For months, Caleb Wilson appeared to be trending toward Kentucky basketball, exciting fans about his potential future in Lexington. However, recent reports from Joe Tipton and Travis Branham now suggest Wilson is a near lock for North Carolina. This shift leaves Kentucky searching for alternatives in the 2025 recruiting class to fill the void.

Fortunately, the Wildcats still have a number of intriguing prospects on their radar. Here’s a closer look at some of the most promising options:

High School Options

Nate Ament
Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting for 247Sports, calls Ament “one of the best long-term prospects in the country.” At 6-foot-9 with a fluid playing style, Ament has excellent shooting splits (47/42/90 in the 3SSB season) and shows flashes of creativity off the dribble. While his wiry frame and lack of strength are current limitations, his upside as a three-level scorer makes him a top option for Kentucky to consider.

Koa Peat
Peat has been a standout since his freshman year, showcasing consistent production on both ends of the court. At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, Peat is a physical, versatile forward with polished mid-range skills. While his three-point shooting remains a work in progress (29% in 3SSB play), his basketball IQ, competitive stamina, and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s fast-paced style.

Aleks Alston
Known for his scoring ability, Alston is a 6-foot-10 lefty with a smooth shooting stroke. While he thrives as a face-up forward, Alston is still working on diversifying his offensive game and improving his ball-handling. Despite these areas for growth, his combination of size and scoring touch makes him an intriguing prospect for Kentucky.

Paulo Semedo
Standing at 7’1, Paulo Semedo has drawn comparisons to a “poor man’s Wembanyama.” His size and defensive presence could make him an anchor for Kentucky in the paint, providing rim protection and rebounding while developing his offensive game.

Jaion Pitt
Jaion Pitt brings a high motor and toughness to the court. With a 7-foot wingspan and physicality, he excels as a high-volume rebounder and versatile defender. Pitt’s energy and grit could make him a fan favorite in Lexington.

Kieran Mullen
A Canadian prospect with a 6-foot-11 frame, Kieran Mullen offers versatility as a power forward/small forward hybrid. Known for his strong mid-range game and ability to finish around the rim, Mullen could bring a unique skill set to Kentucky’s roster.

Don’t Forget the Transfer Portal

As always, the transfer portal could offer additional options for Kentucky. While it’s impossible to predict who might become available, Coach Mark Pope has shown a knack for finding impact players through this route.

While losing Caleb Wilson to North Carolina would undoubtedly sting, Kentucky basketball has no shortage of talented prospects to target. With names like Nate Ament and Koa Peat in the mix, the Wildcats have a strong foundation to build upon. Keep an eye on these players as Kentucky continues its recruiting efforts to maintain its status as a powerhouse in college basketball.