Robert Dillingham (Instagram photo)
Never say never in recruiting. That’s always been Kentucky football recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow’s motto — and one reason Wan’Dale Robinson came back to UK for a record-setting 2021 season.
However, Kentucky coach John Calipari seems to have the same motto and that could lead to five-star point guard Robert Dillingham committing to Kentucky when he announces his college choice for a second time on June 24.
Dillingham had Kentucky in his top five when he verbally committed to North Carolina State six months ago before playing his junior season at Donda Academy in California. The buzz at the time was UK had backed off Dillingham who had been seen as a probable Wildcat.
However, Dillingham de-committed from North Carolina due to sanctions imposed on the program in the recruitment of Dennis Smith.
The 6-2 guard is ranked No. 5 overall by ESPN in the 2023 recruiting class and No. 6 by On3, No. 7 by Rivals, and No. 14 by 247Sports. His offers include Arkansas, Kansas, Auburn, North Carolina, LSU and Texas along with a lot of others.
Kentucky has one verbal commitment in the 2023 class — North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard.
Here is the 247Sports Scouting Report by Jerry Meyer on Dillingham:
“Has a thin build but has length at 6-2 with long arms. Has a feel for controlling horizontal space. Possesses a special feel space and time on the court. Combines this awareness with an elite burst of quickness to gain separation. Highly confident sharpshooter from deep. Has a deft hop back jumper going to his right. Pulls up with effectiveness in the midrange going either direction.
“Loves to shoot a runner going left when can’t get to the rim. Slick ball-handler and crafty finisher. Has it on a string and can find teammates while penetrating. Lack of size and strength can be a detriment on the boards and defensively. Is an active and disruptive defender, nonetheless. Has tremendous upside as a dynamic playmaker who just needs to gain strength and mass as he develops.”
