KSR’s Peach Jam Live Diary: Pool Play Concludes
Playtime is over at the 2023 Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta. The regular season is behind the nation’s top recruits and a championship is now officially up for grabs. Pool play concludes inside Riverview Park Activities Center on Friday, a day in which teams’ title dreams will come to a screeching halt or remain within reach.
It’s also a day in which the Kentucky basketball coaching staff shifts into high gear as it searches for its next crop of blue-chip talent. John Calipari, Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman were courtside to open the evaluation period on Thursday, and coaches are allowed back in the gym Friday to check out their top targets. The trio was courtside watching well over a dozen players the Wildcats have established contact with in some form or fashion, highlighted by high-profile names such as Tre Johnson, Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg.
Who is Kentucky watching on Friday? Any new names to keep a close eye on or potential offers in sight? KSR has its eyes opened and ears to the ground inside the historic basketball facility. Follow along with the running diary throughout the day.
How about some 2027 interest?
11:30 a.m. ET
Kentucky started the day courtside for Paul George Elite’s Josiah Nance, a 6-5 wing in the rising high school freshman class, playing up in U16s. That’s at the MADE Hoops 8th Grade Finale, a look at the next generation of up-and-comers located in Augusta, GA.
Never too early to lay groundwork on the recruiting trail.
— Jack Pilgrim
Orlando Antigua, Chin Coleman and LeBron James in for Cooper Flagg
12:38 p.m. ET
Kentucky’s Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman are courtside for arguably the top high school prospect in the world, Cooper Flagg. He’s currently averaging 22 points, 13 rebounds, eight blocks and six assists per game at Peach Jam.
LeBron James — who parked his (I’m assuming) Rolls Royce right outside the front door — also taking in the generational talent.
Jon Scheyer and Jai Lucas watching closely. Duke seen as the favorite with pro options also fighting for his services.
Kentucky also expressing early interest in 2025 four-star guard Danny Carbuccia, high school teammate of 2024 target Boogie Fland. Averaging 7.8 points, 4.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds per contest here in North Augusta. Opposing guard here vs. Flagg.
— Jack Pilgrim
AJ Dybantsa vs. Tyran Stokes
One of the more exciting matchups of the day featuring two prime targets for Kentucky, top-five recruits AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes of the 2026 class (for now).
The reason Flagg is ”arguably” the best high school player in the world? Dybantsa exists. At 6-8, he’s a guard that does things no one else can. Smooth, long and athletic, he draws comparisons to former Kentucky guard Terrence Clarke — his lifelong role model. From Boston and playing for the same EYBL program, Expressions Elite, Dybantsa considers the late Clarke his cousin, losing him when he was 14 years old. He models his game after and dedicates his on-court play to the former Wildcat.
As for Stokes, he’s a Louisville, KY native and as physically imposing as they come. A bowling ball in transition and a ferocious finisher, he’s at the top of the priority list for the Wildcats in the rising sophomore class.
Dybantsa is considered a serious reclass option for 2025 while Stokes looks the part physically, as well — just depends on how things shake out academically. ’25 or ’26 for either, Kentucky wants both. Bad. They’ll be able to get a closer look this high school season, as they’re set to play for Prolific Prep together this winter.
— Jack Pilgrim.
Chin Coleman watches Tre Johnson
Where do things stand with the highest-ranked shooting guard in the rising senior class? Tre Johnson finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds and two assists in a big win for Houston Hoops.
Chin Coleman was courtside for that one.
Johnson told KSR after the win Kentucky is pitching him as their next one-and-done and he models his game after Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Baylor seen as the biggest threat there, with Alabama also getting an official visit at some point after Peach Jam.
Dynamic scorer capable of filling it up in a hurry, taking pride in defense — a new and welcomed development. In the conversation for No. 1 in 2024.
John Calipari returns to Lexington
The current Wildcats have business to take care of next week in Toronto at the 2023 GLOBL JAM. That’s why Coach Cal left Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman in North Augusta (and Chuck Martin in Rock Hill) to get back with his team for practice in Lexington.
He was joined by former Wildcat Kellan Grady, with Bruiser Flint and John Welch helping run the show while the other assistants are on the trail.
This post will be updated throughout the day…
The post KSR’s Peach Jam Live Diary: Pool Play Concludes appeared first on On3.
