Kanter is probably the biggest mystery in this recruiting class for the simple reason that few people have actually seen him play. Most recruiting services declined to rate him until after the season, which concluded with his dominating performance for the World team at the Nike Hoop Summit all-star event. Kanter drew multiple six-figure contract offers overseas and actually played for a professional team in Turkey before coming to the United States last year. UK officials have said that Kanter was not paid and they do not foresee any problems related to his eligibility. He originally committed to
Washington before choosing the Cats in April.
Status: UK signee
Position: Center
Class: Senior
Height: 6-10
Weight: 240
Birthplace: Zurich, Switzerland
High school: Stoneridge Prep (Merced, Calif.)
Rivals ranking: No. 3 overall, No. 1 center
Scout ranking: No. 3 overall, No. 1 center
ESPN ranking: No. 25 overall, No. 3 center
MaxPreps ranking: Not rated
Rick Bowmer | Associated Press
NEWS ARCHIVES
Oct. 14, 2009: ZagsBlog publishes a story documenting Kanter’s background in international basketball, his arrival in the United States and questions about his eligibility. See story.
Nov. 24, 2009: Kanter commits to play for the University of Washington. See story.
Feb. 1, 2010: Kanter backs out od his commitment to Washington and reopens the recruiting process. See story.
March 17, 2010: Kanter is selected to play for the World Select Team in the Nike Hoop Summit on April 10 in Portland, Ore. See story.
March 23, 2010: Kanter commits to play for Kentucky. See story.
March 24, 2010: A new NCAA rule could clear the way for Kanter to play next season without penalty. See story.
March 26, 2010: A West Virginia player and former teammate of Kanter’s in Turkey talks about the future Cat’s game and personality. See story.
April 10, 2010: Kanter scores 34 points to break NBA star Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record in the Nike Hoop Summit. See story.
April 14, 2010: Kanter signs with Kentucky. See story.
QUOTES
John Calipari on Kanter (to Sporting News): “With everybody we’re losing, he’s able to step in. He’s skilled, he’s big. He’s got that ‘moose’ to him, like DeMarcus (Cousins) does. … I’m going to be able to put him in more pick-and-rolls, put him out on the floor more. He’s got a different skill set.”
Prep Stars analyst Brick Oettinger on Kanter: “If not for the one-year NBA rule, he’d be in the NBA. He may be every bit as dominating a player as (DeMarcus) Cousins was.”
Kanter on Kanter (to Scout.com): “I came here because it’s a bigger arena. I think I accomplished all I could in Europe. I didn’t want to turn pro at 17. I wanted to come here and experience the NCAA, and I believe I can play in the NBA.”
