D.J. Wagner, the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, committed to Kentucky over Louisville this afternoon.
Wagner cited his relationship with John Calipari, the atmosphere at Rupp Arena and his relationship with stepbrother Kareem Watkins as reasons why he picked the Wildcats.
Here is an interview following his announcement:
Here are more details from ESPN:
Wagner’s commitment gives John Calipari and Kentucky the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. If the Wildcats finish the cycle at the top — and Wagner’s pledge likely seals that — it will be the seventh time since Calipari took over in Lexington that Kentucky has the top-ranked recruiting class. Wagner is also the fourth No. 1 recruit to commit to the Wildcats under Calipari, following Shaedon Sharpe, Nerlens Noel and Anthony Davis.
“This was an extremely difficult decision that I went back-and-forth with for a long time. That’s why it took so long,” Wagner told ESPN. “I’m real comfortable with my decision. Coach John Calipari was always straightforward and honest with me. He said he would be with me until the wheels fall off the car either way. And that meant so much to me. When I watched him coach I could feel the intensity, how he disciplines his team and how he breaks it down.”
“The atmosphere at Kentucky is unbelievable,” he added. “I’ve been there several times and it’s what I’m most comfortable with.”
