Coveted Creighton Transfer Arthur Kaluma Expected to Visit Kentucky

The Wildcats are going all in on the sought-after forward, currently ranked as the No. 2 available player in the portal.

There aren't many transfer portal options left for Kentucky basketball as the middle of June begins. 

Having swung and missed so many times, coach John Calipari and his staff are squaring dead in the face of a roster that's made up of freshmen and sophomores, but not in that way that the Hall of Fame coach is used to. 

There is one big name left, however — Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma.

The 6-foot-8 forward was a monumental get for the Blue Jays. Coming out of Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., he was the No. 49 recruit and No. 11 power forward in the 2021 class. 

In two seasons in Omaha, Kaluma played in 68 games, making 67 starts. He put up similar numbers as a freshman and a sophomore, averaging 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists for his career. 

Originally expected to keep his name in the NBA draft, ESPN's Jeff Borzello announced on May 31 that Kaluma was withdrawing and keeping his name in the portal, with Kentucky being one of the teams that was already "in pursuit" of the forward. 

Now, 247Sports' Travis Branham reports that a visit to Lexington for Kaluma is expected for next week:

Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma is expected to take a visit to Kentucky next week, a source tells @247SportsPortal.

The No. 2 available player in the transfer portal.

— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) June 9, 2023

With Kentucky's frontcourt currently consisting of 5-star freshman Aaron Bradshaw, sophomore center Ugonna Onyenso and 5-star small forward Justin Edwards, depth is going to be a necessity in the paint. Kaluma is a player that can make an immediate impact and serve as much more than just depth, however. 

The Wildcats are doing what they can to lock down more 2023 recruits, so the addition of Kaluma would also fill a massive void in the veteran department. Kaluma is also reportedly taking visits to Kansas State and Alabama. 247Sports ranks him as the second best available player in the portal. 

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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