Coach Mark Pope believes sophomore Jayden Quaintance, right, is on an elite level with his physical talent. (UK Athletics Photo)
Jayden Quaintance is working his way back from knee surgery in the spring but Kentucky coach Mark Pope is confident the Arizona State transfer will make a full recovery in part because “we have the best performance team in the country” working with him now at UK.
The 6-9 Quaintance is already being projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft even though he does not turn 18 years old until July 11. He could be starting his high school senior season in Kentucky and be eligible.
“He is really physically talented. He’s on the most elite of elite levels with his physical talent,” Pope said.
Quaintance originally committed to Kentucky and coach John Calipari in November of 2023 and considered staying with the program when Pope took over but instead headed to Arizona State for his freshman season. He averaged 9.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 29 minutes per game despite being the youngest player in college basketball last season.
He’s a defensive stopper who Pope knows will be a “difference maker” for Kentucky.
Pope has said Quaintance reminds him of former Clemson star Dale Davis, Pope’s teammate with the Indiana Pacer during Pope’s rookie season. Davis played 16 years in the NBA.
“Dale Davis was an elite-level shot blocker, an incredible athlete. He could really run the floor and punish you at the rim. He was an intimidating presence and Jayden is like that,” Pope said.
However, Pope also likes Quaintance’s ability to do things offensively and believes he’s “destined to be a star” at Kentucky.
“Jayden has unbelievable timing and is incredibly mobile. He can also surprise you with the way he can put the ball on the floor. That’s some of why I think he’s going to be a star,” Pope said.
Kentucky sophomore Trent Noah admits it is even hard for him to believe that Quaintance can be so good and still not be 18 years old yet.
“He has an incredible build. I mean, that’s why he’s a NBA style player. I’m ready for him to get healthy and play alongside him,” Noah said.
Noah played against Quaintance and UK freshman Jasper Johnson when they were on the same AAU team two years ago.
“The two of them were really good together, so I kind of know him (Quaintance) from that and it was easy to tell even then just how good he was going to be,” Noah said.
3 Responses
JQ is probably the best big man we’ve had since Julius Randle or Karl Anthony Towns. He has Julius Randles motor with Karl Anthony Towns length and rebounding. He blocks shots like Anthony Davis or Nerlens Noel. He’s a complete basketball player. What is the most scary is he could be a senior in high school he’s still only 17. What’s great about JQ is he has a point to prove. He wants to show the world that this injury didn’t end his career and he’s way ahead of schedule already. He might be ready at the end of October-early November. He might even be ready for the Louisville game on November 11th. Barring any set back I’m going to say he plays in the Louisville game.the might only play 10-15 minutes that early but I do see Pope easing him back. He might not ever play more than 22 minutes a game this year. I think in a ideal situation the most he would play is about 25 mins a game and I doubt Pope even plays him that much. Another Knee injury and his stock will take a nose dive. So he has to be very careful about when he plays him.
Terry, I still remember Randle carry us to the final four when the cats beat unbeaten Wichita. State. He was a beast for us in that classic game.
That was then! Its on to the next seaaon now!