Kentucky basketball lands all-world 4-star recruit, but with dose of cold water

Kentucky basketball is still looking for a Oscar Tshiebwe replacement but Somto Cyril’s commitment gives the Wildcats the future of the frontcourt.

John Calipari is going to have a plethora of new blood in the Kentucky basketball program for the 2023-24 season, much of which should ignite excitement in Lexington. The Wildcats boast 2023’s top-ranked recruiting class, headlined by Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw, and DJ Wagner, among others.

What Kentucky has still been searching for, however, is a replacement for Oscar Tshiebwe on the interior. Yes, the 2022 Naismith Player of the Year was a far less effective player this past season, but his decision to stay in the NBA Draft (he went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with the Pacers) left a void on the Wildcats roster.

So when Kentucky basketball landed a commitment from 4-star recruit Somto Cyril, one of the highest-upside players in the 2024 class and a potential reclassification candidate, that seemed like the answer might be about to fall in Coach Cal’s lap. Unfortunately, that might not be the case.

As reported by 247Sports insider Travis Branham, Cyril is “unlikely” to reclassify for this season, meaning he’ll be arriving in Lexington in 2024 as initially planned.

Kentucky basketball: 4-star Somto Cyril commits to Wildcats, unlikely to reclassify

Whenever Cyril arrives at Kentucky, there should be high hopes for his potential. Though he’s listed at 6-foot-10, some have him closer to 7-foot and he’s already displayed elite defensive prowess for his age and experience level while his athleticism is out of this world. His offense is a work in progress, but the potential is obvious.

With Calipari guiding him and with his tools, Cyril could be next-level special for the Wildcats.

As for the 2023-24 season and the hole left by Tshiebwe, there is still time to fill that void by way of the transfer portal with guys like Washington State’s Adrame Diongue or Wichita State’s Kenny Pohto still available in the portal.

Perhaps they don’t replace Tshiebwe, though, and change their style of play until Cyril arrives. That too is an option that can’t be ruled out.

Regardless, we’ll get more clarity on the 5 spot on the floor in the coming weeks and months for the upcoming season but, more importantly, Kentucky basketball fans can already start getting excited about the latest 4-star recruit they’ve landed.