Omaha Biliew hearing from Kentucky, but others prioritizing top-10 recruit

Kentucky was clearly intrigued with top-10 junior Omaha Biliew to open the summer. John Calipari and Orlando Antigua were courtside for every one of the 6-foot-8, 213-pound forward’s games at Peach Jam this summer, with Chin Coleman making another trip to see him again in September.

His versatility is what piqued Kentucky’s interest, along with many other high-profile programs.

“I would say I’m super versatile, I can do anything,” Biliew told KSR at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, MA on Monday. I’m just a basketball player, a complete basketball player. I can shoot, I can dribble, I’m capable of doing everything. The biggest thing I hold is defense, I hold it to a high standard.”

He’s taken visits and his recruitment is slowly starting to ramp up. He saw four schools to close out 2021, and he has plans to visit others.

This past summer and fall, I took an official to Nebraska,” Biliew said. “I went to Kansas, Iowa State and Iowa. I went to Oklahoma State, too. … Right now, I’ll for sure go out to Oregon and I’ll go to Arkansas. A couple other schools I talk to.”

Noticeably absent from the list? Kentucky. In fact, Biliew didn’t even list UK as a school he’s in regular contact with, instead rattling off eight others that are prioritizing him the most right now.

“The same (schools) I’ve got right now,” Biliew said. “Oregon, Iowa State, Kansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, a couple more. A little bit with Auburn. (Nebraska), they’re here and there. … Just those schools.”

This comes after the five-star forward said back in the spring that he was planning to take an unofficial to Lexington in June. That trip never happened.

When asked about Kentucky and the latest on the two sides’ level of contact, Biliew said he still hears from Calipari and Coleman, but admitted things have slowed down in recent months. Both sides are focusing on their own basketball seasons.

“Yeah for sure (Kentucky is still in contact),” he told KSR. “Coach Chin is always hitting me up, asking how I’m doing. They’re focused on their season, we’re focused on our season. I know they’re busy, so I’m just doing my thing over here. Coach Cal hits me up every once in a while too.”

As things stand currently, Kentucky has extended offers to Mackenzie Mgbako, Mookie Cook, JJ Taylor, Matas Buzelis, Justin Edwards and Kwame Evans Jr., all standing at least 6-7 at the small or power forward positions. All six have taken official visits to Lexington.

Despite being ranked No. 7 overall and No. 1 at his position in the On3 Consensus, though, Biliew has no offer and has not taken an official visit to Kentucky. And judging by his comments, it doesn’t appear either are in the works.

Could it be that UK simply likes the other available forward options available in the class of 2023? Considering they’ve offered six of them, that’s certainly a strong possibility.

It should also be noted, though, that Biliew is not ruling out the professional route as a potential option.

“I hear it,” Biliew said of pro interest. “Right now, I just feel like — I don’t like rushing things. I’m glad I got the opportunity because it shows that’s where I want to go to (the NBA). To have that option is a blessing. I’m never going to shy that away from myself.”

Even if he commits to a school, Biliew says he’ll always leave his options open.

“I don’t know at this point,” he said. “I’m just focused on going to college, the D1 level. After that, I’ll go off that. … I’m never going to cancel that option for myself.”

What’s the appeal for the pro route? It would allow him to reach his goal of playing professional basketball immediately and get him one step closer to his dream of playing in the NBA.

“Obviously, that’s where I want to — that’s my dream,” Biliew said. “It’s where I want to play, it’s where I want to build my foundation. That’s always been my main goal, get to the league, go to the NBA. That’s the main thing.”

Coming down the home stretch of the high school season, Biliew’s top priority is leading his Link Year Prep to the GEICO Nationals in March. From there, he’ll begin to think about a decision on his basketball future.

“At this point in time, I’m obviously thinking about it,” Biliew said. “But right now I’m focused on my team goals. We want to get to GEICO (Nationals). Right now I’m just waiting until I have time to sit down with myself (and think). That time will come, though.”