Highly regarded recruit Cason Wallace chooses ‘dream school,’ commits to Kentucky basketball

Kentucky is one of the most storied programs in NCAA basketball history. Cason Wallace, a highly regarded recruit for Kentucky’s 2018 class, has decided to join their program and serve as an assistant coach under head coach John Calipari. Why would he choose such a prestigious school? We talk with him about his decision in this episode of recruiting podcast The Recruiting Podcast!

Cason Wallace, a highly-regarded recruit for Kentucky basketball, chose the Wildcats over Duke and Kansas. He’s known for his 3-point shooting prowess on the court and will likely be able to contribute immediately next year.

The “kentucky basketball coach” is a highly regarded recruit that has chosen to attend the University of Kentucky. The player, Cason Wallace, committed to the Wildcats on Monday night.

7 November 2021

  • Borzello, Jeff

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    ESPN Contributor

    • Insider on basketball recruitment.
    • In 2014, he joined ESPN.
    • University of Delaware graduate.
  • Biancardi, Paul

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    1621873986_749_High-school-basketball-powerhouses-form-national-league-set-to-beginBasketball Talent Scouting

    • ESPN.com’s National Recruiting Director
    • Coached at the Division I level for 18 years.
    • Wright State’s former Horizon League coach of the year

Cason Wallace, a top-10 senior, confirmed his commitment to Kentucky on Sunday, giving coach John Calipari and the Wildcats the nation’s top recruiting class.

Wallace picked Kentucky over Tennessee, Texas, and Texas-San Antonio, where his younger brother, Keaton, was a four-year starter. During the summer, his recruiting took multiple twists and turns, with Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas all seeming like possible favorites at various times.

Wallace, on the other hand, has been the Wildcats’ point guard of choice for the previous two months.

“Kentucky has always been my dream school since I was a kid,” Wallace told ESPN. “The whole program, from the staff to the players and supporters, exuded excitement.”

Since taking over at Kentucky in 2009, Calipari has brought in 14 five-star point guards. During that time, he secured a five-star point guard in all but two recruiting classes, and he also landed two five-star point guards in 2018.

Wallace was impressed with Wallace’s track record.

“One day, I’d want to play in the NBA.” “Coach Cal’s résumé and having people in the league speak for themselves,” Wallace said. “I chatted with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who said he had a good time. He predicted that it would be difficult, but that it would be worthwhile. Coach Cal views me as a versatile guard who can play in any position on the court.

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“He is a really sincere guy, especially for such a high-profile coach. Very straightforward. When he spoke, there were no promises, no sugarcoating, and no fluff.”

Wallace, a 6-foot-3 point guard from Richardson High School in Texas, is rated No. 9 overall in the ESPN 100 and No. 2 in the class. He averaged 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 13 games with the Pro Skills grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit in July, shooting 54.4 percent from inside the arc and 35.2 percent from 3-point range.

Wallace is a terrific two-way player who can contribute on and off the ball while also defending. He is effective as a scoring guard. His jumper is good, and he has a terrific ability to finish in the paint. He can handle the ball on the break and consistently locate the open guy as a facilitator. His vision is strong, and his drive-and-kick approach is efficient. The next phase is to take control of the offensive.

Wallace is also a top-tier defender who utilizes his tenacity and speed to shut down opposition ball handlers and chase shooters off screens. He possesses fast hands and reflexes as a positional defender. Wallace is also a tough and focused player.

Kentucky now has four five-star prospects in the 2022 class, thanks to Wallace’s addition. Shaedon Sharpe, the top-ranked talent, leads the foursome, which also includes small forward Chris Livingston (No. 12) and Skyy Clark (No. 16). Kentucky now sits atop the rankings, ahead of Duke and Arkansas, thanks to Wallace’s commitment.

Calipari’s sixth top-ranked class since joining the Wildcats would be if Kentucky finishes with the No. 1 class. In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2020, they also finished first in their class.

With Wallace’s pledge, every five-star talent in the 2022 class has officially signed, even though the early signing period is still a few days away. Eric Dailey Jr., who is currently ranked No. 21 in the ESPN 100, is the best available talent.

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