FEW MINUTES AGO: The Wildcats Officially Defeat the Hoosiers and Auburn to Secure the Commitment of High-Scoring Phenom Lamar Wilkerson
Lexington, KY — April 15, 2025
In a major win for the University of Kentucky basketball program, the Wildcats have officially secured the commitment of Lamar Wilkerson, one of the most electrifying and highly sought-after prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. The five-star shooting guard chose Kentucky over fierce competition from Indiana University (Hoosiers) and Auburn, both of which had pushed hard in recent weeks to land the prolific scorer.
Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5 combo guard from Atlanta, Georgia, has been a standout on the national circuit, dazzling scouts with his explosive scoring ability, court vision, and clutch playmaking. Averaging an eye-popping 29.3 points per game during his senior season at Westlake High School, Wilkerson’s stock has been on a steady rise, cementing his status as one of the top three guards in the country.
In a live-streamed announcement from his high school gym, Wilkerson unzipped his jacket to reveal a blue and white Wildcats t-shirt, sending a packed crowd—and Wildcat fans nationwide—into a frenzy.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Wilkerson said during the announcement. “I’ve built relationships with some amazing coaches and teammates throughout this process. But in the end, Kentucky felt like home. Coach Cal [John Calipari] believes in me, and I believe in what we can build together.”
Head coach John Calipari, known for his success with one-and-done talents and player development, has once again landed a premier talent who could be an instant contributor. Wilkerson’s commitment gives the Wildcats a significant boost for the upcoming season and potentially reshapes the outlook of their 2025 recruiting class.
“Lamar is the kind of player that changes games,” Coach Calipari said in a statement shortly after the announcement. “He’s electric, fearless, and has a basketball IQ well beyond his years. We’re thrilled he chose to become part of the Kentucky family.”
Recruiting insiders say Wilkerson had been torn between the three programs for weeks, with Indiana’s historic pedigree and Auburn’s recent tournament success both making compelling cases. Sources close to the recruitment noted that Kentucky’s proven track record of NBA player development, paired with Wilkerson’s desire to compete at the highest level, ultimately sealed the deal.
The addition of Wilkerson also vaults Kentucky into the top 3 of the national recruiting rankings, joining an already talented class that includes top-ranked forward Jalen “Jet” Holloway and defensive-minded center Bryce Tolman.
Fans and analysts are already projecting Wilkerson as a potential one-and-done lottery pick, drawing comparisons to former Wildcat greats like Malik Monk and Jamal Murray.
“He’s got that killer instinct,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Lamar has the skill, the mentality, and the drive to not only thrive at Kentucky but to be the kind of player who leaves a legacy.”
As the college basketball world reacts to the breaking news, Big Blue Nation is already buzzing with excitement. For Kentucky, it’s not just a win in recruiting—it’s a statement of intent.
With Lamar Wilkerson now on board, the Wildcats look poised to roar back into national title contention.
