TAKE TWO: Cade Cunningham's decision
Defeating the No. 1 team in the nation was a good day's work for Kentucky's basketball program on Tuesday, but the news wasn't all good.
Five-star prospect Cade Cunningham committed to Oklahoma State, turning down Kentucky, in a blow to the Wildcats' recruiting efforts.
Cats Illustrated contributors David Sisk and Travis Graf share their takes on what happened, what it means, and where UK goes from here.
David Sisk: Cade Cunningham evidently just wasn't meant to be. Although, I don't know the details, it's pretty evident that having his brother on the staff was too much to overcome. There is still a very good class coming in. It's almost a slam dunk that Devin Askew comes in next season so the point guard spot should be filled.
The wing spots also look to be in good shape and don't forget that Lance Ware will be playing the four. The next step will now be to add a least one other big. Isaiah Jackson will be making a decision soon, and a lot of national analysts no matter the venue, believe that he will choose Kentucky. Clifford Omoruyi was in attendance last night in Madison Square Garden. He will decide in the spring. A graduate transfer big man could also be in the cards.
Travis Graf: It was obviously a tough blow to the Kentucky basketball program that Cade Cunningham decided to follow his brother to Oklahoma State. John Calipari had went all out in recruiting him, and had put the ‘Cats in a good position, “but blood is thicker than water”. I think that Kentucky was in a great spot after Cade’s official visit to Lexington, but things got quiet shortly after. Whenever things went quiet, I think that’s when things started to turn back in Oklahoma State’s favor. He’s a great player and a big-time get for Mike Boynton and his staff.
Kentucky’s cupboard is far from bare. I’ve heard that Devin Askew will most likely reclassify to the 2020 class, and I think Kentucky knew this would happen all along, letting them go all in for Cunningham. The ‘Cats are still in on some very high level prospects: Greg Brown and Isaiah Jackson for 2020, and Jonathan Kuminga and Paolo Banchero for possible 2021 reclassifications. There’s always a chance that a player you’re not expecting to be at Kentucky joins the class as well. The ‘Cats will be just fine, Cade Cunningham would’ve just taken them from “great team” to “super team” in 2021.