D.J. for UK: The Cats earn their first 2019 commitment

The timing may have been a surprise but the decision didn't fool anyone. John Calipari and Kentucky's staff landed their first 2019 commitment on Monday when D.J. Jeffries picked UK over Alabama and Mississippi State.

The 6-foot-7, 200-pound versatile wing from Olive Branch, Miss., also had offers from Florida, Kansas, Memphis and several other high-level programs. Jeffries was one of the first players in the class of 2019 to land an offer from UK and happens to be good friends and AAU teammates with James Wiseman, another top UK target in 2019.

Some may have been surprised by UK's initial involvement in Jeffries. Calipari isn't overly generous with offers and Jeffries being ranked No. 47 in the class of 2019 wouldn't indicate he will be Calipari's next No. 1 overall pick, but Calipari has shown more love to Jeffries than any other player in 2019.

The Cats offered Jeffries in September when Calipari visited and UK's staff have been in to see him three times since the offer. Jeffries visited UK back in October unofficially and Calipari's last visit to Jeffries was last week. UK assistant Tony Barbee has been a big part of the recruiting effort for Jeffries.

Jeffries played for Team Penny, coached by former NBA star Penny Hardaway, on the Nike EYBL circuit. As a rising junior he averaged 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and two assists per game.

More recrntly Jeffries helped lead his Olive Branch High School to a Mississippi 5A state title. Jeffries averaged 20 points and five rebounds in the semifinal and state championship game. He was named MVP.

Rumors surrounding Jeffries reclassification to the class of 2018 appear to be just that, rumors. Jeffries' family aren't shy about shooting down the rumors and his father has gone on record saying his son will stay in the class of 2019. UK has offered seven other players in the class but Jeffries is the only commit and it may stay that way for the foreseeable future.

One interesting note of Jeffries' recruitment is the latest rumors surrounding Hardaway. He has mentioned in reports as being the front-running candidate in the still-occupied Memphis coaching position. It seems unlikely the Tigers will keep Tubby Smith, but there will be a substantial buyout if Memphis does indeed move in a different direction.

There's no denying that if Hardaway took over the Memphis job that Jeffries and Wiseman would be at the top of his recruiting board. He has a great relationship with both players and the two players speak highly of Hardaway. The timing of Jeffries' commitment can't be overstated with Hardaway possibly taking over a program just 30 minutes away from Jeffries.

And while Jeffries is off the market he won't be binded to Kentucky until he can sign a National Letter of Intent in November.

Stay tuned to Cats Illustrated for more Jeffries to UK coverage.