Kentucky and head coach John Calipari landed their point guard of the future on Thursday as five-star Class of 2016 guard De’Aaron Fox pledged to the Wildcats during a televised announcement.
The 6-foot-3 Fox was one of the breakout players of the spring and summer on the grassroots circuit and many believe he’s the best guard prospect in a loaded Class of 2016. A native of Katy, Texas, Fox selected Kentucky over his other finalists of Kansas, Louisville and LSU. Fox took official visits to all four schools during the recruiting process.
A dynamic athlete who excels on both ends of the floor, Fox is one of the premier perimeter defenders in the class and he’s also made tremendous strides to become a complete guard over the last year. Equipped with a pull-up jumper and good range, Fox has also improved his ability to play point guard, as he led the Nike EYBL in assists this spring at 5.4 per game.
By adding a guard like Fox, the Wildcats will be okay if Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe or Tyler Ulis opt to turn pro because it’s likely that Fox is a starter from the opening game. In 21 games this spring and summer with Houston Hoops, Fox averaged 17.5 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Fox also averaged 2.7 steals per game and will be an impact playing passing lanes as well.
Regarded as the No. 5 overall prospect in the national class, Fox joins five-star big men Wenyen Gabriel and Sacha Killeya-Jones in Kentucky’s 2016 class. Getting Fox also puts Kentucky squarely in the conversation for the No. 1 class in the country, especially since the Wildcats are pursuing a lot of other five-star options that are still available.