Paolo Banchero shocked the recruiting world Thursday when he announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils.
Banchero, ranked No. 2 overall in 2021 by Rivals, was long viewed as a Kentucky lean, though SEC rival Tennessee was picking up a lot of steam after landing a pledge from Banchero’s good pal, Kennedy Chandler. The two had discussed teaming up in college, and this was starting to become what looked like a Cats vs. Vols battle for the elite recruit.
While losing a recruit like Banchero is always a tough pill to swallow, he did at least do Kentucky a small favor by committing now.