The Kernel’s 2014 UK prospect outlook

By Nick Jones

[email protected]

Huntington, W.Va., forward Andrew Wiggins is considered by many to be not only the top player in the 2014 recruiting class but in possibly all of high-school basketball.

Wiggins is considering a move to reclassify to the 2013 class, which may open the top slot in the rankings.

Tyus Jones, a point guard from Apple Valley, Minn., may replace Wiggins at the top if that happens.

UK is in the running for many of the top prospects in the country, including six of the top 10. Rounding out the top 10 is Kentucky native D’Angelo Russell, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Louisville.

1. Andrew Wiggins: Huntington, W.Va., 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward. Most complete player in the country. Unstoppable in about every area.

High school: Huntington Prep

AAU: CIA Bounce

Scout: 1

Rivals: 1

ESPNU: 1

Max Preps: 1

2. Tyus Jones: Apple Valley, Minn., 6-foot, 175-pound point guard. Elite floor general, has great passing ability that makes players around him better.

High school: Apple Valley

AAU: Howard Pulley

Scout: 2

Rivals: 5

ESPNU: 2

Max Preps: 5

3. Noah Vonleh: New Hampton, N.H., 6-foot-8, 210-pound small forward. Freak athlete, outstanding offensive rebounder, blocks a lot of shots and handles the ball well for his position.

High school: New Hampton School

AAU: Massachusetts Rivals

Scout: 5

Rivals: 3

ESPNU: 4

Max Preps: 2

4. Cliff Alexander: Chicago, 6-foot-9, 230-pound center. Elite rebounder and shot blocker, high-energy player.

High school: Curie

AAU: D-Rose

Scout: 6

Rivals: 4

ESPNU: 10

Max Preps: 6

5. Dakari Johnson: Montverde, Fla., 6-foot-10, 260-pound center. Excellent low post game, great rebounder.

High school: Montverde Academy

AAU: Each 1 Teach 1

Scout: 7

Rivals: 7

ESPNU: 5

Max Preps: 7

6. D’Angelo Russell: Louisville, Ky., 6-foot-4, 180-pound shooting guard. Great scorer, can score many different ways, creative passer.

High school: Montverde Academy

AAU: Louisville Magic

Scout: 12

Rivals: 10

ESPNU: 15

Max Preps: 12

7. Theo Pinson: High Point, N.C., 6-foot-5, 170-pound small forward. Great shooter, complete mid-range game, consistent outside shot.

High school: Wesleyan Christian Academy

AAU: Oak Ridge

Scout: 13

Rivals: 16

ESPNU: 9

Max Preps: 23

8. JaQuan Lyle: Evansville, Ind., 6-foot-4, 170-pound point guard. Combo guard with scoring ability.

High school: Benjamin Bosse

AAU: Spiece Indy Heat

Scout: 15

Rivals: 19

ESPNU: 17

Max Preps: 41

9. Leron Black: Memphis, Tenn., 6-foot-7, 200-pound power forward. Long and athletic, able to get to rim, finish with ease.

High school: White Station

AAU: Team Thad

Scout: 21

Rivals: 18

ESPNU: 13

Max Preps: 36

10. Stanley Johnson: Santa Ana, Calif., 6-foot-5, 190-pound small forward. Great scorer, deep 3-point range, good rebounder for position.

High school: Mater Dei

AAU: Oakland Soldiers

Scout: 28

Rivals: 17

ESPNU: 24

Max Preps: 11