John Calipari and Kentucky have a new five-star target in the class of 2021? What should Wildcats fans make of the news of a new target? A potential top 150 player in the class is expected to decide on Monday, what's the scouting report on Ramses Melendez? All of that and more in this week's edition of the Monday Dish.
KENTUCKY OFFERS FIVE STAR GUARD TREVOR KEELS
Over the weekend, some eyebrows were raised when news came out that Kentucky has given out a new offer in the class of 2021 to five-star shooting guard Trevor Keels. It isn't eye raising that John Calipari and his staff would offer a high scoring and physical two guard like Keels. It is just that the product Paul VI in the DC area has been down to a final three of Duke, Villanova and Virginia for some time and most had figured that he wasn't planning to let anybody else get involved.
So, Kentucky fans, what should you make of this news?
Probably the first question that comes to mind is whether this means that things aren't looking good with other five-stars like Jaden Hardy and Hunter Sallis? It isn't out of line to take this as a sign that Calipari and his staff aren't feeling great about their chances. They've by no means thrown in the towel for either Hardy or Sallis and Kentucky being Kentucky, we'll likely see some movement on their roster coming up. Also, after this season, why limit options? But, realistically, chances with Hardy (possibly headed the G League route) and Sallis who decides on March 26th aren't looking all that great right now.
The next question is how seriously will Keels take Kentucky? Though he's been locked in on the trio of Duke, UVA and Nova for some time now, early word is that this isn't an offer that came out of the blue. A relationship has been getting built and from the sounds of it, Calipari and his staff are going to be given a very fair shot to earn Keels' commitment. He's not been in any rush either, so there is some time to make up ground.
So, then, Kentucky fans probably want to know what type of player Keels is. Keels is a powerful, tough and skilled two guard. He is a good shooter from deep, defends well and is a vocal leader on the floor. This guy plays hard and knows how to use his strongly built frame. Guys like Coach K, Jay Wright, Tony Bennett and now Calipari would love to have this guy for a reason.
WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS RAMSES MELENDEZ?
On Monday, Ramses Melendez is expected to announce his college decision. A skilled wing forward pushing 6-foot-7, the native of Puerto Rico who plays at Kissimmee (Fla.) Central Pointe Christian currently ranks No. 94 nationally in the industry generated 247Sports Composite ranking.
While the Composite ranks Melendez as a four-star prospect, he's actually ranked just outside the top 150 of the current 247Sports rankings for 2021. However, that could change whenever we finalize the rankings in the late spring.
During December I had the opportunity to watch Melendez play with his high school team at a Grind Session event in Kentucky. He was an interesting scout for sure. I like his size, he moves pretty well and it is pretty clear that he has an above average basketball IQ. His shot looks pretty clean, he can pass and he had athleticism to make plays in transition. I would have liked to see some more physicality out of him, some more shots going down and generally more consistency. I've noticed on film as well that he can be a bit up and down. That being said, there's no doubting that he has legitimate high major talent and with a college weight room and coaching staff pushing him, there is a lot of upside to him.
Others like Florida, Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech have been thrown around with Melendez of late, but Illinois is getting the most buzz as he's set to announce. Whoever gets him, they may not be getting a guy that looks set to make a huge instant impact. But, with time, Melendez has the tools and natural ability to flourish.
WHAT'S UP WITH CHET?
For the last few weeks, rumors have swirled that 2021's No. 1 ranked player Chet Holmgren is ready to announce his college decision. Over the weekend, the rumors really heated up with lots of thought circulating that the seven-footer from Minneapolis (Minn.) Minnehaha could be revealing his choice this week.
I reached out to Holmgren myself and did not get an answer but coaches close to him told me that nothing has been set and during the latter part of the weekend it was reported that Holmgren's family has denied anything is set.
Basically we've got a situation where there is little doubt that Holmgren is probably ready to reveal his decision, but the exact details of how and where he would like to announce haven't yet been worked out. Could he still decide this week? It wouldn't be a shock. But as of this morning I would bet that it may take just a little longer.
As for who Holmgren might choose when he does announce, my Crystal Ball pick remains with Gonzaga.
IS THERE A LEADER FOR LIGHTFOOT?
On Sunday, class of 2022 point guard Willie Lightfoot announced a top five of Alabama, Buffalo, Marquette, Minnesota and Oregon. He also broke down his top five with 247Sports analyst Brandon Jenkins. The question is, should one team be considered the favorite?
The times that I have spoken with the native of New York state who is now at Bel Aire (Kans.) Sunrise Christian, Lightfoot has always mentioned to me that he grew up with Oregon has his dream school. He said the same in yesterday's interview with Jenkins. So, I think it is only fair to consider that Dana Altman and the Ducks are likely the team to beat for the jet-quick floor general who makes a living getting into the lane to create for others.
That being said, I don't think Lightfoot is a threat to commit anytime soon and I don't think the others are without a chance. Minnesota assistant Kyle Lindsted used to be the head coach at Sunrise so he's got deep ties, Alabama has been recruiting Lightfoot since he started high school when Nate Oats was at Buffalo.
Let's pencil in Oregon as the leader as we make the turn down the backstretch, but like I said, I think this one is far from over.
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February 15, 2021 at 05:47PM
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Monday dish: Kentucky has a new target, scouting an upcoming decision - 247Sports
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