Kentucky target Joey Hart to announce commitment Saturday

Is Kentucky on the cusp of adding a seventh freshman to its 2023-24 roster? Three-star shooting guard Joey Hart could be the next man up, with a public commitment scheduled for Saturday, multiple sources tell KSR.

The standout shooter out of Linton, IN backed out of his commitment to Central Florida in May and took an official visit to Lexington earlier this month. With the likes of Indiana, Rutgers, Texas and Notre Dame also expressing interest, the Wildcats have emerged as the overwhelming favorite to land his signature ahead of his announcement this weekend.

A commitment is expected to lead to the 6-foot-5 guard’s immediate enrollment and move-in, providing yet another much-needed depth piece for the Kentucky basketball program.

Hart earned SISN Indiana Highschool Boys Player of the Year honors after averaging 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest while shooting 41% from three as a senior. An elite shooter — certainly the best left in the class of 2023 — and good athlete, the Linton-Stockton standout previously held offers from UCF, Ball State, Drake, Illinois State, Loyola (Chicago), New Orleans, Northwestern and Wichita State, among others.

The serious UK target closed out his high school career with an impressive 1,901 points, 424 rebounds and 224 assists, leading Linton-Stockton to a Class 2A state runner-up finish and a 29-2 overall record. Suiting up for Grand Park Premier on the Under Armour Association circuit, Hart led all players in scoring and total 3-pointers made (75) while shooting 46% from deep in 2022.

Known as a sharpshooter, he’s also an explosive dunker, comfortable putting the ball on the floor and attacking the basket for some vicious finishes.

He is currently ranked No. 268 overall and No. 61 among shooting guards in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking.

Should he commit to Kentucky as expected, Hart would be the seventh freshman addition, joining DJ Wagner, Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw, Reed Sheppard and Jordan Burks.

The Wildcats are also making a push for 2024 four-star center Somto Cyril, who is a likely reclass candidate and immediate plug-and-play physical presence. He also took an official visit to Lexington last week.