Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Early Wish List for Class of 2017

Kentucky coach John Calipari has built a reputation as arguably the best recruiter in the game. This means even without a commitment in the 2017 class, you can expect it to end as one of the country' best groups.

The Wildcats put together yet another elite class in 2016, but as usual there is always the threat that most of them will leave for the NBA after a year. This means the pressure is once again on for the coaching staff to reload with players who can make an impact right away.

Fortunately, many of the top players in the 2017 class are considering Kentucky and already have scholarship offers. All that is left is Calipari's magic touch as a closer to get these players to sign.

While the Wildcats won't be able to bring in all of their targets, here is a look at some possibilities for the future.

DeAndre Ayton

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Every school in the country wants DeAndre Ayton on their team. According to 247Sports, the 7'0", 235-pound power forward is the No. 1 player in the 2017 class.

Ayton clearly has the size to make him a dominant presence in high school as well as college. He can score inside, rebound and block shots based on his length alone, especially when you add in his natural strength.

Of course, Ayton is also skilled offensively with the tools to score with his back to the basket as well as knock down shots from the outside. While he still needs to improve his consistency as a scorer, he remains a threat from the outside and in turn extremely difficult to defend.

While Kansas has seemingly led the race to sign the big man early on, he apparently remains relatively open. He recently tweeted a list of nine teams he's considering, including the Wildcats, and Kentucky is one of the teams he is planning to visit in the future.

"I'll be taking most of my official visits next year, during my senior year," Ayton told Jack LeGwin of SNY.tv. "I want to take visits to Kansas, Arizona and probably Kentucky. I will have more coming; I just want to feel all of the schools out first."

It won't be easy to lock down Ayton, but he is the biggest prize available in this class.

Mohamed Bamba

While Ayton might have the most upside in the class, Mohamed Bamba isn't too far behind.

The excitement over Bamba begins with his length. According to Draft Express, the forward measured at 6'11" with a 7'8" wingspan, per USA Basketball, which puts him pretty close to the rim without even jumping. This helps him cover tons of ground defensively as an elite shot-blocker who can improve an entire defense.

Meanwhile, he can help out in other areas like rebounding and inside scoring as well as being a quality passer for his position.

This appears to be yet another potential recruiting battle between Duke and Kentucky, but Bamba holds Calipari in high regard, per Kyle Tucker of USA Today:

"

We have a great relationship. When you grow up in Harlem and you tell somebody that you want to be a professional basketball player, they’re going to scoff. They’re going to look at you and be like, "I don’t think you should shoot for that." That’s something that has just been hanging over my head my whole life.

Coach Cal came in and said, "If you want to be a pro, freakin’ tell somebody you want to be a pro." That was one of the things that helped change my game.

"

Bamba could be the next great defensive big man at Kentucky if he chooses, but there will be tough competition for his services.

Hamidou Diallo

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Hamidou Diallo is a prototypical 2-guard who has the ability to be a big-time collegiate-level scorer.

The 6'5" player has great athleticism and knows how to use it to attack the basket and play above the rim. This will help him both in transition, as well as in playing a slasher in the half court. He rounds out his skill set with a quality outside shot to keep opponents honest.

Although there is a good chance he only spends one year in college before moving on to the NBA, he could be a go-to scoring option on the perimeter for whichever team he joins.

Diallo is considered the top shooting guard in the class by 247Sports, which also means there will be plenty of teams involved in his recruitment. The New York native is considering some local teams like Connecticut and St. John's, although usual powerhouses like Kansas will also be involved.

Jarred Vanderbilt

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Kentucky hasn't had many true small forwards in the last few years, but they would be getting a good one in Jarred Vanderbilt.

The 6'8" wing is a versatile scorer who is at his best attacking the basket. He has good handle for his size and can create opportunities for others as well as himself. He is capable of filling up the box score in a lot of areas and has the physical tools to be an above-average defender at the next level.

While he might be a long way from making a decision, Kentucky seems to be in good standing after a visit last December.

"The atmosphere at Rupp Arena was just great," Vanderbilt said at the time, per Ben Roberts of Kentucky.com. "It’s a great program. Coach Cal’s a great coach, a legendary coach. And it seems like he gets the best out of the guys and puts them in the right position to excel."

Kansas and Texas are also in contention for Vanderbilt as well as plenty of others, but the Wildcats have a good shot at landing the talented player.

Trae Young

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Calipari has coached a lot of quality point guards over the years, and it seems as though he has found his newest target in the form of Trae Young.

Young is a quality shooter who can take over offensively if needed. He can knock down shots from almost anywhere on the court and knows how to get himself open. Additionally, he can also get others involved as a true point guard with good vision and passing ability.

Although he isn't a great athlete, he has great awareness and should be able to contribute at a high level right out of the gate.

Young seems to appreciate the attention he has received from Kentucky, but still has a lot of options going forward.

"Kentucky has definitely made me a priority, Coach Cal and them," Young said, per Kevin Ryan of 247Sports. "Coach (Lon) Kruger at OU, Washington, Kansas, Texas—those schools are the ones that stand out."

The Wildcats will likely need a point guard if De'Aaron Fox moves onto the NBA after next season, and Young could be that replacement.

John Petty

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Although not quite as developed as other perimeter scorers like Young or Diallo, John Petty has as much potential as anyone.

The 6'7" wing is an explosive athlete capable of throwing down some highlight-reel dunks when he gets a chance. While he isn't yet a consistent shooter, he can make shots from well beyond the arc and should only get better with more time.

This skill set should also translate to success on the defensive end where he can use his length to block shots and disrupt passing lanes. As he continues to improve, Petty could become an all-around star at both the college level and in the NBA.

While no decision has been made about his future, the consensus is that Petty is likely headed to Lexington. All 16 experts who contributed to 247Sports' "crystal ball predictions" projected a Kentucky commitment, which could be a great start to the 2017 class if true.

Wendell Carter

This class is loaded with talented power forwards, with three of the top four players listed at that position, according to 247Sports. Like Ayton and Bamba, Wendell Carter is also considering Kentucky.

The 6'10" forward is an old-school big man who likes to play near the basket. He can finish inside as well as anyone in the class thanks to his athleticism and power. He plays above the rim, and opponents who try to stop him usually just regret that decision.

He does have a developed offensive game with quality post moves and a decent jump shot, but most of his points will probably come in the paint.

Carter has called himself a package deal with Gary Trent Jr. that will likely come down to Duke or Kentucky, but he recently stated his preference to Jack LeGwin of SNY.tv.

"Kentucky would be higher for me," Carter said. "They are known for getting players to the NBA; that's what they do best."

If this mindset holds, the Wildcats would be added an extremely talented big man.

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