Report: Michigan Transfer Hunter Dickinson Visiting Kentucky

The big man is set to arrive in Lexington on Sunday, per reports.

The Hunter Dickinson sweepstakes is heating up, and Kentucky basketball is still in the chase for the coveted big man. 

On Thursday morning, Cats Illustrated's David Sisk reported that the Michigan transfer will be visiting Lexington, with his arrival set for Sunday, April 23. 

Hunter Dickinson will be visiting Kentucky. The starting date I have been given is Sunday. @KentuckyRivals

— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) April 20, 2023

Dickinson's name is considered the biggest in the portal and has drawn attention from everywhere in Division I. On April 5, it was reported that he was meeting with Kentucky via Zoom, but this weekend puts UK's chances at landing the 7-foot-1 Alexandria, Va. native much higher. 

After unofficially visiting UK in high school, Dickinson eventually chose Michigan, where he became one of the most high-profile forwards in the country. He played 94 games in maize and blue, averaging 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds-per-game. He faced off against Kentucky in the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase on Dec. 4 in England, totaling 23 points, nine boards and three blocks in a loss. 

The discussion of Kentucky bringing Dickinson in from the portal has surrounded the decision of what forward Oscar Tshiebwe will do, as the former National Player of the Year is currently testing the NBA draft waters, but has maintained his college eligibility and could return to UK for a third season. 

Kyle Tucker of The Athletic has since reported that Tshiebwe has "given Kentucky his blessing to build the best roster they can while he figures out what to," even if that means the Wildcats add Dickinson via the portal:

It is my understanding Oscar Tshiebwe gave the Kentucky staff his blessing to go build the best roster they can while he figures out what to do — and if it means his replacement is found before he does, so be it. https://t.co/4tTiSAzv4S

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 20, 2023

The interest between Kentucky and Dickinson is clearly mutual. The forward is visiting Kansas on Thursday, but all eyes will be on the Bluegrass as UK head coach John Calipari tries to lock down the biggest sweepstakes in the early history of the new college basketball transfer portal. 

More on the soon-to-be Wildcats HERE.

Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.

More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.

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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