Tuesday Headlines: Richie Saunders and Jayden Quaintance Edition

Posted by author April 23, 2024 Basketball

Kentucky basketball is busy on the recruiting trail as new head coach Mark Pope continues to work tirelessly to build his roster for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

After losing 10 players from last year’s team, it’s pretty much a blank canvas for Pope. He’s already retained Mr. Kentucky Basketball Travis Perry and landed beloved transfer Amari Williams as well as Collin Chandler — both in the portal — within the last week.

Today, Pope is visiting former Kentucky commit Jayden Quaintance for an in-home visit.

According to Jamie Shaw, the top-10 prospect will meet with Pope then Memphis on Friday before also visiting with Arkansas and John Calipari.

Quaintance ranks No. 8 in the 247 Composite. He has all of the talent to be a complete player at both ends of the floor and — since he’s only 16 — must spend two years in college before he’s eligible for the NBA draft, making him a highly regarded recruit.

Pope also had BYU transfer Richie Saunders in Lexington over the last two days.

BYU’s Richie Saunders expected to visit Kentucky tonight and tomorrow

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 21, 2024

Saunders averaged just under 10 points per game as a sophomore. He improved across the board from year one to year two in field goal percentage, three point percentage, points, rebounds and assists. He only started two games last season at BYU and if he reconnects with Pope at Kentucky, there’s a chance he’ll have equal or even more opportunity.