Nick Richards, a 6’11 center from Queens, N.Y. and the Patrick School in Elizabeth, N.J., announced his commitment to coach John Calipari and the Cats over Syracuse and Arizona Thursday afternoon at his high school.

Richards, a five star prospect according to ESPN, Rivals and a few other major recruiting sites, is ranked as the fifth best center in the country and sits in the top-20 nationally.

He had previously taken two visits to Lexington, his official visit on September 30, and was also in attendance for Big Blue Madness on October 14.

As a junior, Richards’ averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, but made his name at the prestigious Peach Jam AAU tournament where he averaged 12.2 points, 12.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

The N.J. native joins Isaiah Briscoe, Karl-Anthony Towns and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in the list of players from the Garden State who have committed to Calipari and UK over the last eight years. Kidd-Gilchrist is also an alumni of the Patrick School, which continues to churn out top-notch talent.

Richards is hoping to be joined by fellow five-star, forward P.J. Washington who is set to make his commitment between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on ESPNU’s signing day special.