Kentucky men’s basketball head coach John Calipari has added significant firepower to his program with the signing of four talented student-athletes during the fall signing period. Somto Cyril, Boogie Fland, Travis Perry, and Jayden Quaintance have all committed to the Wildcats, enhancing the team’s prospects for the upcoming seasons.
In what has become a tradition during the Calipari era, the Wildcats have once again secured a top-notch recruiting class. With this latest signing, Kentucky boasts an impressive track record, having signed 74 top-50 recruits, 58 top-25 players, and 34 top-10 players (according to Rivals) over Calipari’s 16 recruiting classes at Kentucky.
The spring signing period, beginning on April 17, 2024, will provide further opportunities for the University of Kentucky to strengthen its roster.
Let’s take a closer look at the four standout signees:
1. Somto Cyril
- Position: Forward
- Measurables: 6-10, 240 pounds
- School: Overtime Elite
- Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria
Rankings:
- Rivals: No. 44 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 5 at C
- 247Sports: No. 68 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 11 at C
- ESPN: No. 55 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 6 at C
Stats:
- Averages 11.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.
- OTE Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
Why Kentucky:
- Cyril expressed gratitude, citing the school as the first he watched on YouTube when he began playing basketball.
Coach Calipari’s Comment:
- Described Cyril as an incredible athlete, shot-blocker, and rebounder, emphasizing his great personality.
2. Boogie Fland
- Position: Guard
- Measurables: 6-2, 170 pounds
- School: Archbishop Stepinac High School
- Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Rankings:
- Rivals: No. 10 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 1 at PG
- 247Sports: No. 33 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 5 at CG
- ESPN: No. 18 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 2 at PG
Stats:
- Averaged 18.11 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game as a junior.
- Part of the USA Basketball U17 National Team.
Why Kentucky:
- Cited the success of past players and Coach Calipari’s commitment to player development.
Coach Calipari’s Comment:
- Described Fland as an incredible competitor, a great leader, and expressed excitement about having him in a Kentucky uniform.
3. Travis Perry
- Position: Guard
- Measurables: 6-2, 170 pounds
- School: Lyon County High School
- Hometown: Eddyville, Ky.
Rankings:
- Rivals: No. 92 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 18 at PG
- 247Sports: No. 70 overall | Four-star prospect | No. 6 at PG
- ESPN: No. 84 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 19 at PG
Stats:
- Averaged 31.6 points per game, leading Lyon County to a 31-6 record as a junior.
- Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year.
Why Kentucky:
- Described the opportunity to play for his home state as a dream come true.
Coach Calipari’s Comment:
- Described Perry as a winner with great range, high IQ, and a coach’s kid.
4. Jayden Quaintance
- Position: Forward
- Measurables: 6-9, 230 pounds
- School: Word of God Christian Academy
- Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Rankings:
- Rivals: No. 11 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 2 at C
- 247Sports: No. 9 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 2 at C
- ESPN: No. 14 overall | Five-star prospect | No. 3 at PF
Stats:
- Averaged 17.3 points, 11.6 boards, 2.4 blocks, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a junior.
- Gold medalist with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
Why Kentucky:
- Noted Kentucky’s success with previous draft picks and the positive relationship with Coach Calipari.
Coach Calipari’s Comment:
- Described Quaintance as a prodigy with a unique combination of strength, agility, skill, and size, expressing excitement about his future.
The addition of these four exceptional talents reaffirms Kentucky’s commitment to excellence and raises expectations for the upcoming seasons. Wildcats fans can look forward to witnessing the impact these standout recruits will have on the storied program.
