Five-star Kentucky recruit Jayden Quaintance wants out

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th April, 16:04 2024

Apr 2, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East forward Jayden Quaintance (21) fouls McDonald's All American West guard Karter Knox (21) during the second half at Toyota Center. credits: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Five-star recruit Jayden Quaintance, a consensus top-15 recruit in the Class of 2024, requested release from his letter of intent to Kentucky.

He would be the second top recruit in the incoming class to decommit from Kentucky since head coach John Calipari's exit for Arkansas, which became official on Wednesday.

Extremely young for his grade, Quaintance is only 16 and was the top recruit in Kentucky's class. Because of his age, Quaintance cannot enter the NBA draft until 2026 at the earliest.

The physically imposing Quaintance, 6-feet-10 with a power element in his game, played for Team USA's 16-and-under team and is the son of former Kent State player Hamin Quaintance.

Overtime Elite four-star small forward Karter Knox said he plans to re-open his recruitment on Tuesday. Knox initially listed Louisville and South Florida among his finalists before the 6-6 wing chose the Wildcats.

According to multiple reports, Quaintance is considering Arkansas, Missouri and Ohio State, among others.

Quaintance was the first major chip in the top-ranked recruiting class for the Wildcats and committed last year, citing a close connection with Calipari.

—Field Level Media