So this is what makes a super recruiting class

Reed Sheppard with his family at Big Blue Madness. The North Laurel senior could be part of a super recruiting class at UK this year.

“Cal has lost his swag. Cal just can’t recruit like he used to. Cal just doesn’t get it anymore. Why are we losing all these recruits to other schools, mainly Duke.”

The above were frequently heard not only among the Kentucky faithful but national and local media outlets were beginning to wonder where the old John Calipari had gone. If Kentucky offered the top recruits came and the lever had been switched.

Calipari has revamped his coaching staff to include Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman. He has decided to be hands on and offer early. Has it worked? When the Nov. 9 signing date arrives he will have what most have determined to be a “Super Class.”

DJ WAGNER
If you follow even a small amount of recruiting news there is no need to detail the recruitment of Wagner. He is the son of Dajuan Wagner who was Calipari’s first one and done in Memphis, brother of UK player Kareem Watkins and the grandson of Milt Wagner who is currently employed by the University of Louisville. The Cards played all their aces on the recruitment of Wagner. However, unless something extraordinary occurs, Wagner will be signing with Kentucky.

Wagner is from Camden, N.J., where he plays for Camden High School. He is the #1 recruit in the class of 2023. He is listed as a combo guard and defines himself by making those around him better while being a threat to create his shot at all three levels.

JUSTIN EDWARDS

Edwards is a small forward living in Philadelphia and currently playing for Imhotep Independent.  He is ranked as high as the #2 player in the 2023 recruiting class. Tennessee was the leader until Cal locked in during spring recruitment. His junior year he averaged 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, hit 43 3-pointers while leading his school to a state championship.  Edwards was named the Class 5A player of the year in Pennsylvania as a junior. Cal has struggled in the past recruiting small forwards and Edwards could be the best small forward to ever learn under Cal.

AARON BRADSHAW

Bradshaw is a teammate of Wagner at Camden High School. Measuring 7 feet, he is considered the #1 front court player in the 2023 class and as high as #4 overall. Bradshaw surprised the BBN by making his commitment announcement 30 minutes before the start of Big Blue Madness. He is a big that can move his feet, stretches the floor and is considered one of the best rim protectors in the nation.

ROBERT DILLINGHAM

Dillingham is from Charlotte, N.C.,  and is currently playing his senior year at the Donda Academy in California. He originally committed to North Carolina State but de-committed early in 2022 opening up his recruitment. Dillingham recently scored 36 points on the opening night of the OTE. He shot 64.3 percent from the field, 62.5 percent from the 3, 81.3 percent from the free throw line and had five rebounds, four steals and three assists. He is considered the #1 point guard in the class and #7 overall.

REED SHEPPARD

Sheppard does not need any introduction to Kentucky fans. He lives in London, plays for North Laurel High School and is a top 40 player nationally. His parents, Jeff and Stacey, both wore the blue and white for the University of Kentucky. Sheppard is listed as a combo guard and was notably the best player on the floor in his ESPN debut in July. He led Midwest Basketball Team to a victory over Team Strive for Greatness in the 3SSB Open. Sheppard is labeled as a dead-eye shooter, pinpoint passer and excellent decision maker.

So this is what makes a Super Class.

Calipari has his swagger back.