UK signees invited to Jordan Brand Classic
Their high school careers are winding down, and you'd think that would mean less basketball for members of Kentucky's 2014 recruiting class.
But all four were named to the McDonald's All-American game in late January, and Monday it was deja vu as they all were selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic all-star game in Brooklyn on April 18.
Advertisement
"Well it's a huge honor and I can't wait to play," five-star center Karl Towns texted Cats Illustrated.
Towns joins Trey Lyles as members of the East team, while guards Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis will represent the West.
It now marks 23 Jordan All-Americans for UK since John Calipari took over in 2009, more than any other college in that span.
UK and Duke will both have four players participating.
"This should be fun," Lyles texted.
All four commits are averaging more than 20 points per game. Booker set an all-time scoring record at his Moss Point (Miss.) high school, and just this week Lyles was named Indianapolis Player of the Year for the third consecutive year.
The 2014 game will mark the 13th anniversary of the Jordan Brand Classic. Last season UK freshman Julius Randle was named co-Most Valuable Player with Duke's Jabari Parker.
Last season UK had six players play in the Jordan Brand Classic.
While the number might be slightly down in 2014, the quality matches where the quantity missed.
"This just shows that Kentucky is getting another great recruiting class," Towns said. "It also shows the talent we possess."
The Jordan Brand Classic will tip the same night as Louisville's Derby Festival Classic all-star game, meaning no UK commit will play in the event.
On April 18 it will be a matchup of UK's future bigs vs. the Cats' future guards.
"(Towns) and me are going to have to play together and have fun doing it," Lyles said.