Kentucky Loses Highest-Ranked Incoming Recruit As John Calipari Departs

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 10, 2024

Former Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats are already feeling the effect of coach John Calipari's departure from the program, as it's had a significant impact on their roster outlook for the upcoming season and potentially beyond.

On Wednesday, five-star forward Jayden Quaintance requested a release from his letter of intent to Kentucky and he intends to re-open his recruitment, according to multiple reports.

Quaintance, a 6'9" center out of Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., was rated as the No. 8 prospect in the nation by 247Sports and was the headliner prospect of Kentucky's recruiting class, which ranked No. 2 in the country.

Per 247Sports, Quaintance is expected to make the move to Fayetteville alongside Calipari, who agreed to a five-year deal to take over as coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Quaintance isn't the first inbound Kentucky recruit to since walk back their commitment amid the news of Calipari's departure. Earlier this week, four-star prospect Karter Knox also re-opened his recruitment. Additionally, Aaron Bradshaw announced he was entering the transfer portal after his freshman season in Lexington.