5-Star Center Jayden Quaintance to Sign with ASU After Kentucky Decommitment

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Kentucky has lost another recruit in the wake of John Calipari's departure to Arkansas.

Jayden Quaintance, a 5-star center in the Class of 2024, is decommitting from the Wildcats and will instead sign with Arizona State, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

He's considered the No. 8 overall prospect in his class by 247Sports' Composite Rankings, the No. 2 center and the top player available out of North Carolina.

Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports described Quaintance as "one of the most naturally talented prospects in the country," noting that he has "massively long arms (7-foot-3-plus wingspan), vertical athleticism, a strong frame, good hands, soft touch, shooting potential, natural face-up skill, and signs of a passing instinct. He also runs the floor well and is a solid rebounder when he commits himself."

For the Sun Devils, his commitment is a huge milestone:

Chris Karpman @ChrisKarpman

With a 247Sports Composite grade of .9970, Jayden Quaintance is the highest-rated hoops commitment in ASU history, ahead of Josh Christopher at .9967.<br><br>Quaintance, 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, reclassified from 2025 to 2024. He's not eligible for the NBA Draft until 2026.

Jeff Borzello @jeffborzello

Jayden Quaintance was the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect left on the board in the 2024 class. Huge pickup for Bobby Hurley. <a href="https://t.co/OumxJfrkGF">https://t.co/OumxJfrkGF</a>

Aaron Torres @Aaron_Torres

The top available HS prospect in America, Jayden Quaintance has committed to Arizona State, per <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wojespn</a>.<br><br>Huge pick up for ASU - but worth noting, he will play two years of college hoops because of age.<br><br>Could be a high-profile player to watch for next year's portal cycle <a href="https://t.co/F4VXy68Mxb">pic.twitter.com/F4VXy68Mxb</a>

Quaintance decommitted from Kentucky earlier in April, and he isn't alone.

Former Kentucky commits Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, Boogie Fland and Somto Cyril are no longer joining the Wildcats, while D.J. Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Jordan Burks each entered the transfer portal. Add in Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Ugonna Onyenso and Reed Sheppard declaring for the NBA draft, and Kentucky's cupboard is currently bare.

As for Arizona State, the Sun Devils now ranks No. 6 in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports' Composite Rankings, with Quaintance joining 4-star small forward Amier Ali, 4-star power forward Sammie Yeanay, 3-star shooting guard Bo Aldridge and 3-star center Jaden Smith.

The school also has four incoming transfers—power forward BJ Freeman, point guard Alston Mason, center Basheer Jihad and point guard Austin Nunez.

Head coach Bobby Hurley hasn't rested on his laurels after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.