Where Kentucky targets stand in The Athletic's transfer/recruiting rankings

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Michigan baskeball Texas Tech transfer Terrence Shannon Jr. — Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after shooting a three point basket in the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks during the finals of the Big 12 tourney. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

May 1 is the deadline for players to notify their schools they are entering the transfer portal and already, there are plenty of intriguing options for Kentucky’s 2022-23 roster. We’ve shared the names of the guys Kentucky has reached out to so far in our roster tracker, but The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie did us a solid by ranking the top players in the transfer portal and uncommitted recruits in the 2022 class. Here’s where Kentucky’s targets landed:

7. Andre Curbelo, Illinois (G, Soph.)
8. Trevon Brazile, Missouri (SF, Fr.)
11. Terrence Shannon Jr., Texas Tech (G, Jr.)
12. Fardaws Aimaq, Utah Valley (C, Gr.)
18. Antonio Reeves, Illinois State (SG/SF, Jr.)
27. Xavier Pinson, LSU (G, Sr.)

The name that’s garnered the most buzz so far is Texas Tech wing Terrence Shannon Jr. Kentucky and Illinois are considered the favorites and he may still return to Lubbock or just declare for the draft. Even though he’s not in the top 10 of this list, Vecenie believes Shannon is by far the best athlete currently in the portal.

A draft prospect in 2021 who chose to return to school despite real NBA interest, Shannon never took the next step this season. He started a majority of the Red Raiders games and improved his shooting numbers, but he was merely a piece of the Tech puzzle, not a standout, All-Big-12 quality player. Shannon is undeniably the best athlete in the portal, an explosive 6-foot-6 leaper with a great first step. But he’s more of just a solid defender than a great one, as his focus seems to waver at times. He’s gotten better playing off the catch because his shooting has improved, and he can attack in a straight line off the bounce. But we see him more as a starting-quality high-major player as opposed to a star.
Sam Vecenie, The Athletic

As for Fardaws Aimaq, who ranked second nationally in rebounding behind Oscar Tshiebwe, a report came out last night that he’s focusing on five schools, and Kentucky’s one of them:

Utah Valley transfer Fardaws Aimaq is focusing on the following five schools in his recruitment:

Arkansas
Kentucky
Iowa
Texas Tech
Washington

Aimaq averaged 18.9PPG and 13.6RPG in 21-22. One of the best transfers available.@FardawsAimaq pic.twitter.com/L4B2QxrbtO
— 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) March 30, 2022

If Oscar Tshiebwe decides to go pro, you have to think Kentucky’s interest in Aimaq will increase tenfold.

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Another player that entered the portal this week is LSU guard Adam Miller. Miller transferred to LSU from Illinois last year but should receive a waiver due to Will Wade’s firing. Last summer, there was buzz Miller could follow Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman to Kentucky, but he went with the Tigers instead, and unfortunately, tore his ACL in the preseason. As Kentucky looks to rebuild its backcourt, he could be an option once again. He ranks No. 21 on Vecenie’s list.

Also of note: former Kentucky commit Skyy Clark is the fifth-best player available, per Vecenie. Yesterday, Clark announced he’s down to USC, Illinois, Maryland, Louisville, Tennessee, and Washington. To see Vecenie’s full rankings, head on over to The Athletic. You’ll need a subscription.