Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Both James Blackmon Jr. and Devin Booker have been rumored to favor the Kentucky Wildcats as their future college destination. Blackmon Jr. has been linked to the Wildcats ever since he backed out of his commitment with Indiana. It is well known that Blackmon Jr.’s father played at Kentucky in the mid-1980s, and his son should follow in his father’s footsteps. He already plays for his father at Marion High School in Indiana. James Blackmon Sr. was named a McDonald’s All-American at Marion High, and was named runner up for the title of Mr. Basketball.
While most feel Kentucky appears to be the lock for Blackmon Jr., there are a few rumors going around that Michigan is making a really strong push. The Wolverines are coming off a national title game appearance, and hope that game will help them on the recruiting trail. Currently, the Wolverines only have two commitments in their 2014 class with three-star PF Ricky Doyle and unranked SG Austin Hatch. From my own personal research, I’ve learned that Blackmon’s dad wants him at Kentucky. His mom wants him to remain loyal to Indiana, while Michigan is coming on strong. Will it be enough to pry him away from Kentucky?
Since Kentucky received a commitment from Chicago PG Tyler Ulis, Booker has been considered a Kentucky lean. Booker and Ulis had a rumored packaged deal before Ulis’ commitment. Michigan wants Booker over Blackmon Jr., but they will be happy with either player. Michigan obviously needs one of these shooting guards for their class, but who will they get? Kentucky has a decent chance to land both players, but Michigan will at least be in the mix to steal one away.
Brian Lewis is an SEC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him to your network on Google for more of his work.
