Jaden McDaniels to discuss commitment plan this week

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Jaden McDaniels, the 6-foot-10 small forward from Federal Way (WA), will discuss his commitment plan this coming week with his head coach.

“Jaden and I will be discussing his decision when I get back this week,” said Federal Way coach Yattah Reed, who has been out of Seattle this week.

McDaniels is expected to choose between Kentucky and Washington, with sources indicating he is poised to land at Washington.

Jaden McDaniels Prediction: Washington pic.twitter.com/k2SU1gbw8X

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 19, 2019

If McDaniels chooses Washington, he would join a strong recruiting class featuring RaeQuan Battle, Marcus Tsohonis and fellow five-star forward Isaiah Stewart. Stewart signed last month and gives Washington a potent inside presence.

“We’re so happy to welcome Isaiah to the Husky family and ready to have him in purple and gold,” said head coach Mike Hopkins. “He is a dynamic player who has an unrelenting work ethic that fits exactly what we are trying to build here at Washington. He’s a difference–maker not only on the court but as a leader, a worker and a person. He’s going to be a great teammate and he’s a proven winner. We’re excited for him to join this class and know he is going to be a great representative for Husky nation.”

McDaniels is the projected No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, per ESPN.com, while Stewart is No. 11. Should Washington land McDaniels, they would have two projected lottery picks in the frontcourt.

The Huskies will also add five-star Kentucky transfer Quade Green, who has been with the team since January sitting out due to transfer rules.

Meantime, Kentucky awaits the fate of several big men, including freshman E.J. Montgomery and sophomore Nick Richards, who are both testing the NBA Draft waters. Neither was invited to last week’s NBA G League Elite Camp or NBA Combine.

Kentucky is also involved for Kerry Blackshear, the 6-10 Virginia Tech transfer who was invited to the Pro Basketball Combine May 21-22 in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Blackshear is looking to go pro and hence his interest in attending the Combine. Aside from Kentucky, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech are among those involved.

Kentucky’s roster is loaded with guards and wings for 2019-20 including Ashton Hagans, Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, Dontaie Allen, Keion Brooks, Kahlil Whitney and Johnny Juzang. But the Wildcats still need some frontcourt fortification.

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