Will Kentucky make another run at the former McDonald’s All-American?
A new name is in the transfer portal, and he has had ties to the Kentucky Wildcats.
Arizona State’s Jayden Quaintance will be finding a new home this offseason after spending his freshman season with the Sun Devils, as he’s entered the portal, according to Jonathan Givony.
Quaintance tore his ACL late in the season and had surgery on March 19th but is expected to be ready to go before the start of the 2025-26 season. With Kentucky set to lose many frontcourt players due to graduation, could they make a run at its former commit?
Quaintance had a solid campaign, averaging 9.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He was a strong paint presence, averaging 2.6 blocks per game as well. The former 5-star prospect committed to Kentucky on November 14, 2023, and then decommited on April 10, 2024, after the head coaching change in Lexington.
With Pope having shown some success at Kentucky and having developed big men like Andrew Carr and Amari Wiliams well, Quaintance, who stands 6-foot-9, might have some more reason to think Kentucky could develop him into a future NBA star.
That said, it remains to be seen if Kentucky will actually make a run at him or look elsewhere for frontcourt help.
Jayden Quaintance was the youngest player in college basketball, arriving at ASU at 16. He was one of the country’s best shot-blockers, with a 7’5 wingspan, outstanding mobility, and strong two-way instincts. Should he enter, he’ll become one of the top players in the portal. https://t.co/6WQrE4ylCQ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 2, 2025