Kentucky fans got the man they were clamoring for.
Five-star guard Tyrese Maxey committed to the Wildcats on Wednesday afternoon, choosing UK over Texas, Michigan, Michigan State and Oklahoma State.
I WILL BE COMMITTING TO.........🤐 pic.twitter.com/RMyeEuaZrw
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) May 9, 2018
The wait isn't over, though.
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The 6-3, 185-pounder from South Garland, Texas, made his decision amid rumors he'd also reclassify into the Class of 2018 and enroll in time to suit up for coach John Calipari for the 2018-19 season. Turns out, he's staying put.
"I will stay my senior year (2018-19)," Maxey told The Circuit, home for official coverage of Nike Grassroots Basketball. "I decided to stay because i wanted to enjoy my last year with my friends. And you only have one senior year."
Adding Maxey to the Wildcats' 2018 class would've completed a hostile takeover by Kentucky in the recruiting ranking battle.
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Duke made headlines after it garnered commitments from McDonald's All-Americans R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson, Cam Reddish and Tre Jones to go with latecomer Joey Baker, who reclassified to join the Blue Devils next season. With Maxey deciding to finish his high school career, the Blue Devils will likely retain the nation's top recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. Kentucky's current class includes five-star prospects E.J. Montgomery, Keldon Johnson and Immanuel Quickley as well as four-star recruit Tyler Herro.
Nonetheless, gaining a verbal pledge from the versatile guard is a coup for the 'Cats. Maxey is rated No. 13 overall and second among point guards in the Class of 2019 by 247 Sports. ESPN rates him 14th overall and the nation's No. 3 point guard.
Maxey was named Offensive Player of the Session after averaging 24 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.9 steals per game during the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League's stop in Indianapolis late last month.
With Maxey seemingly securely in the fold, Kentucky, which also has commitments from juniors Ashton Hagans and D.J. Jeffries, could have the top signing class next season.