m from and seeing him make it out, seeing his dreams come true at Kentucky, I really loved it. Since then, I’ve really looked into it. Coach Calipari is known for having great guys come in, they have a great history. I would love to get in contact with the coaches there at Kentucky.”

John Bol (C) – Christian Brothers College (MO) No. 15 overall

Measurables: 7-2, 190 pounds

Bio: Playing up on the EYBL circuit with Mokan Elite 17U, Bol has showcased his shot-blocking and rim-running abilities on grassroots basketball’s brightest stage. His impressive 7-foot-9 wingspan has helped him earn early offers from Illinois, Clemson, Missouri, St. Louis, and Butler.

In his own words: “I know that they are a big school, they’re a big name, they’ve had a lot of success, and a lot of dudes from the NBA that played for Kentucky,” Bol told KSR. “So being recruited by Kentucky would mean a lot to me and it would be a privilege.”

Yves Missi (C) – West Nottingham Academy (MD) Unranked

Measurables: 6-10, 210 pounds

Bio: Missi told On3 last week that he’s currently hearing the most from Kansas, Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana, also holding offers from Baylor, St. John’s, Syracuse and UCLA. He earned On3’s Most Outstanding Player honors at Pangos following an impressive week out in Las Vegas. His stock is soaring, and Kentucky reaching out to express early interest wouldn’t be a surprise.

Amier Ali (SF) – Montverde Academy (FL) No. 24 overall

Measurables: 6-8, 175 pounds

Bio: A versatile scorer with endless range, Ali is capable of putting points on the board in a hurry. He’s earned early offers from Alabama, Arizona State, Florida State, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Memphis, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, among others. Kentucky is expected to be involved, with early contact made to Ali’s family and coaches.

In his own words: “(Kentucky likes) that I’m a big versatile guard that can play all around and I can guard one through four,” Ali told KSR. “… Most (contact) is probably Kentucky, to be honest.”

Travis Perry (PG) – Lyon County (KY) Unranked

Measurables: 6-2, 170 pounds

Bio: Lyon County’s Travis Perry is one of just 37 players in Kentucky high school history to score 3,000 points in a career — and he’s done so before entering his junior year. He’s just 1,149 points away from breaking King Kelly Coleman’s all-time record of 4,337 points in a career (Wayland, 1953-56). With early offers from Ole Miss, Creighton, Western Kentucky and New Orleans, the 6-foot-2 point guard has established himself as an early four-star prospect in the class of 2024.

Kentucky earned an early commitment from Reed Sheppard, the No. 1 player in the state in 2023. Could the Wildcats go after the top-ranked player in the state for 2024? It’s worth a phone call.