McDonald’s All-American Jayden Quaintance has been committed to Kentucky since November. On Wednesday, he reportedly requested his release from his National Letter of Intent.
Quaintance’s father broke this news to Eric Bossi of 247Sports. The timing of this decision isn’t really a surprise.
Arkansas officially announced Wednesday that John Calipari will be the newest head coach for the men’s basketball team. His departure from Kentucky obviously impacts recruits like Quaintance who committed to the Wildcats because of him.
According to 247Sports, the current expectation is that Quaintance will follow Calipari to Arkansas. That would be a huge win for the Razorbacks.
Quaintance is the No. 2 center and No. 8 overall recruit in the 2024 class, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings.
The 247Sports scouting report on Quaintance describes him as “one of the most naturally talented prospects in the country.” Not only does he have the size to be a star at the collegiate level, he has the necessary touch around the basket to eventually take his skills to the pros.
It’s too early to tell if other Kentucky recruits will request their release like Quaintance did.
This is unfamiliar territory for Kentucky, which hopes to have a new coach very soon.